Heritage Farm Mini Trial- a reason to run!

Middlest, on Nelle, finishing Cross Country with a smile!

 So, we continue to be on a constant search for the elusive "finished"...with anything. Just like a hamster on a wheel, thinking it is getting somewhere, I'm never quite sure if we are actually achieving anything in this life. Perhaps my blog is a way of marking these things for myself....yes, we have done something. 

 This weekend's  Hamster Achievement is on the horse wheel.

 I will start by saying that Hamster on a Wheel might equally be metaphor-ed as a Dog with a Bone- I started Eventing ( the three part format of Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping) well, many years- decades, ago. And, it is such complete joy for me, that I aspire to it still. Plus, I've wanted my children to have to same opportunity. And, although I think I failed with Eldest, Middlest and Youngest have gotten a chance to partake of the cup. It remains to be seen if they become as intoxicated.

 This weekend, we loaded up the equines and traveled to a (relatively) close horse facility that hosted a "Mini Trial". This means all three phases are run on a lower level than typically recognized Events. Also, it was a "Schooling" opportunity, which means we don't take ourselves overly seriously, and are there to learn. It means that "green" or inexperienced horses or riders have a chance to compete without much gravitas. And, if you screw up, just "Do Over!" And, although you may be "eliminated" and not get a score, you do get the learning, or teaching, chance.
I found two big complications to riding in the same Event as your children.
#1- Sometimes you are riding, or prepping for, at the same time your child is riding, and you miss seeing it altogether!
#2- You can't take pictures of your kids and control your horse adequately.
So, thanks to my village that willingly took my camera and shot photos! Merrie, Hamilton, and whomever else picked up my Canon.

Cheez-It, aka, Sonny Girl, waiting her turn. She is a lovely Mother Hen.

 Someone shot this cute photo of McKenna Z. on Joey, warming up for dressage.

 And, my happy Chaser, warming up for Show Jumping, followed by Cross Country. I smile a lot.

My boy is figuring it out. He's starting to have real fun on a course, and not feel freaked out, atall!

See? Still smiling! And prepping to take his first "skinny". ( A very narrow jump).

Youngest takes Show Jump by storm! He had one stop, but asked her to step over the jump, and she complied. Go Team!

After Show Jump, we moved to the Cross Country course. Chaser was a star! Confident and controlled around the whole course, we had a wonderful ride!

And, my boy is having fun.

Note: There are a lot of things going on around him, and he is focused on the next fence, and our communication. He's growing up! And, I'm still smiling.

Youngest and Cheez-It went off on their first real Cross Country course to conquer it! They had one bump in the road, but fixed the issue, and went on. So Proud!

Wheeeeeee!

So, I saw Middlest's dressage ride ( from the back of my horse, feeling a bit whirly) missed her Show Jump, which was clear and well done, from what I hear, and saw all three of Youngest's rides. Not bad mothering from horseback. Plus, I had a jolly good time, myself.
There, a reason for the hamster to continue on the wheel.