Day 1 of Competition-Conditioning and In-hand

After a very busy Wednesday moving over to the Will Rogers Complex, training, and meetings, Thursday came with a mixture of adrenalin and fatigue for both Pardon and me. We were 27th in the lineup so there was plenty of time for the bugs to set in. Chapin had drawn 23rd so I would get a chance to watch him go thru the course and hoped Pardon would relax with Raz'in Cain around. Watching the first few horses complete the in-hand portion made us relax as it was a simple course. I had met several trainers from last year and a couple of new ones prior to arriving at Ft Worth. Seemed all were a bit nervous so at least we were all on the same playing field.
I do want to explain a few differences from last year's competition to this year. First, there were 200 horses opposed to 100. Second, the trainers and horses were flighted by trainer choice. We were given the opportunity to select 1 of 3 levels to compete in. The first being the Stars division in which you performed in a roundpen and riding was optional. Next was the Idols and last the Legions. We were given the opportunity to move our self up in levels but not down. I had earlier selected Idols in hopes that I would have a horse as good as Medicine Man from last year. Well, as luck would have it I should have picked the Stars division. But that's neither here nor there so this is where we're at. Pardon and I will do the best we can.
OK, back to the competition. Prior to the start of todays event we were given an opportunity to have a walk-thru on the course with the judges. This also was new from last year. A very beneficial addition.
Now, Chapin and Raz'in Cain is up and boy, am I nervous for my son. The conditioning was done just prior to entering the arena. Cain's coat was excellent and he possibly was a bit under weight. Feet were great also. Next step.......Thought he would never say it Chapin was a shaky mess. In the arena he steps and begins the course. First off were 4 cones that you had to trot your horse thru from a stop. Cain just didn't see any reason to trot the entire way. So it was a slinky effect as he would trot-walk-trot-walk-trot-walk. Next into a eight foot square of poles and a right 360 degree turn in place. Cain did this well, out of the box and load into the trailer. No problem. 3 task down, now ground tie and pick up all 4 feet. Never have I seen this fellow give a problem with his feet until today. He just would not have any of this. As Chapin would attempt to pick up his feet he would step away. On and on until he picked up 3 of 4 feet. Right turn and trot across two different sets of poles and out the door. Chapin's score placed him thirty-third of 76.
Then my turn. Pardon's coat was superb, feet great, muscle tone good but his weight was a bit off. I felt Pardon should have been at least one hundred pounds heavier and the judges agreed. Into the arena we go and Pardon says WOW. What have you brought me into. The cones were a repeat of Chapin. We trotted thru the first 2 and then he also felt walking was much better. I would stop, regroup and advance again. We finally made it thru and into the box for our 360. He did this exceptional with no touching, just yielding from my non-touching hands completely around. Ok, now I'm feeling a bit better. Next the trailer, just a slight pause and he hops in, walks to the front and I back him out with no resistance. Ground tie and pick up the feet. As I start to the front feet he wants to back up slightly so we have to regroup, reposition, and try again. It took us about forty-five seconds to get around all four feet but we made it! Whew, now back up, a right turn and trot off thru the next 2 poles with no trotting problem and we are out of there. Pardon's performance puts us in 31st. Not a great score to win but an excellent score for this little fellow and his issues. The condition score = 20% and the in-hand = 30%. The riding portion tomorrow will be worth 50% of the total score. Pardon's weight cost us I'd say 10 positions. Now, back to the stall, relax and watch the rest of the performers.
Emily was up in the yearling class so we make a mad dash over for that. There were 70+ yearlings competing in her division. 18 years and up. Again, this dad was a wreck watching from the stands as Emily and Holly-Go-Lightly made their way into the arena. First up was walk in, up to the trailer, load, off-load, 360 turn to right, ground tie, pick up all four feet, trot off over a six inch jump, thru the cones, into an open box. 90 degree turn, back into a chute, walk out and trot off across a spoked configuration of poles, then 4 lateral poles and out. Folks, if I have ever been more proud of one of my children I couldn't remember when. This pair made this course look like a pleasure walk. Had I been the judge there would have been no question as to their abilities. The only hick-up was Holly stepped slightly to the left as Emily set to pick-up her feet. That was it! Like, WOW. Emily placed 11th missing the cut by one half of one point. She was ecstatic for the remainder of the day. I'm sorry to say this was the clincher as to whether this horse was going home or not. We would have at least one horse on the ride back to North Carolina. Horse course coming up tomorrow so relax for the remainder of the day. See Ft. Worth and eat.

