{ RESULTS } -- In-Hand Trail Course

[Admin Riley]

Pattern: C L I C K

Date Entries Due: July 27th, 2012
Date Judged By: July 28th, 2012
Judge: Admin Riley
Entries: PM to Riley on her administrator account - this thread is locked.



Guidelines:

• Horse must be 12+ months old
  
• Stallions must be handled by someone 19+ years of age
  
• Max number of entries: one per horse/human team

Judged On:

• Post quality - 'errors' on the course do not come into play in judging - if the horse is young, they are likely going to balk at the scary flower obstacle, the gate (standing still), the water box... Etcetera
  
• Obvious knowledge of the horse/obstacles that will come through in entries

Points & Awards:

• First Place:
  • 50 points for their team
    
  • $1000 for themselves
    
  • 100 HP for themselves
    
  
  
  
• Second Place:
  • 35 points for their team
    
  • $650 for themselves
    
  • 60 HP for themselves
  
  
  
• Third Place:
  • 20 points for their team
    
  • $350 for themselves
    
  • 30 HP for themselves
  
  
  
• Everyone Else:
  • $100 for entering
    
  • 15 HP for entering

[Admin Riley]

Logan Atlantis & Riot Police

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The day had come for the first event Logan and Polly where taking part of. The in hand trail wasn’t the hardest event the two did together, but it was a challenge none the less. He had dressed nice for the event, but not so nice he was flashy. Dark blue jeans, his brown boots and a new shirt in his team’s colors. Simple, yet classy at the same time. As he waited for his turn, he cleaned up Polly brushing her mane and tail, cleaning her hooves and keeping her calm. It wasn’t the mare who was feeling nervous though, no that was Logan. Fretting over this and that the young man knew he had to pull himself together and calm down. After all if he was nervous Polly would probably show it as they had their turn on the course. So standing still he mumbled something to himself. “Believe in yourself and believe in your horse. Calm the mind, calm the spirit. Dig deep and win. Champions don’t get nervous they are calm and cool.” He told himself softly as he closed his eyes and took deep breaths.

Hearing his name and the name of his mare being called onto the course Logan lead the chestnut forward. His left hand was wrapped around her lead as the left handed young man walked them to the starting point. “You ready Polly

STAFF POSITIONS

Lets give them a show.” He then whispered to his horse with confidents and belief in her in his voice. Given the go head to start Logan stepped forward, walking side by side with Polly. The mare was calm as Logan had been able to calm himself down. Bringing her into a walk Polly was a little slower the Logan, but her pace was a smooth walk. Even as they came to the bridge. Her hooves clicked against it as Logan walked next to her on the ground by it. In her eleven years on this earth the bridge has only been scary a couple of times. Mostly when she was younger and when Logan would fret about it in his nervousness.

Coming off the bridge the two rounded the first curve and through the lowers. Colors as pretty as the sunset where around them. Logan was careful not to step on them as he lead Polly onwards. Slow and steady turned into a quicker pace as the came upon a second grouping of flowers. Jogging next to the chestnut mare Logan brought her into a trot. It was a steady paced trot, and he was glad he had spent the time to go on a job himself the last few weeks. It had got him ready for the jogging part of this. Keeping close to Polly they rounded the cones, steady, and tight around each one. That was until they came to the last one, it was a little too tight and Polly brushed it with her leg as they came away from them. Slowing into a stop as they reached the gate Logan took a deep breath. A little tired he was sweating under the lights as he moved Polly so that her right side was facing the gate. Shifting the lead in his fingers he kept the line in his left hand as he opened the gate. Swing it open, but keeping hold of it so that it didn’t clink against it’s self he walked Polly though and made her stop again. Again, she standing so that her right side was next to the gate. ‘Almost there.’ Logan thought to himself as he closed the gate and latched it back.

Having made Polly wait he could tell that the mare was getting a little annoyed with him. Lifting his free hand up gently he patted her neck, then they where off again. Stepping away from the gate he made her turn to face the way they where going. Leading her in a walk away from the gate he took that time to ready himself for more jogging. Getting now to the last bit of trotting he moved the mare forward faster. His legs moving from a walk to a jog, so that her legs would carry her from a walk to a trot. Logan could see the last obstacle coming up and he slowed Polly down. Perhaps a bit too soon, but he made her slow from her trot to a walk as they got to the water box. Walking past it Logan could hear the splashing of Polly’s hooves though the water. “Good girl.” He whispered to her as they made it though the water box. Some water splashed onto his left leg, but he didn’t care. All he could think about was how thankful he was that it was over. Well the course was over for them, but the waiting for results was still to come. Taking a deep breath he walked Polly cross the finish line. As they crossed Polly bobbed her head and nickered as people started to clap. Moving out of the way, Logan then lead Polly away from the course. Glad that their turn was finally over.

