Always Look a Gift Horse in the Feet

Last November, a friend called to ask if I wanted a filly.  My friend Heather has been breeding horses for a number of years.  She was well-aware that I have always admired her horses. They are athletic, versatile, and intelligent but nearly extinct Cheval Canadiens, better known as Canadian Horses.  I love this breed! They are the national breed of Canada -- sometimes called Little Iron Horses.  It is an ancient french baroque breed originally sent to Canada by Louis Quatorze (King Louis the XIV).  They jump like deer, are calm, well-rounded (I have cut cattle on them), and are generally sweet-natured. They are hardy, short-coupled easy keepers with great bone, and, most importantly, fantastic hard, strong feet -- something with which I have grown very unfamiliar in the last few years.

The Quest for the Best, or Six Trips in a Truck

Sunday was horse show day. My friend Rebecca had a Fun Show planned and I thought it would be fun to take Teddie, my Canadian/Thoroughbred cross filly over to Rebecca's for a little show experience. Bear in mind that Teddie (aka Peut-etre) has rarely loaded into a trailer, let alone been to a horse show.

I admit that horse shows are no longer my favorite way to spend a weekend day. After years and years of shooting shows two to three weekends a month, I no longer feel any great pull towards the ribbons. As far as I'm concerned, I'd rather mow the grass or clean the bathrooms. But one has a responsibility when training a young horse (Teddie is only three years old and in the midst of training for riding) to ensure that her training is thorough. So, she needs all the experience she can acquire. And, it is fun to spend a day with my friends, no matter what!