Saturday, June 7, 2008

Ethans first horse show

This is a big day for Ethan. He participated in his first Equestrian show. Isn't he cute in his clothes? It was so hot and he had to wear all of that (he only whined a little bit).
Doesn't he look little on that huge horse? The horse's name is Hopper, although he usually rides Lady, a smaller white horse that was needed by another rider that day. I was glad, hopper makes for more impressive pics :)
Ethan is in the beginning rider group, so they are referred to as "Leadliners" because their trainers lead the horse around the ring and the riders show posture and balance. Notice that in English style riding there is no saddle horn to hold onto. The rider has to learn to balance and control the horse with their legs and the reigns.
At the end the riders line up for judging and the judges announce that they can't possibly choose between such high caliber contestants. Everyone gets a big silky blue ribbon. So fun. A great day for Ethan.

1 comment:

  1. Ethan-I didn't know you were so serious about riding horses. Very impressive!

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