Kiira's first horse show and Heidi's first show back

Well, Kilham farm had a fun show today and it was Kiira's first horse show. I finally broke down and got her some real jodpurs and jodpur straps. We came out this morn, slicked up, hairnets on, ready to show the world what "we got". It was a raving success with Kiira taking 1st place in the walk class and 2nd place in the walk over poles class. In both classes she followed her teacher Suzanne b/c she was a little nervous but, being the proud mother I am, you could not even tell she was nervous. In her walk over poles class, Robin Hood spooked and she almost came off (thank goodness her teacher WAS there to catch her!) but rallied and finished the course. She didn't actually fall off FYI but it could have been sketchy had Suzanne not been there. Kiira was also VERY pleased with herself which is what matters most.

Heidi had a great time. Orbit had had a cold bath earlier that morn and was feeling quite high and tight so after a 5 min school, I decided a lunge might be better. The old pregnant girl worked out the kinks and we ended up getting 3rd in our hunter under saddle, 1st in our first jumping class (1'-0" fences), 3rd in our second jumping class (also 1'-0 fences) and 2nd in our third jumping class (2'-6" fences). Our last class we placed behind the owner of the barn's daughter so in my mind (she's so good) I really felt as if I got 1st! Yippee!!

Alan came and cheered us on as well. Great video footage was taken but alas, I still am not sure how to upload the camcorder. I have only mastered the video on my little digital camera. Poor Evan stayed home as he is still at an age where he is quite disruptive.

Kiira's got the bug for sure. She has already asked when the next horseshow is. I may bite the bullet and see how much (oh lordy) it will be to have her do leadline down at the Woodside show in September (45 min away). I know she'd love it!
Here are some snippets below - if you'd like the unabridged version - feel free to head on over to this link.



A practice run with Jeff, one of her trainers, over the poles



With both her trainers, Jeff and Suzanne, practicing



They broke the walk class into two parts - two kids in each class - so they would have enough ponies to go around. This is Kiira's friend Michaela (7 yrs old) who was in her class



This photo cracks me up because all the kids in the walk over poles class got to "walk the course". Walking the course is usually what the big time classes do so it was so cute to see the little kids doing it. Note the white horses in Kiira's and Michaela's arms. These were trophies for winning their classes.



Hanging with pals



Kiira and Robin Hood in "walk over poles" class



The equestrians - Kiira and mom