And we are now started our season. Mother’ Day was bright beautiful and a bit on the cool side, at least in the shade. In the sun was apparently a different story. It made for a great show. Normal things happened: technically difficulties, differing opinions, calls to get 10 feet back from the rail while there are horses in the ring, new faces and names, the familiar repeaters with both people and horses.

And I sat there, most of the day folding and selling the new t-shirts for the GLAD Hearts Games. I worked retail most of my working career, and even other jobs involved sales. Maybe that is why I got that “job”. Bri has done a great job with them, and has a couple sponsors, so far. I am sure entry forms will be available soon and more details will be forthcoming. As Bri said, you only need a helmet, a saddle, a pair of boots, and a horse to compete. There is a difficulty level for everyone. Practice your gaits, your gate, technical turns, ground rails and back up and you will be half way there! If you absolutely cannot ride, please volunteer to help, sponsor or even just throw some cash into the Heart & Stroke bucket on my table. For more info contact Bri at briannadales2003@gmail.com. It will be a very fun day!

Because I am not as familiar with English cantering, I had to ask about style. They confirmed what I thought I learned many moons ago. Watching the bouncing of the riders, I had to wonder what you forget while actually competing. SIT on your horse. Now, sometimes when riders sit properly during a canter, or for that matter, a sitting trot, the riders’ feet often go sideways. One of my pet peeves is seeing feet at 90’ to the horse. Sit with “Toes to the nose” please and thank you. Your individual scores may even go up.

For new competitors, PLEASE read all the rules in our rule book. They apply to all. We are NOT OBRA. We are NOT rodeo. We do not have a run in/out chute. We are a multi-discipline CLUB show with rules to protect our horses, competitors and everyone on the grounds. There are also protocols. I have attached them here as well. https://www.rockwoodtrailriders.ca/docs/rule_book_2025.pdf. You do not have to “cheat the system” for a $4.00 ribbon. Someone is always watching.

What does higher level Dressage and Western Games have in common? Quiet hands, subtle cues and two Tempi lead changes. This was the beautiful technique by one of the gamers in the Open Pole Bending. I have not seen this in a very, very long time. From the side, the horse looked like it was running straight and the poles moved. Well, one pole missed their turn to shift sideways, but it was still a thing of beauty. The horse was doing the two tempi lead changes with tight turns on the end poles. Barrels were equally tight – and fast! Training techniques start slow, but with time and practice, become great performances.

See you all in June!

Hoorah Lads!
Anne Dales