Week of November 14: Kaz and Kiwi Rock Raleigh

Posted by pvos on Nov 13, 2011 in Training Journal | Comments Off

This week Paige loaded up the trailer and took Kiwi and Kaz down to the Jump for the Children Benefit Show in Raleigh. While a bit further afield than we like to travel the show always proves fun and worthwhile – and this year proved no different.

Kiwi Brings Home Blue and Heads to Lexington, VA

Kiwi was a MACHINE – entering six classes in three days and never touching a rail. He competed in the 1.0 meter and the 1.05 meter classes and came home with a clean and clear blue ribbon finish each time out.

Having impressed Paige with his steadiness both in and out of the show ring, she has decided to take him down to Lexington, VA next weekend to compete in the 1.10 meter classes offered at the Thoroughbred Celebration show there (another one of our favorites – naturally!) Look for a report next week on his move up!

Kaz Handles First Show Ground Experience Like an Old Pro

Kaz went along for the ride, not to compete, but for an introduction to horse show life. We weren’t sure what to expect as it was our first time taking him off the farm for an extended period. He was a complete super star! I’m not sure why we were surprised by his calm demeanor in the stabling area – after all Kaz is one of our more “experienced” horses in the ways of the world. Having raced over 30 times over the course of several years – he’s been there and done that!

What overjoyed us was his workman-like attitude under saddle in the hectic show environment. Paige was fully prepared to need to lunge him before working him. Turned out – not necessary! She got on, hacked him around the grounds, went into the warm up rings and worked away. Each day he steadily improved both his focus and performance and by the end of the week he was clocking around the 3’6″ course as if he had been doing it his whole life.

While we were planning on Raleigh being the last show of 2011, we are now excited to add on the Thoroughbred Celebration next week so that Kiwi can experiment at the higher levels and Kaz can enter the show ring and further his education. Peyton, while an event horse, will probably go along as well, because we’re all about cross-training the babies!