Writers Block: Horse Show Style

I've been tasked with writing a blog for the Ariat Community page entitled: What to Pack for a Horse Show. Easy peasy right? Wrong!
Now I'm busy trying to remember exactly what I didn't take with me, what mattered, what didn't, and how to form it into a witty and entertaining little monologue.
This is my big break people!

Introducing Polly

Polly's going to be my new ride for the next few months and she is beau-ti-ful! I've got a half lease on her Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. Her owner, Amanda, is busy working two jobs so it was a perfect opportunity for me to get some miles while Wilbur is away!
Lemonade out of Lemons!

Last KMT Show of the Year!

Sunshine had a Minny-Me and Charlotte rode great! Elizabeth looked super cute her in silver sparkle Toms. It was great to go and help out for the morning!

Wilbur Settles In

Wilbur leaving Shiloh West....

On the road......

And arriving at Marlene's place- his new home for the next 6 months....

Scoping out his temporary home while he settles in. He's since moved into a much larger pasture with a lady friend....

And settling in to grub a bit. Marlene texted to let me know that he "sure likes to eat!"

A New Friend

Another favorite snap of Wilbur making friends with his new buddy "Ace."

Wilbur & Marlene

I was so glad that I had the opportunity to meet Marlene and see her farm. The horses were fat, clean, and happy looking. While I thought I was going to be a mess on the drive home, I felt strangely peaceful.

I took to a series of photos detailing Wilbur's travel day. This is probably my favorite shot. I was on my iphone and had zoomed in which always makes the photo a bit blurry. Wilbur had just gotten off the trailer and Marlene was walking him up the drive. I was following behind in the golf cart and snapped a shot just after a hen had spooked Wilbur. Marlene was giving a reassuring pat. 

Wilbur's Morning

Paul was so wonderful to come and "say goodbye" to Wilbur before heading to work this morning. It was funny because Paul kept wanting to pet him, Wilbur wasn't letting the pet happen, and I kept saying "he has a dirty nose- don't let him get dirt on your shirt before your meeting." Gotta love an 8am visit. 

Wilbur got a good brushing, a walk, and some grazing in. He was feeling a little fresh- that's where the grazing part happened. Food = Occupied. 

Then his back shoes came off (thanks farrier Joe!) and Paco helped me wrap him up for the journey. 

It's pretty safe to say....

That this week will be all about Wilbur. Or lack of Wilbur. He's headed out for vacation tomorrow. 6 months of vacation. Doesn't that just sound amazing? Where is he going? Bermuda? Paris? Cancun to get a little wild? Nope- just a couple hours North for some R & R. Ever since coming back from Sonoma he's been a little off. Rather than continue with the rather large vet bills we'll see if taking some time will do the trick- and he'll get a little mental break in there as well. Some time to grow up. And some time to just be a horse.
I hopped on him for a walk on Sunday. He was looking quite dapper.

Baby Albert

Baby Wilbur managed to get himself cast in his stall on Friday- which basically means he got stuck in a position laying down that he couldn't get up from. In his struggle he scratched gashes on his back legs and ended up a little swollen and stiff. Much preferable to a back or neck injury. But it also meant he needed a little more time off.
On Sunday we went for a long walk and had bath time- our new go to bonding session. Kelly was very nice to offer up her adorable 4 year old, Albert, for me to hack around on. He was lovely!