Out West Blog

Ranch Horse Show This Week!

We were very happy to see so many new, and familiar, faces at our OutWest Spring Auction; and congratulations to the proud owners of new horses.  Thank you for coming -we are already looking forward to the Fall Auction, which is now scheduled for Saturday, October 3 2009.

I am excited for the Ranch Horse Shows that are going to be underway this Saturday, May 30. I have been busy riding our string of horses along with awesome help from Angie Gebhart, a good hand, and a student at South Dakota State. I am glad to have her helping us through the summer!

In past years I have found that I can get nervous taking my horses to a relatively unfamiliar environment. There is a lot going on when you go to a show, and it can be difficult for some horses that haven’t been around so much action. I like to prepare myself, and my horses, for these situations as much as possible before I go.

I think that it behooves me and my horse to practice some patterns that I will be showing in, as well as to set goals. Whether I am showing for fun, or for competition, it is important to have attainable goals. I like to do my arena work and then go down the trail and through the woods to expose them to different places. I try to make sure my horses are in shape so they are not fresh the day of the show.

I keep odd items in the arena to help my horse prepare for versatility courses. I practice walking, trotting and loping down the road at different speeds to help in the pleasure and reining classes. You can set up barrels or poles, and pattern your horse at a trot and lope.  Keep in mind that the Ranch Horse Shows are all about having a versatile ranch horse. Enjoy time with your friends, family, and horse. Stay relaxed, meet new people, have fun, and smile!

I look forward to seeing you at OutWest!

Posted in Grant's Blog, Horses | No Comments »