A Day in Arabia

If you've been following along on the progress of my neighbor friend's beautiful Arabian Mare, have I got some exciting news for you!

She's PREGNANT!!!!!

(See the little embryo there at the top of the U/S scan)Even Annie is surprised and excited! Congratulations Annie & Val!!
To read the entire exciting story and journey, please trot over to my neighbor's blog: Fantastyk Voyage.


After attending Annie's Vet appt, we came back home for lunch and then drove into Albuquerque for the Arabian Youth Nationals at the State Fair Grounds.

We spent almost 5 hours there and were there to watch the Trail Challenge Competitions.
But I was a little disappointed at how 'tame' and unchallenging the challenges were. After watching about 4 horses we realized we were focusing more on the beautiful horses standing around us and warming up behind us. We did enjoy chatting with a few of the competitors, but decided to head over to a different building to watch a couple clinics that sounded interesting.

The first class we watched was a Western Pleasure clinic with Elizabeth Bentley. I learned some new and interesting information during the clinic, but Val has a full breakdown of both of the clinics and says it so much better than I can: Western Pleasure Clinic.
I took only this one photo of two of the four horses that participated in the clinic. Val and I were really wishing that gal on the right would have at least worn some sleeves for the clinic. Ms. Bentley, who judges Western Pleasure classes warned riders against being too flashy, like the gal on the left, and taking the focus away from the horse.

The second clinic was in Hunter Pleasure with Virginia Godwin. And I truly enjoyed this clinic and was not only entertained but learned quite a bit. I was very impressed with how Ms. Godwin was able to direct 10 horses and riders into riding side-by-side while rotating in tight circles around the arena. And I appreciated how she communicated with visuals and not so much talking as many clinic speakers often do. I'm a true visual person so when I see it, I get it.

This photo shows how humans have trouble herding.
And this photo shows how easily horses learn how to follow a formation because it is instinctual for them to herd.

After the clinics were over we did some 'retail-browsing-therapy', not as fun as actual shopping, but still enjoyable. Val was excited about trying out a side-saddle. She looks like a natural, eh?We also oohed and aahed at all of the fancy show tack. The tack Val liked were gorgeous, but pricey at: $695.00 for reins, $295.00 for matching bridle, breastplate at $395.00, and the saddle for $2895.00.

Oh! The nice saddlemaker/dealer was willing to make a deal with Val to sell her that lovely, flashy saddle in the photo below for only $2,600. But it was still $2,600 too much. sigh.
Next weekend, I'm going to be attending more Arabian Youth National Competitions with Val and her Mom. I'm looking forward to seeing the following classes: Cow Horse, Native Costume finals, Park, Freestyle Reining and Side Saddle. I'll try to take come pics while there, but the lighting plays such havoc with my camera, so don't expect too much.