[Admin Riley]

Zosime Cordova & Wreaking Havoc

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Show day was here. She stood awkwardly besides the horse her father had delivered to her with a choppy explanation of how it was already trained and ready to go. He had also explained to her that the buckskin cross was a late wedding gift and that if he saw Vincent riding the horse that her father had specifically trained for Zosime's use, he would tan his son-in-law's ass black and blue. A faint smile tugged at Zosime's lips the more she thought about it. Her parents had been more accepting of their son-in-law than Vincent's father had been accepting of Zosime, not that it came as a big surprise. Vincent's stepmother was already pestering her about grandchildren, seemingly oblivious to the fact that she had just graced Vincent with a half-brother only two years ago. Shaking off the thought, she led her horse forward as their name was called.

In preparation for the show, she had already committed the course to memory. The starting pace was a walk, not that she had any qualms with it. Havoc didn't seem to mind either as he kept pace with the young woman. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. It wasn't like they were in any danger, right

STAFF POSITIONS

That was how Zosime oftentimes reassured herself, pointless as it probably was. As they approached the bridge, Zosime found herself holding her breath.

This was when shit got real. Would Havoc shy away from it, or would he cross it

STAFF POSITIONS

Her stomach did a flip-flop. Havoc's ears twitched as he stepped bravely onto the bridge. Zosime never left the stallion's side as he crossed the bridge and when all four hooves were back on solid ground, she breathed a silent sigh of relief. The first hurtle had been crossed successfully, no pun intended.

They continued walking, looping around and heading for the middle of the flower obstacle. Another hurtle and so quickly it had come. She knew her father was a capable trainer and was well-versed in all things equine but how well had he prepared Havoc for the trails

STAFF POSITIONS

So far, she was impressed but would their good luck continue

STAFF POSITIONS

She found herself shivering as the stallion brushed gently against her, almost as if to reassure her. Together, they went through the obstacle then completed the loop. Upon completing the loop, they picked up the pace.

Havoc trotted beside her, tossing his head. Another flower obstacle quickly approached and much like the last one, they breezed through it without much of an issue. Her chest rose and fell evenly as she fought to pace herself. It was hard to not just run the entire thing. After all, it would have been so much easier to just get it the fuck over with. She couldn't think with that mentality, however. As they approached the cones, she traced through her memories, trying to picture the course, which normally would have been running on repeat like a broken record through her head.

Starting at the right, she began to weave in and out of the cones with Havoc, not even bothering to see if they had knocked anything over. It wasn't worth getting her spirits down, was it

STAFF POSITIONS

Let her spirit get shot to shit after the results were in. That would make things so much easier for all parties involved. She brought Havoc to a stop adjacent to the right-handed gate then 'unlatched' it, bringing him through the gate and never releasing the rope she clutched in her hand. Once again, she stopped Havoc adjacent to the gate and 'latched' it. After she was certain that the gate was securely fastened, they started on their way at a walk.

A few feet had passed, and they picked up the pace, moving at a trot. The trot didn't last long and as they approached the water box obstacle, she walked beside the box as Havoc walked through it. All the while, Zosime was silently encouraging him and thanking her lucky stars that she had such an amazing father. How had she ever thought about doubting him

STAFF POSITIONS

As they crossed the finish line, Zosime couldn't help but reach out and stroke the stallion's neck affectionately. "You did great, Havoc." She whispered as they walked off the course together, grateful that it was finally over with.

[Admin Riley]

Kayla Brentwood & Art I Certain

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Kayla had actually not thought too much about the in-hand trail, until the day of, when she started worrying herself sick. The first struggle came in dressing. She had her showmanship outfit, of course, but two thousand crystals seemed a little much for a trail class. After fifteen minutes of trying on this and that, she settled for black slacks and a burgundy polo shirt. Call her shallow, but Kayla actually liked her glitz and glam showmanship getup and was a little dissappointed that she didn't get the opportunity to show it off.