FT Worth and Pardon

We awoke with the energy of spaghetti. All were dragging but Pardon and Ft Worth had to meet. So up and at-um and down to the livery. All horses looked as if they had walked the entire distance themselves. Were they ever so tired. I brought Pardon out to the trailer and fed him during a good brushing and saddling. We moved around the area a bit before Exchange Street and he did quite well with all the distractions. Chapin and Emily both brought out their horses and we move up towards Exchange and Main for some pictures. The horses did well and were quite a sight for all the tourist that happened by for pictures. Pardon was quite the ham for all photo shoots with strangers and us alike. We got some great shots and I think it gave him a chance to realize all people don't consume horse meat. We rode around town for a couple of hours and met another EMM trainer from Washington State. He, his wife and sister had taken 4 days to make the jaunt to Ft Worth for the challenge. During our visit we made several neat pictures. Dusty is a full time trainer and had done very well with his EMM horse Delford. Another good friend made.
We had to move the horses over to the Will Rogers Complex by noon so off we go so we can get in a little arena time before the evening trainer meeting.
Upon arrival Pardon real quick decided he didn't want any part in this malay of horses, people, trucks, dogs, tractors, golf carts, loud speakers and mass confusion. I kinda felt the same way but this is what it's all about. So we find out stalls, case the area for all practice area's and make out plan. We decided to practice 2 times, 1 at 3:30 and another at 7:30. Each practice was for 30 mins so you had the make the best of your time. With over 250 horses there were alot of oops!
Our first practice was just with halter. To reach the arena you had to go thru a tunnel from 1 building to the next. The tunnel was large but very spooky for a horse. Pardon did well with this after a little coxing and promises that there were no equine eaters around. In the arena and we focused on relaxing and moving thru the obstacles and trailer loading. All went well and I was very pleased with the little fellow. Back for chow and the trainers meeting and practice under saddle.
The trainers meeting was typical with the opportunity to meet all the sponsors for the challenge. The judges were also introduced with Ken McNab being the celebrity. A great guy and super personality. Guy Wood, the winner from last year was also a selected judge. Meeting over and back for the last practice.
Pardon did not want to have anything to do with the tunnel under saddle. I took Chapin and Razin' Cain to coax Pardon thru with lots of stop and go to get thru. I knew if I got off and lead him it would defeat the purpose so we just worked thru it with patience and time. Made it and into the arena as if he'd never been there. Here we go again, you just gotta love him for his shortcomings. He just tries so hard but has so much to overcome. Anyway, 30 min's of banners, flowers, timbers, bridges, other excited horses was all he could stand. I felt he did well considering his abilities so we called it quits for the night. Start time tomorrow? 8:AM.

Texas or Bust!

The time is finally here and the big question is.......are we ready? Well, don't think so but 100 days is 100 days so here we go. We attempt to leave out around 2:00in the afternoon of Monday but Pardon and Holly-Go-Lightly must have figured out that they were in for a long ride. Never had either one ever refused to load until then. After 30 min's or so we finally convinced them that it was better in than out so off we went. Our travel party consisted of 3 horses, Pardon, Razin' Cain, and Holly. Pardon and Razin'Cain were both makeover horses with the latter being my son's EMM horse. Our 2 legged passengers were myself, Chapin, my son, Cody his special friend and Daniel, my nephew. Our plans were to drive stright thru and arrive around 12 noon on Tuesday and pick up Emily at the airport.
We had a few things on our mind for the trip. 1.Fuel, was it going to be a problem finding it after Ike. 2. Stops with the horses, were we going to have another loading problem, and 3. Had the storm cleared it's way past Texas and Arkansas. As luck would have it all 3 were non-issues and we make it to Ft Worth by 11:00 AM the following day. The trip went without a hitch and all were excited as we pulled into the Stockyards. We boarded the horses again this year at the Livery in the Stockyards historical district. My friend Gene, manager for the livery and the famous steer rider along Exchange Street was still around and he made us feel as welcomed as a buzzard on road kill. Horses boarded, stores to visit, ribs to eat and we were done for the night.

A Wopper of a Success!

Have you ever been shocked beyond belief with the gratitude and generosity of friends and stranger alike. Well, that is just what happened this weekend at the fundraiser. As mentioned earlier Jill and Connor Blakeney hosted a fundraiser to support t myself, Emily and Chapin on our journey to Ft. Worth for this years Extreme Mustang Makeover.
We arrived on site Saturday morning to find Dallas and company (owner of Southern States) hard at work getting the grounds ready for the event. Jill and Connor with a task force consisting of Missy and Joann, Shorty Cash, and Molly Brooks had put together a program for the day that consisted of meeting the horses, trainers, slide presentation, display board of several local mustangs, food, beverages, door prizes, raffle drawings and just good fellowship. All Team Thomas had to do was just show off our mustangs, meet some great people and do a couple of demo’s. The horses performed wonderfully with each trainer taking a few min’s to show off their accomplishments and speak with the crowd. As a father I have never been so proud as to watch my two kids show their stuff. Chapin ran Raszin Cain through his paces and finalized with a standing display in the saddle as he fired off 6 shots from his pistol. Cain performed without a glitch! Emily and Holly-Go-Lightly displayed a bond that only a young lady could create with a young horse. Upon finishing up her ground work she finished up with a bull whip and crawling through Holly’s legs. Now, how much prouder could a father be.
Total attendance seemed to be somewhere around 75 folks and proceeds totaled over $1,100 dollars. WOW! I can never express the friendship and appreciation from these attending horse lovers. With additional donations from a special friend from the coast, a local training and breeding facility in Sanford, The 11 Bar East, 2 local Vets, Dr Richard Kirkman, and Dr. Bonnie Terrell, we topped the mark at over $2,000 dollars. So, with all that being said I can only say for myself, Emily and Chapin thank you and we love you all! You are the ones that make dreams come true and are a large part in making the American Mustang a symbol in Chatham County.

