Rocking Horse Winter III - Part I

Last weekend was Rocking Horse HT Winter III.  Saturday was again a beautiful day, cooler than some of the others.  I actually wore a sweatshirt and light jacket until lunchtime, but then again, I was also in the shade.

We started off the day with Training.  I got there for the briefing, yelled hello to the pony as I drove past her paddock and found my spot. 

I started out sitting on the BN fence next to the truck, but the angle wasn't right, so I moved about 15 feet on the other side of the truck.

I was lucky enough to be allotted another combination, this time called the "curving ramps".  It's hard to see in the pictures, but there was a subtle but definite curve to the right between the fences.

6A

6B 

Getting a good spot to see the takeoff of both fences was tricky, as the fences were surrounded by trees, but I did the best I could.  The bend between the fences made the striding adjustable between the two fences, depending on how much you bent.  Most riders got an easy 5, but some got a steady 6, and a couple who were a bit behind got 7.  I didn't see anyone get 4.  There were no issues all morning at my fences.

Let the photo porn begin...

75 Jessica Phoenix riding Valdez G

81 Clayton Fredericks on FE Lifestyle

93 Buck Davidson Mr. Poppers

100 Jennie Jarnstrom on Calicia Z

Because of my love of the non-standard pony types.  I believe this is one of our young riders.  And yes, that is a POA.

110 Katherine Hill riding Confetti

Back to the stalking...

111 Jon Holling on Direct Puissance

Another horse of a different color.  Hard to see, but it's a buckskin paint.

121 Jessica Brumfield Landmark's Mochachino

123 Lainey Ashker on Khaleesi

119 Jon Holling on Moycullen Alvan

127 Joe Meyer Ballybolger Springthyme

Random stalking pic.  It grabbed me to see him walking his course with his little doggie, but I really have no idea who he is.

139 Jessica Phoenix on Exceedingly GS

My very own trainer:

140 Marcea Funk on Renegade Kid

You see all manner of people walking their courses.  Some stop by the truck and say thank you.  Some ask questions.  Some just go about their business. 

Clayton Fredericks walking the course with some of his riders.

148 Jennie Brannigan on Katarina Van De Heffink

So that was my Training adventure.  As always, I have so much fun doing this.  I am a people watcher by nature, and one of those that loves to watch other people's lessons.  This gig is perfect for me, and I only wish I could do more!