She took Champ's show halter out of its bag in her dorm and carried it down to the barns. Even if she didn't dress the big-time halter queen part, Champ was going to. He responded better with a chain under his chin, even if Kayla never touched it, and the alternative to dark leather and bright silver... was a faded old green halter. Not exactly event worthy. Kayla brushed him down, spending a little extra time getting him really shiny, and proceeded to waffle some more on whether to put in a fake tail or not. Her decision was made by glancing at the clock; only fifteen minutes to go, and she still had to warm up.

With easy, practiced movements, Kayla haltered Champ and laced the chain of the lead through the bottom ring and up the right cheek of his halter. The gelding dropped his head obediently and followed his owner out of the stall to the warm-up area. There, Kayla did a few pivots and backs, as well as jog-walk transitions and circles, since those would be absolutely essential to their performance.

Kayla stepped up to the start line as the previous competitor was just navigating the gate. Champ squared his feet as Kayla took a deep breath and waited for the judge to nod to her. Upon that signal, she shifted her shoulders forward and Champ took the first step on to the course.

Obstacle one: the bridge. No big deal, or at least it shouldn't be. Champ stayed textbook-perfect at Kayla's shoulder the whole way across; it was like there was nothing in the way at all. The flowers were next, and thank God they walked through first, because Champ would have a hard time with this. He hesitated ten feet away, causing Kayla to give him an impatient cluck. He lagged behind her and snorted at the flowers as they passed through the Corridor of Terror.

As soon as they were through the flowers, Kayla tipped her shoulders forward again, cueing for a jog, then began jogging beside Champ. They turned around the bridge and came up on the second flower obstable. Champ pricked his ears forward at them and drew his head up. "Douchebag," Kayla whispered before clucking again. Still, Champ broke to a walk right before entering the flowers, prompting a kissing sound and a promise to work on these freaking flowers, dammit when the class was over.

Once Champ's hip passed the end of the flowers (at jog, thankfully, since Kayla had gotten him back up to speed), he relaxed more and dropped his head back into its proper place. Kayla aimed for just a few inches to the outside of the first cone, going for level of difficulty points. Her star showmanship horse was at least good at trot circles, and the serpentine went well. Kayla's toe clipped the last cone, and although it was a small mistake, the sound it made was loud in the quiet arena. Hopefully the judge wouldn't think that Champ had touched the cone.

The gate was next. Kayla leaned back and Champ halted neatly in front of the gate, so he was between Kayla and the gate. She jiggled the lead so he'd set his feet and stay while she crossed over and undid the latch. She didn't take her hand off the gate as she turned and clucked softly at Champ so he pivoted away from her so she could pull the gate toward them.

From there, it was easy to lead Champ through the narrow opening, halt, and back two steps so Kayla could relatch the gate. She struggled for a moment with the latch while Champ stood... well, like a champ. Once it was done, Kayla crossed over again so she was on the left, did a ninety degree pull turn, and walked away from the gate. They stayed straight for a few steps before Kayla turned right and turned around the gate post. Upon passing it, she leaned forward a little and jogged off with her horse.

They jogged perhaps too far, and when Kayla brought her shoulders back for a walk, they were just a few feet away from the water box. Champ snorted again, but apparently he just had something in his nose, since he crossed the water decently. A little hesitant about putting his feet down, but Kayla could deal with that. She was glad now that she didn't wear her dry-clean only showmanship suit, since the water had splashed up over her instep and wetted the hem of her pants.

Kayla halted at the finish line, looked back at the judge, and waited for a nod before walking off again. A decent pattern, overall, but those flowers would kill them. She made a mental note to find some of the same and desensitize Champ to them. An adventure for another day.

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[Admin Riley]

Lucas Montgomery & Docs Brown Eyed Girl

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Lucas woke up early this morning, or at least early by most people’s standards; yet, for him, waking up just as the sun was peeking over the horizon was completely normal. Normally waking up this early at Hollow Aspen led Lucas to having a lot of extra time that he didn’t have anything structured to do. Luckily that just meant more time at the barn, which was never something the young man would complain about. Usually it gave him the chance to get out and work with Maggie before most of the other students and staff were even thinking about heading to the stables.

However, today was a different story. The first Hollow Aspen show that Lucas was able to participate in had finally arrived. He had mixed feelings about the show, half of him was extremely excited, but the other half was all nerves. He was just shy of being terrified of going into the show. He had the normal “good” butterflies in his stomach that he had any time he went to a competition, but those were amplified to uncomfortable levels and tinged with more uncertainty and anxiety than normal. He didn’t grow up showing so most of the actual show terms escaped him, as opposed to a lot of the other students here it seemed. He knew the thrill of competition, but working cow classes were completely different from actual horse shows. When he heard about this “In Hand Trail” class, at first he was a little dubious of it, but it didn’t take him long to enter into the show. That is why he was here after all. To learn more and become a better rider, and what better way to do that than to do everything he possibly could and push himself past his comfort zone.