More info on the Show and Tell

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
FUNDRAISER FOR LOCAL TRAINERS COMPETING IN THE EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER


With 100 days to tame wild to mild, 200 trainers from across America will gentle 200 Wild Nevada Mustangs in the 2008 Extreme Mustang Makeover in Fort Worth, Texas
SEE THE MUSTANGS! MEET THE TRAINERS!
WHEN: Saturday September 13th, 2008
WHERE: Country Farm & Home Supply, 203 S. Small Street in Pittsboro.
8:30 am, COUNTRY FARM & HOME SUPPLY OPENS
Chat with the trainers, see the horses, have breakfast, check out store sale items. Free breakfast for first 10 in line at the grill.

9:30 am, TRAINING DEMO BY TEAM THOMAS
Jimmy, Emily, and Chapin will work their horses in the round pen and discuss techniques for working with wild mustangs.

10:30 am, MUSTANG ADOPTION EXPERIENCE
Local owners will share slides and their experience in adopting mustang weanlings from Nevada.

RAFFLE and DOOR PRIZES

We've made the turn!

The past couple of weeks have really been great for Pardon. Daily riding and just human contact has caused the little fellow to grow inside and out. His nerves has worked a toll on his weight but as he relaxes his weight is coming back. His attitude around other horses is very relaxed except for strange areas. After the trip to Uhawarie we've made a couple of small trips to add to his exposure. It does seem he forgets the small things, leading thought a gate that he went thru yesterday, walking down the isle of the barn he enters on his own daily, I just can't figure. He still will back into any fear with little concern opposed to walking forward into it. Hmmmmm. Yesterday he had a pedicure on all four feet for the second time. I really think he enjoyed the quite time and contact. I think the heel clicking with his back feet might come from his feet being out of balance. Both bars on his rear feet caused an inside step. I trimmed that down and that should move him more center on his step and balance. (But what do I know, I'm no farrier). I'll consult George on that one. He really helped alot with Medicine Man last year and I respect his knowledge.
We had another visitor this week from Jacksonville, NC. Sherie brought up a mustang she's had for 10 months for a little team building. She has a really nice sorrel that is going to make a great trail horse. She had done alot of ground work with him and with a couple of pointers I think they'll be riding within a couple of weeks.
I did take Pardon out for show and tell while she was here and thought he didn't impress her on the ground I do think his movements under saddle did get a compliment. His only big issue now is an ear problem he's picked put. His right ear has suddenly become off limits. At first I thought it might be an infection or soreness but after alot of working around it I can't find a tender spot. It's just when you first approach it with the bridle or your hands. He takes the bit well but when you pull it up and over he's very resistant. We'll get thru it I'm sure. Just time and patience.

Now, what can we do with him.........walk, trot, lope on demand with a slight cluck and squeeze. Stops from a lope in 3-4 steps. Backs with little finger pressure. Flexes left and right, bends at the pole. Handles all four feet with no problem. Water, logs, ditches, hills, bridges, are all no concern. He catches fairly easy with a halter, (the ear thing without). Cars are no problem, throw a rope from his back, pulls a log forward and backwards. Saddles without being tied, stands untied for saddling, feet trimming, grooming and washing. Wears a blue tarp like a raincoat, ropes around his legs no problem, stands for whips popping as well a firearms. Backs thru an L shaped course, turns left and right within an eight foot box. Can turn off both the front and rear feet with slight cues. When the monsters do get him he shuts down with a slight one rein lift. All in all a good little fellow.
Just want to remind everyone again of the fundraiser next weekend in Pittsboro at the Southern States, 8:30 to 12:00. Food and fellowship available with lots of raffle items plus we want to meet you!

Fundraiser!

I do want to invite any and all to our Mustang Makeover Fundraiser for Pardon, Rasin' Cain, and Holly-Go-Lightly before our Fort Worth trip. With the idea and hard work of our friends Jill and Connor Blankney, we will be showing our soon to be famous horses at the Southern States Feed store in Pittsboro, NC on Saturday,13 Sep from 8:30 to 12:00. All horses will be there and each trainer will have an opportunity to share with the public a few of the skills we use in working with horses. Their will also be several door prizes and drawings throughout the morning. We will be serving both breakfast sandwiches and burgers for lunch! Please mark it on your calender and plan on attending! More to come........