Show Horse

Show Horse

Cayleen jumped for joy as she read the flyer announcing the Winter Wooly Horse Show. Her bright blue eyes twinkled as she showed it to her Mom and Dad. The brochure made special announcements that this was training and learning show where all levels of riders were encouraged to attend. Mom smiled as she told her that Rissa and Bobbie had called the night before and Rissa wanted Cayleen and Mini to enter. Risa had never met Cayleen and she wanted to help and mentor her through her first Horse Show.

Cayleen had only owned her beautiful Quarter Horse Mare, Mini Sox, for about five months. They had become very close. Every weekend as soon as she got home to the ranch, Cayleen would race to the horse pasture to greet her dream horse. She would jump on her bare back and ride to the barn with only a light rope.  Mini would stand patiently as Cayleen would gently brush her and saddle up to practice the show routine. Mini would quickly change from her pet horse mode to her show horse manner. Each turn was crisp and sharp and every prompt with a toe or heel would cause her to change her gait or lead.  Mini was a true champion who was bred for show and trained by a family with years of showmanship experience. This beautiful sorrel mare with three white socks and a tiny white spot on her forehead is a great granddaughter of the champion stud Zippos Pine Bar.
Mini Sox had been trained and shown by a young lady named Rissa. Rissa had found her on the internet and bought her as a three year old, from a show horse breeder in Iowa. Rissa and her parents had carefully trained her and she and Rissa had won many championship ribbons and awards.
The day they found Mini, Cayleen and her parents had traveled to The Gallatin Valley to look at a champion gelding named Justin. Justin had incredible conformation and was very well trained, but he seemed to prefer the parents over the kid. His owner, Kim, identified the need for Cayleen to have a horse that loved her. Kim smiled at Cayleen as she told them about a mare that may be for sale to the “right” person on the other side of town. Kim called the owners and guided Cayleen’s family through town to the other side of the valley. As they traversed the winding country road, they talked about what they wanted. Dad said it sure would be nice to have a horse with a lot of cow sense. Mom agreed and added that they had to have a horse that could be used to work cattle on the ranch. Cayleen listened quietly as her mind imagined a sleek shiny show horse that could outrun and out maneuver any cow. Her mind came back to reality as the car bounced over a rickety bridge and they turned down a narrow winding driveway. The drive was lined with pickups and trailers. There were pens of sheep near the stream and horses grazing in pastures on the ridge. As they stopped the Suburban, they were greeted by about ten wiggly tiny Border collie puppies. Cayleen jumped from the suburban and dropped to her knees as she petted and cuddled each of them. Rissa’s Dad greeted them and Cayleen’s Dad recognized him as an acquaintance who auctioneered for many 4-H and FFA benefits. His family was one of Montana’s most prominent, Hereford Cattle, seed stock operations.  They greeted with a firm handshake and Cayleen’s Dad introduced him to her and her Mom. His name was Bart. He was a wiry handsome cowboy with a pony tail and he wore a silver Stetson that had a deep Tucson dip. His hat and his manner was much like Chris LeDoux. As he guided them to the barn, they could hear the loud jet engine sound of a blower used to dry show cattle. They saw Bart’s wife Bobbie, brushing and blowing mud from the coat of a beautiful sorrel mare. In no time at all Bobbie led Mini from the barn and handed the reins to Cayleen. This big sweet beautiful mare leaned forward as she smelled the tiny lady and gently held her nose close to be petted. Cayleen stroked her gently and tenderly reached up to pet the sides of her beautiful head. With each stroke, the bond between them grew. Bobbie invited Cayleen to climb into the saddle as she led her across a little wooden bridge to a meadow. Sheep were grazing contentedly nearby, as Bobbie handed Cayleen the reins and invited her to ride in a circle. The slightest touch brought Mini Sox to life as she placed each deliberate step .Cayleen’s Dad and Bart stood at the edge of the meadow and admired how well matched Mini and Cayleen were. Bart commented that one other neat thing about Mini was that she was wire smart. She had never been hung up or cut by wire or any other sharp object. Cayleen’s Dad just beamed as he knew the value of a smart horse. This was no ordinary horse; she could feel her rider and with each new prompt quickly changed a gait or a lead. Bobbie coached from the ground as she suggested turns and patterns that would fully demonstrate how well the horse was trained. There was no doubt how much the horse knew and Cayleen and her parents were overwhelmed with excitement.