That is exactly where he had been since the moment he woke up, out of his comfort zone. It all started by picking out his own clothes. While normally this wasn’t a difficult task for the young man, trying to find something nice enough to wear in a show gave him pause. After an agonizingly long time for him he settled on a nice black long-sleeved button up show shirt, with some simple scrolling designs in silver over his shoulders. It was fairly plain, but it made it more obvious that Lucas actually put effort into his appearance for the day. Finishing his look off with a pair of dark blue wranglers, his black Tony Lama boots and his Black Gold Resistol hat, he laid all his clothes out on his bed. Grabbing an extra plain t-shirt he pulled that on, along with his jeans and boots, leaving his shirt for the show on its hanger and his hat in its box. He knew if he wore these to the barn Maggie would find some way to get them dirty.

Arriving at the stables early, he first placed his clothes in the tack room before heading to Maggie’s stall. He spent time simply sitting with Maggie as she ate her morning feeding of hay in an attempt to get the butterflies in his stomach under control. Lucas wasn’t used to feeling this nervous about anything and even less so when it came to horses. Normally things seemed so much easier when he was with horses, but today the newness of it all was definitely getting to him. Once the filly finished eating she began snuffling around in the shavings by where Lucas sat, curious as to why he was simply sitting and watching her. A smile crossed Lucas’ lips and he sighed as he gently stroked Maggie’s soft nose. “Okay little lady, are you ready for today

STAFF POSITIONS

” He asked the horse as he stood up, brushing the shavings off his jeans. Stepping out of her stall, he closed the door once more behind him as he headed for the tack room so he could get his grooming supplies. Entering the tack room, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, slowly exhaling as the scent of leather filled the air. “Nothing like the smell of leather in the morning,” he sighed before locating his grooming tote.

Carrying the tote with him back to Maggie’s stall, he grabbed her burgundy rope halter and lead rope and stepped back in the stall with her, quickly haltering her and tossing the lead rope over the stall door. He wanted to just take his time getting her cleaned up for the show in her stall instead of leading her out to the tie rail or cross ties. She didn’t need to be tied up to be groomed, and grooming her in her stall was just more familiar for Lucas and he thought it might help level him out. Taking his time simply grooming Maggie, concentrating to remove as much dirt and loose hair from her as possible, Lucas smiled and stepped back to admire the filly’s shining coat once he was finally satisfied with his work. Then there was the arduous task of untangling the hairs of her mane and tail. Gently combing his fingers through her mane, separating the strands when he found a snag, this always took a good amount of time since he kept her mane and tail naturally long, but it was worth it. He much preferred the natural look instead of a short, thin mane that was popular and practically required by other disciplines.

Standing back from Mags when he finished with her mane and tail he bit his lip as he looked the filly over carefully. She looked ready, she was clean, and her appearance was neat and well groomed all around. So, there really wasn’t anything else he could think of to do with her grooming wise to prepare her for the day. It was then that he remembered he still needed to change, and more importantly her show halter, which he had been told to use any time he showed Maggie in hand. “Hang tight girl,” he said quickly gathering up his grooming tote again and stepping out of her stall, making sure to close it behind him. Jogging to the tack room, he replaced his grooming supplies and quickly changed his shirt, and placed his hat on his head. He then found the padded halter bag which held Maggie’s show “clothes” for the day. Removing the halter, he took a moment to admire the workmanship of the piece. It wasn’t as jeweled or gaudy as others he had seen, but it had just enough glitz to spark things up a bit, but more importantly it complimented Maggie’s head in every way.

Returning to her stall, he gently pushed her muzzle away as she immediately lifted her head to investigate his hat. Untying her rope halter and carefully slipped the new halter on her head, being careful to hold the chain so it didn’t catch on her. Once she was haltered again, he arranged the lead in his hand and led her out of her stall. Once she was out of the stall he closed the door behind them and easily reached down brushing off the last bits of shavings that were clinging to Maggie’s legs. Inhaling a deep breath, he sighed and clucked softly as he began leading her out of the barn and toward the show arena. “Lets show ‘em what we can do, eh baby girl

STAFF POSITIONS

” He asked softly rubbing her shoulder as she walked next to him.

