The latest horse news

Well, I realize that since this is a diary of a young EQUESTRIAN, I should be talking about horses, right? Yeah. I kinda forgot about that. Mainly to keep it interesting. (Remix right after this.)

In the most recent of news, my Quarter Horse, Fancy (or One Tuff Prospect, officially) has been accompanying me on some trail rides, being ridden by the ranch owner. Why I'm not riding her? Well, the owner has a bad back, and the only other options are a 25 year-old mare with an injured hock, or an overly energetic young mare who is capable of jumping almost 4 feet. Her pick!

Anywho, Fancy is doing exceptional with EVERYTHING. Quite literally. As soon as she stops trying to bulge her shoulder out to avoid the jumps, then we can start raising them higher! They're standing at about 2 feet high at the moment.

In the flat ring, things are smooth. She's on the bit, she's picking up her legs. We're almost ready for the shows, only she REALLY needs to start GROWING OUT her !@#$%&* forelock! (The "bangs" or "fringe" of a horse)

As for Dressage, not too much of that lately. We want to get into our "zone" for the show season ahead, and my trainer thinks we're well enough that we can do without for a bit. (Plus, no offense to the Dressage artists of the world, but after a while in the flat arena, it can be a tad dull. I enjoy the rush of jumping.) I think that really, my trainer is simply worried I'll beat her in the show ring this summer. :)

And then there were even MORE things to do with all the horses around me! Western, for example! Although we haven't used a curb bit, or even a Western bridle for that matter, Fancy seems to be doing well. She has an energetic jog, so it's all good!

As for health, Fancy's already looking very good, and due to her sudden weight loss in the early winter (that's what happens after a decade of a heated barn with blankets, I think), she's now putting her weight back on! Now if only it would go on top of her back, so I could ride her bareback without almost dying! (Yes, I'm a girl. It hurts us too.)

Did you know...

That Fancy was originally a Western Trail horse all of her 16 years, until she came to be in my possession?

That the Quarter Horse is known for being the ultimate all around horse? Western, English. Dressage, jumping. Energetic, calm. And so the list continues.

That although Black Beauty, from the movie Black Beauty is a Thoroughbred, he was played by a Quarter Horse?

That again, even though The Black from The Black Stallion is obviously, a stallion, The Black was played by a mare?

All for now! (Party In The USA Remix coming in a few moments!)