Western Pleasure Weekend

Last weekend our college boy competed in an equine event on his home turf.  We had not seen him compete before.  It was wonderful to watch him ride!

I loved the easy quiet pace of the competition,

the hair buns

and the bling on the competitors 

and the horses too!

Jonah worked as a handler all weekend, tacking & grooming horses and leading them around.  Hard work!

But the best part was watching the team ride.

In the intercollegiate equine program, you don't get any time on the horse before showtime.  Minutes before they mount, they draw their horse.  They then are led around by a handler for a few minutes. 

 With no time to see what the horse is like, they enter the gate and immediately the judging begins. 

A few times around the arena at a walk or trot and then they run their pattern that was posted earlier that day. 

The pattern is like a dance as they maneuver through the steps all the while paying careful attention to their posture, rhythm, and timing.

Then they stand waiting for each competitor to finish.

In a female dominated field, guys do really well. Jake's been blessed with a 1st,2nd, or 3rd ribbon each time. 



Red ribbon for this ride



Being on the equestrian team has made him a better rider and given him experience that will last a lifetime.

O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Psalm 84:12