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I'm a children's author. Animals are a constant source of writing material for me. They are also my heart!

Fun. That's What It's About for Tango and Me!

>> Monday, May 18, 2009

We're back and we had a grand time. I felt like a sponge each time I completed a class and looked at the comments. For those of you who aren't familiar with dressage, I was interested in the points not the ribbons. We did, however, place in every class. Tango received two third places, a fourth place, and a second place. The second place was in our last class and we were an eighth of a point away from first.

You'll never believe where I scored the lowest...at the walk! I need to learn to walk my boy with more energy. At my age, I know all about low energy and I treat myself with caffeine. Now I have to figure out how to energize my boy's free walk and medium walk substance free. I've been given some ideas, but would welcome suggestions from you since espresso isn't an option for Tango!

The entire weekend went so well it was unbelievable. There were only three mishaps and they were minor. Tango pulled my friend's headband off her head twice while she was holding him near the mounting block. He's an oral horse and I guess her headband looked tasty.

Then, when I was in the practice arena, Tango's low energy walk turned into a full-of-energy trot and in an effort to avoid a collision with another horse we jumped the letter "C". My boy can jump!

At any rate, it was a good show. I learned a lot and Tango did great. He seems to love the excitement and attention. Here are the final written comments from the judges in the four classes where we competed:

1. Cute horse - Keep him marching forward with energy and pep. Obedient fellow.
2. Would really sparkle with more energy. Ask for bolder walk work.
3. Lovely horse! Ride forward! Many points lost to lack of energy.
4. Well done!

Well done indeed. Tango's a blue ribbon winner in my books. He gave me exactly what I asked for...I just need to sit back more, hone my skills, work hard, and depend on my good boy to strut his stuff! Will I ever get too old for this????

P.S. My dogs are glad the horse show is over. They think I've been spending way too much time with Tango!

8 comments:

Sandy May 18, 2009 at 5:00 PM  

BRAVO! Did ya see I posted a mini report in my comments yeserday?

I also got your pet bloggers widget thing fixed, with the correct name and url.

Love the picture, though wonder if I should lighten it even a bit more?

Congrats to you and Tango!!!

Hugs
Sandy

Pegs May 18, 2009 at 7:36 PM  

Well! Congratulations my dear! Well done! I am proud of you Jan and Tango!!! I know absolutely nothing about horses, but this is truly a beautiful time to get to know more about you and your life outside of writing! You and Tango look good together! Keep up the fine work!

Alya!

This is the kind of stuff I wouldn't mind adding to the PEGS newsletter just to let people know how well rounded writers are and that they are not always glued to a pen:)

T May 18, 2009 at 8:45 PM  

Congratulations on a job well done, for Tango and you!! The photo of the two of you looks great!

Miss Janet May 18, 2009 at 10:46 PM  

Oh yeah Jan!! Go Tango!

Love,
Janet

PS
I have a new blog! www.homeward4.blogspot.com

Anonymous May 18, 2009 at 10:50 PM  

Jan, you have the right attitude!

Dressage is a lot about testing yourself, and discipline. The other part of course is about the privilege of being able to smell horsey breath (which I think smells so nice!)

Great comments on your tests! One of the first things I teach my horses is to respond to the rhythm of my seat. So, if I sit "quicker" they need to respond likewise; much like a response to more leg. Remember your seat is a very important aid in setting the tempo of any gait, as well as the length of stride.

I don't want to hog the Comments section. If you'd like more details, feel free to email me.

Sian Min

Anonymous May 18, 2009 at 11:26 PM  

Way to go, Jan & Tango. Sorry we missed it!! Picture is great. Emilee did well, too, I heard.-- Molly

Alicia @ boylerpf May 18, 2009 at 11:42 PM  

Congratulations to you!! When I taught and judged and rode dressage, one of the things that was always a comment was energy...real energy and not a pushing seat. Relax and let it happen...try not to interfere. So many riders get "busy" trying to make their horse walk faster and lose the natural gait...which is so beautiful.
Your pic looks fabulous...well turned out. You will NEVER tire of this!! It's a disease...a good one!

Jan Mader May 19, 2009 at 12:04 AM  

I knew I'd love to blog about animals. You guys are awesome. Most animal people are though.

I honestly would never have imagined that a walk could be so difficult! Is there a fine line between a pushing seat and a quick seat?

I can't believe I have such a wealth of equine information just an email away. I promise I'll try not to be a pest!

Jan

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