Springamathing other performance

Technically, there were six divisions at yesterday's Springamathing live show: OF Plastic Stone Regular, OF Plastic Stone Rare, OF Other Plastic, Artist Resin, Custom and Performance. For me, however, there was only one division that mattered, and that was Performance. Here's part one of the recap.

The day started with a one entry harness class. 

The next class was a three entry combined native costume event that included one Native American... 

and two Arabian costumes. My own Schutzengel looked smashing in the six year costume...

but top honors went to Teresa Buzzell's horse wearing a costume by Cary Nelson. 

photo by Kiersten Schmieding

Other Costume/Parade was next. 

 This class included two, really nice...

and well-documented novice entries,

one Arab costume that missed the Native Costume class, 

and two parade entries. 

Schutzengel (with an assist from Jose) won the blue. 

Second place went to Teresa Fedak's Surprise. This was Teresa's first ever performance entry and her first pink NAN card. Hurray!

Onto Other Performance! 

Except for my barrel racing draft horse...

this was basically a showmanship class.

Showmanship is not my strong suit, but this time I tried really hard to put together a polished entry.

Success!

Liam was a couple slots back in third.

With two firsts and one second, Schutzengel was named champion of the Other Perfromance division, and my day was off to a great start!

Mission accomplished

Well, that was fun!

It wasn't a clean sweep by any stretch of the imagination, but it was still a very good day for Team Braymere.

Plus, Jose made into a performance entry.

Mission accomplished.

Guardian angel

This is how busy I've been: I got a brand new Purdy horse yesterday and it took me more than twenty four hours to take her picture!

Meet Schutzengel. She is the Eberl Sushi resin that broke my "no unpainted resins" resolution just a couple days into the new year. 

I can't say that I have any regrets. This is such a nice, every day type Arabian. I love her sweet face and can't wait to show her in performance. 

Fortunately, I won't have to wait long. She came with a whole bunch of loaner tack and dolls and will make her live show debut Saturday at Springamathing. 

Thank you so much much, Tiffany (and Erin, too)! Best friends truly are angels.

Spring riding

The last two weeks have been all about the end of the school year...

Mom brag: James won a Presidential Award and was also recognized for having a 4.0 GPA, competing on the the Math Counts team and being a member of National Junior Honor Society. Yay, James!

and prepping for Springamathing.

However, I have also spent a little time with my favorite palomino buddy.

Chino and I went out with Mary Jo and Scarlett last Friday. Recent storms have filled the river bottom with water.

Everything is lush and green--a rare sight in dry Colorado! 

We headed west... 

and crossed the stream under the Airport Blvd. overpass. 

This took us up to a beautiful green meadow... 

with a perfect view of the white topped Rockies. Gorgeous! 

Sunday evening's ride wasn't quite as pretty, but it was just as fun. This time, Chino and I were joined by Karen on Bob and Kristina on Toby. 

We rode east to the Coal Creek Arena, 

where Kristina... 

and I tried our hands at barrel racing. 

Neither of us was very good, but we sure did have fun! 

We rode home as the sun was setting. 

Another gorgeous mountain view! 

Ryan had his last final today, James will be done tomorrow and Springamathing happens on Saturday. After that, my days will be much more open again. Here's looking forward to many memorable rides this summer!

Two birds

I've shown Lady Liberty before, but that was a long time ago. In order to avoid any unpleasant surprises on Saturday, I decided to run through her entries today to make sure everything looks and fits the way I want it to.

While I was at it, I decided to set up my indoor arena backdrop and take some show photos.

I only made it to two MEPSA shows this season, but I think I will be more motivated now that I have a bunch of new performance pictures to show off. 

Liam got in on the action...

and so did Khompounded Interest.

This was a fun way to prepare for Springamathing. I can't wait to show Lady Liberty both there and in future photo shows!

He's back

Just when I think I've seen the last of Jose, this picture arrives in my inbox.

This too. 

Hurray! Jose is coming to town and he's bringing his pretty grey Arabian with him. I can't wait!

Seventy five percent

My plans for today included locating all my tack and props for Springamathing,

tweaking my entries,

creating documentation...

and cheering Nyquist to victory in the Preakness.

Oh well. Three out of four isn't bad!