Once he reached the arena, he received the pattern and immediately began studying it and practicing some of the moves. It seemed like Maggie was only half listening to him as she was far too focused on all the other commotion that was happening around her. When the class finally began Lucas walked over to the arena to wait his turn to go in. Crossing his arms over his chest, he intently watched each of the other competitors as they moved through the course. With each person he was noting the things that might give them issues, which honestly it looked like it could be almost anything. It wasn’t that his filly was overly spooky with things; she just seemed to overreact when things were new and pretty much everything on the course would be new for Docs Brown Eyed Girl.

The first three obstacles, the bridge and the two sets of flowers made Lucas worry, especially after seeing some of the other horses balk at these things, but then weaving through the cones and even the gate should prove to be simpler for the pair he believed. The final obstacle, the water box, was completely unknown for the young man. He knew Maggie had no problem whatsoever with water, but how would she do with water in a box surrounded by dry land

STAFF POSITIONS

It would be an adventure that was for sure.

When it was finally his turn to enter the arena he quickly closed his eyes, took a deep breath and said a silent prayer to himself that everything would be alright. Clucking softly to Mags he walked into the arena and stood at the start line as the previous competitor was finishing their course. Chewing on his lip nervously, he glanced to his horse as she seemed to have woken up again and was not happy about this “hurry-up-and-wait” game that they were playing and had decided now was the perfect time to try to entertain herself by lipping at the leather lead Lucas held in his sweaty hands. “Stop it,” he whispered, gently pulling the lead away from her and toward her chest as she almost got her teeth on the leather.

Looking up just as the judge nodded for him to start the course, he clucked softly again and began to walk forward, only to meet a momentary pause of resistance as the filly planted her feet at the starting point. Clucking once more he tensed his fingers adding more pressure and she finally started walking, a little faster than necessary but at least she was moving. Almost immediately, her ear pricked forward and nostrils widened as she noticed the bridge right in their path. Her nostrils worked, sucking in her breaths hard as she eyed the unfamiliar obstacle with great suspicion. “You’re okay,” Lucas soothed as they neared the bridge. Maggie slowed her walk and lowered her head as they reached the bridge. Blowing out a hard breath, something that wasn’t quite a snort but that made it obvious that she was uncomfortable, quickly touching the wooden surface with her nose, she blew out another breath. With soft encouragement from Lucas, her head shot up as she slowly stepped onto the bridge tensing at the hollow thump her hoof made she hurriedly rushed over the bridge. Sighing and licking her lips once she was over the contraption, she shook her whole body as they continued walking.

Now Lucas’ eyes shifted to the next obstacle, the first set of flowers, as he gently patted the filly’s shoulder. “That wasn’t that bad, see

STAFF POSITIONS

” He whispered as he slowed her down slightly as they approached the flowers. Glancing over to Maggie he saw her neck arched and eyes and nostrils wide again as she was staring straight for the killer flowers. “Easy,” he steadied her and tightened his grip slightly on the lead, keeping one eye on Maggie and one on the path ahead of him. As soon as her front hooves came in line with the first flower pots, she decided that was enough and with a thunderous snort threw her head in the air in a half rear and jumped to the side, away from Lucas. Immediately bracing himself, the young man held steady and pulled her head back around with a firm tug. “They’re just flowers mare!” he said under his breath as he got her straightened out and stopped to actually look at the offensive items. Lowering her head with another snort, she finally sniffed the flowers and raised her head back up as if nothing had happened. Shaking his head slightly, a short laugh left his lips and he cued her to move forward once more.

Once clear from the flowers they circled back around the bridge, which Maggie eyed once more. Clucking, Lucas moved faster asking for a trot and the filly quickly complied, tossing her head, happy to be moving faster. Once Maggie noticed the next row of flowers she snorted again, but instead of balking arched her neck and stepped as high and moved as quickly through the rows of flowery doom as she could. A shared sigh of relief left both handler and horse as they got past the last set of flowers, and Lucas immediately focused on the cones ahead of him. Wiggling the lead and chain to get Maggie’s attention back on him, as they approached the cones he made sure to have the first cone on his left side as he began to weave through them.

