One of the highlights of my year is to visit the Minnesota Horse Expo at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St Paul. For several years now, I've been taking students down there to expose them to different breeds and styles of riding. It's so much fun to see the different breeds and their colors, size and temperaments. The Friesians are big, black and docile. The miniatures are so tiny! As we make our way around the fairgrounds, it nice to take in the different breed demonstrations and exhibits. We make our way through aisle after aisle of decked-out stalls, flowers and portable video setups that give more insight to the breed being represented in that particular area of the barn. Plus, I get my tootsie roll fix as we graze our way past each candy dish at each farm's display!
In the catalog that's provided at the gate, various presentors of clinics are listed with their bios. If there's one that interests us, we'll take that one in also. I particularly like to take in anything that has to do with driving, harnessing, and breeds that do well in that discipline. There wasn't too much in that area this year, but I did manage to take in one small class on carriage attire. The headline attractions usually don't draw my attention too much, but I'll stick my head in the coliseum door if I happen to be in there to take in the latest "gimmick" that they're trying to sell. Some of these guys make big bucks and have quite a following as to their techniques and training aids that they sell. But, no matter what way you look at it, good horsemanship is good horsemanship. Sure, a horse can be taught to do wonderful things in an enclosed area, but put that horse out in the side open with the scent of bear or large cat in the wind or dogs snipping at their heels and you'll get a good idea of how good of a horse you have! I love to be entertained by those who perpetuate bridless riding. Looks good in an arena, but when you are faced with the everyday occurences of machinery rambling by you on the road, constant wind, pasture buddies neighing, and guns going off during just about any hunting season you can imagine around here, and when I need to stop my horse - I need to STOP my horse.
Anyway, so much for that. We still draw some good tips that might pertain to what we do, but we still work on good solid basic horsemanship skills. Some understand their horses better than others. They are wonderful creatures - strong, fast, beautiful. God has given them the spirit of the wind and boy do they ever look beautiful when they're running with the wind!
Picked up some excellent deals at the used tack sale. That's the first place we hit when the gates open. We familiarize ourselves with the well-made brands and watch for those items in particular. Yes, you may pay a little bit more, but the price is still far from new. I always try to coach my students: "It's better to buy the good stuff used (if well taken care of), then to buy the cheap stuff new". That advice has served not only myself but my students well over the years.
Happy Spring!
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