Pony's first show - pic added

So I've been leasing a gorgeous 13.3 hand chocolate Kentucky Mountain Horse mare (3 y/o) who is just the sweetest thing ever. My friend did most of the groundwork and the first few rides, then I took over her training when I signed the lease papers. In the beginning, Dixie was an impulsive horse who was barely trained to the bit. She frequently ran through it or tossed her head. I found a bit that she liked (junior cowhorse bit) and rode with very soft hands. Dixie quickly settled into the new routine and she even began to meet me at the gate with a pleasant expression.

I was invited to a fun show which didn't require show attire, that was great for me because I've never shown and didn't have any show clothes. I figured that the relaxed nature of a fun show would be the perfect training show for Dixie. She was already a champ at trailer-loading and she was very calm. So I began to ride her in prep for the show ring. We worked on riding with other horses passing her or running up behind her. We got to where she would back up without pulling on the reins. We worked on gaiting for extended times without breaking back to a walk. Then we went to the show.

That little pony was a rock star. She placed in every class that my friend and I entered (some classes had 11 entries, with seasoned show horses). Dixie even beat our breeding stallion and our top show mare, placing second in that class. For my first show experience, we placed 5th, two 2nds, and 1st. I was so incredibly proud of the pony! Now the owner wants me to continue to show and promote the horse. I'm so excited and thrilled.

Dixie didn't spook at anything, and she was calm enough that I could sit on her with the reins resting on her neck and she didn't move. She even carried a young boy in the 6 and under lead line class. I love that filly. By the way, that was Dixie's first experience off of the farm.

Last edited on 2016-05-24 at 09:38:48 by Oakwood Training

how cool!
sounds like a great time BD

Dixie and my friend.

(c) This photo may not be used in any manipulations or advertisements.

Wowee, Dixie is gorgeous! 8D Good luck for all your future shows. ♥

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Oh she's beautiful!!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Last edited on 2016-05-24 at 09:52:04 by Feathered Gold

shes a beauty! and great job, what an accomplishment!!

Thanks everyone. This is one of those horses that you'd sell your soul for. I'm really hoping that after I get my Associate's that I can buy her. I had to stop leasing her, but the owner has asked me to continue her training and showing because she is so pleased with what I've taught Dixie so far. This little girl is going to go far, even if she has to be registered as an appendix mare with the KMSHA (the breeder rarely registers his horses but sells them with a registration application).

Dixie's sire is a pretty color, maybe a silver buckskin? (I'm bad with the dilute colors).