Missouri Horse Country

Well, I am just tickled with the opportunities abounding for Fall 2007 equestrian experiences! Who knew that Missouri and Kansas were such great states for horse people! I have to admit while living on the West Coast, I always dreamed of Virginia and Maryland and thought that was definitely where the action was when it came to eventing, hunting, and dressage. And perhaps it is.... but there is a secondary Mecca out here in the Mid-West!

I have been riding Tokaj and Bailey and they are coming along quite well. Miss Tokaj and I went on a trailride with Sandy who I was introduced to by a family member who knew she was an avid rider too. Tokaj was just picture perfect from getting into the trailer like a lady (you forget when you have colts how nice it is for a horse just to load with no drama!), to marching down the trail without spooking at deer or turkeys. It was very nice and built a lot of trust between her and I. I will be trail riding again with Sandy this coming week and am contemplating taking Bailey. It is definitely time for him to get out and experience some things... but it sure was nice to kick back and relax on Tokaj!

Other good news regarding Missouri/Kansas equestrian community: There is so much to do! I found out that Fort Leavenworth has a Hunt Club (FLHC). I have wanted to go fox hunting since I first found out that it existed when I was a kid... problem was that there was no fox hunting anywhere in the vicinity of where I grew up or anywhere that I moved to! So, the FLHC is giving lessons to beginners on the etiquette of hunting... and wouldn't you know it... I missed the first seven of the eight classes! But I emailed the Master of Fox Hounds and asked if there were any more classes, or any way I would be allowed to hunt with them this season (season runs from mid October through Mid April). He thought I would not be a lost cause and has invited me to attend the last class this coming Saturday. I am nervous, but excited and trusting that Tokaj will be her usual steady-eddy self. I can't wait!

In order to do the hunt lesson, however, I have to forego an opportunity to school cross country at Longview Horse Park that is the same weekend. Fortunately there are two other opportunities to school Longview in the near future and I will go to those. :)

Although Tokaj and I are still getting to know eachother, I am considering entering her in a Schooling Combined Test at the end of October that will consist of dressage and cross country jumping. I will be entering her at Beginner Novice, which is well below her abilities for jumping, but we are just getting our dressage "connection" and I don't think she is ready for more than the Beg. Nov. dressage test right now.

Bailey is also doing great! He has been a such a star given the incosistent riding I have given him. Today he was much more consistent at all three paces on the flat. I am going to ride him tomorrow and introduce him to some more small jumps.

Savannah continues to eat and eat. Sigh.