Attack of the Stuffed Animal!

Thanks to Marlene Reed for these great photos!!!

On March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, Christina, Reed and I loaded our horses and mule and headed north to the Halifax County Horseman's Council for a Trail Obstacle Race Competition. They have about 30 obstacles, it is judged with points and it is timed. It is a great course but it is not my favorite way to have an event like this judged.

Seven and I rode in the advanced class and he did very well. He loves to do these classes and as usually went lickity split though the obstacles. We had to push a big ball, go through a cowboy curtain, carry a flag while side passing over a pipe, etc. We missed getting points on only three obstacles. Two were my fault, I can't rope something to save my life and two I was not comfortable jumping some barrels so we busted through them. The third thing that we messed up on was a large stuffed animal bear that we were supposed to "rescue" by putting it on our saddle then carrying to a drop off location. As we approached the animal Seven was already eyeing it, when I picked it up he said, "Not only no, but Hell NO, don't get that thing near me!" I tired for about 30 seconds and then had to loose the points and move on to the next obstacle. Which was to shoot a cap gun at a fake turkey, no problem.

After the competition I worked with Seven and the stuffed animal, he soon accepted it! We ended up in 3rd place in the open class and Christina and Reed ended up 3rd and 4th in the intermediate class. All and all a pretty good show.

We have a great time but it was one of the first sunny hot days and all three of us left like lobsters by the end of the day!! Next time, bring out the sun screen lotion!!