a different show

The June WQHA (Wisconsin Quarter Horse Association) show got moved. Inconveniently to a different venue over two hours away. On a holiday weekend. Not sure what they were thinking. I know there are issues with the preferred little-big city venue, and attending numbers continue dwindling. All Breed classes were added. Sadly, entries were still pathetically low.

Brad showed in one class (two different days) which is less than two minutes. Driving over four hours to wait around for unknown timing, in humid heat with nothing to do. Did not make sense for me to go. Someone has to take care of our other animals.  

It would have been nice to be there to support him and his horses. Not going to lie, it made for a long lonely four days. Thank goodness for our animal family at home!

Hope (separated by divider) Nemo and Harmony
7.3.25

Cierra is no longer retired. Brad "tuned her up" himself at home and hauled her to the show. He did not show Padame by choice. He bumped his lessons on her to twice a week. They are going really well! Brad's thought is they are at a good place as a team. He did not want a set back due to show nerves. Sorry no visuals of his blond beauty.

Brad is really (really) proud of Cierra!! She was only recently ridden at home a handful of times, and then he hauled her to ride once at the trainers arena. Cierra came home and was retired in 2020. A sign of good training.

A couple show pics from Brad:

Cierra

For many years, Brad wished for a directors show chair that would be easier on his knees.

 

day one 7.2.25

We finally decided on a land logo. Always harder creating your own stuff. 

Brad's directors chair

The show went on without me. Can you even believe it lol?! It was a different show. Brad chose to ride Cierra in an All Breed Open Ranch Riding class (vs AQHA). She is on allergy meds that AQHA does not allow. Breathing is apparently considered enhancing (insert eyeroll). You are done showing if you get caught. Not a big deal. Cierra already has plenty of points. His goal was to practice showing in front of judges. 

They had a good first day showing. Brad and Cierra took second to his trainer (riding Padame) in a small class of three. Padame went on to take "first" in her Ranch trail class, as a sole entry. Not sure about any other classes. 

Padame threw a shoe and sadly was only shown the first day. Brad didn't want just anyone slapping a shoe on her, considering her past lameness issues.

Brad & Cierra's second day of showing went even better. Scoring 73.5, 69.5 and 70.5 on their pattern. Every Ranch rider starts with a score of 70. They get plus or minus points from each judge, on required pattern/skills. They ended up Circuit Champ at that level. Padame would have most likely won, had she shown both days.

Showing is not my jam, but Brad is very happy living his show dream. Even with smaller numbers.

At home, we had to shift the herd. They were a noisy bunch, calling out. Harmony was turned out with Nemo, which left Hope with Koda. They were really good for me at chore time :)

Hope says "you can have Cierra, but please don't take Harmony"