He relaxed a little as they began moving through the cones at a nice even trot, Maggie actually listening to him. Finally it was something she recognized and was familiar with and even good at. She knew how to move her body and turn so they were able to breeze through the cones, sticking close through each of the turns. “Good girl,” he cooed as they got past the final cone and he rubbed her neck as they slowed to a walk and eventually a halt at the gate. Maggie instantly reached over and lipped the gate, and Lucas pulled her head straight before she could do anything else. Standing still, swishing her tail she watched Lucas as he moved to stand on her other side and opened the gate in a smooth motion, holding it open before sending Maggie through. Walking through himself, he swung the gate closed in a smooth motion and easily latched it closed. Moving back around to Maggie’s left side he glanced at her before clucking to get her to walk with him again.

Circling around the end of the gate, he waited until she was straightened out and her hips were past the post on the gate before cueing her for a trot. She lagged behind for a moment before grunting and finally picking up a trot next to Lucas. After picking up the trot they had to slow down again quickly, and once there was about a horse’s length between them and the box, Lucas asked for the walk again. Maggie tossed her head irritably, not wanting to slow down, but after a few more strides she broke down into a choppy walk. “Last one up,” Lucas murmured more to himself than to his horse as they drew closer to the water box. Another snort left the filly’s nostrils as she lowered her head and sniffed the water.

An almost happy squeal left her mouth as she easily moved into the water box, shaking her head, splashing the water up as she did so. Picking up her first hoof, she stepped down into the water; she began pawing at the surface, sending a cascade of water droplets flying all around her, soaking both herself and Lucas. Pulling her head up, and getting her to continue walking, and splashing, through the water, Lucas shook his head as he chanced a glance to the judge who had actually taken a couple steps back away from his horse’s waterfall. Walking the last few feet, he stopped at the ending line and looked back to the judge to be dismissed which happened almost instantaneously.

Shaking his head as he led Maggie out of the arena, he couldn’t help but laugh softly as he lined back up on the outside of the arena to watch the rest of the contestants walk through the course. Turning to face Maggie, he smiled and shook his head again before reaching up to scratch her forehead, up to her ears and then rubbed his hands gently over her eyes as she closed them. “You did pretty good baby girl, maybe next time it will be smoother, yeah

STAFF POSITIONS

” He spoke softly to the horse, and sighed when she stepped back from him and shook her head “no” before sneezing. Wiping himself off, Lucas turned to watch the remaining students go through and rested his hand over Maggie’s withers, just glad he was done.

[Admin Riley]

Results.

---

In first place, Kayla Brentwood with Art I Certain!

• 50 points for their team
  
• $1000 for themselves
  
• 100 HP for themselves

---

In second place, Lucas Montgomery with Docs Brown Eyed Girl!

• 35 points for their team
  
• $650 for themselves
  
• 60 HP for themselves

---

In third place, Zosime Cordova with Wreaking Havoc!

• 20 points for their team
  
• $350 for themselves
  
• 30 HP for themselves

---

In fourth place, Logan Atlantis with Riot Police!

• 10 points for their team
  
• $200 for themselves
  
• 15 HP for themselves

---

Comments.


Kayla Brentwood: I really liked how you have a very clear knowledge of extreme show conditions in a halter class. The mentioning of the excessively glitzy outfits (hell I have a $500 show shirt in my closet), fancy show halters, fake tails... It was really well done for the in-hand deal. Your post was well written and showed you have had at least extensive theoretical if not practical experience doing showmanship/trail.

Lucas Montgomery: Your post is a monster. But you already know that. Talk about well written too, and you stayed ON THE TOPIC which I found really impressive for a post it's length (2773 words, so we don't forget). You also had clear knowledge of the discipline and I loved Maggie's personality. I would like a Maggie in real life, please. Her and Lucas make a fab team and I really look forward to you posting in more of the Extended Shows that will be going up in the next week or so.

Zosime Cordova: Your post content was well done, you had knowledge of the topic and you showed Zosime controlling the horse well through her nerves. I liked the emotions you had Zosime display, as I have felt those myself many, many times, especially during trail and other pattern classes. Mostly trail though, especially if the obstacle or horse is new to you, and you're unsure of how it will be handled! Well done!

Logan Atlantis: I loved how you had Logan talk about what he was going to wear. I also really liked the quote you had in the first paragraph about believing in yourself. That's a QOTM worthy one right there! I think I'll nominate it myself after I post this. (; It's very true. I loved how you had Polly going through the course and you too had at least some knowledge of trail and how it works. There were a few minor grammatical things but I won't get into those too much. Beautifully executed post and I really hope you'll enter the next Extended Show that you and Polly can enter!!

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