            Dad, Mom and Cayleen had to leave earlier than they wanted as Cayleen was a competitor in the junior division of the State Farm Bureau Speech Contest. They promised to call back if they wanted the horse and Rissa’s parents said they would need to get her permission, as she was only willing to sell Mini to the perfect little girl. Rissa had refused other offers as she had the perfect new owner in mind.  Cayleen was fueled by her excitement as she listened to the other speakers. She was ready when her time came and she presented her speech with style and flair. As the competition ended, she was greeted and congratulated by several of the other speakers and their parents. When the winners were announced, Cayleen was recognized as the second place state winner. Her Daddy scooped her up and hugged her tightly as he whispered in her ear that she was his little champion. Her Mom gently hugged her and told her how proud she was. Lauretta, the High School girl, who had just won first place in the senior division gave her a big hug and told her she was a real champion. Nothing can lift the spirits or better inspire a twelve year old, than wonderful praise from a high school champion. As they left the Speech Contest, they decided to go out for dinner to celebrate. Cayleen offered to pay for dinner with her Two hundred and fifty dollar prize money. Dad suggested she might save her money to buy tack for her new horse!

The next morning Dad rushed around to get the cattle checked and chores done. There was no school that day, and Cayleen was sleeping soundly in her big feather bed.  As Dad got back to the house, he told Mom that he didn’t think they would ever find a better horse. Mom’s eyes twinkled as she nodded in agreement. Mom called Bobbie and asked if we could come and buy Mini Sox. Bobbie excitedly said yes as she told about how happy Rissa was to have Mini going to the perfect home.  She said she would have the horse ready anytime after 10:00 AM.  Mom and Dad walked back to Cayleen’s room and sat at the edge of her bed. As she stirred and opened her eyes, she wondered what was happening. Mom asked her if she wanted Mini Sox or Justin. Cayleen beamed as she excitedly said “I liked Justin and he is a great horse but, I have never seen a horse I love as much as Mini Sox. Could we see if Rissa will sell her to me?” Mom smiled as she told Cayleen their plans for the day. We would take the pickup and trailer to bring Mini Sox home to the ranch. Cayleen would have a chance to ride a little that evening. Then she had to get a good night’s sleep for 7:00 AM departure to school. Cayleen jumped from her bed and hugged both of her parents she smiled sweetly as she told them they were the best parents in the world. Dad headed out to get everything ready. Cayleen checked every drawer and her closet, for the perfect horse buying clothes. She chose her black wranglers with a red western blouse and her slip on red Ropers. Her outfit was complimented by her tooled leather belt with the heart shaped Montana Silversmith Buckle. Her black felt hat topped off her ensemble, to make her the perfect picture of a cow girl. Mom got herself ready and fed the dogs and cats. She finished up the breakfast dishes as soon as Cayleen finished her eggs and toast. Dad wheeled the pickup and trailer up in front of the house and his girls hopped in. They were on their way.

Cayleen was beside herself with excitement as she talked about all her plans for Mini Sox. Mom reminded her that one very neat thing about having a mare is that you have the opportunity to get her bred and have a baby horse. Mom shared the story of her pony named Dusty and how excited she was when he was born. Mom told about how she gentled and loved Dusty the first years of his life and how her daddy trained him as a two year old. By the time Dusty was three, Mom was roping calves at brandings. Cayleen imagined she was roping calves from Mini and dreamed of Mini foaling a baby. As they traveled on up the valley and over the Bozeman pass, Cayleen and her Daddy listened to Mom’s stories of her childhood with her horses. Mom told about her horse named Colonel that her Daddy bought for her when she turned fourteen. Dusty was a good horse but he had gotten hurt and was not able to carry her for the cattle work on the ranch. Colonel was a five year old gelding, full of fire and life. Mom told how most times her Daddy had to ride him first to take the buck out of him. She shared the story about running for Rodeo Queen and how she won the horsemanship award. Dad smiled as he recalled the beautiful girl he had met at a youth conference one week before she competed in the Rodeo Queen Contest. Dad remembered her beautiful long hair and incredible love for horses and ranching. He reflected that most likely the reason Mom had not been selected as the Queen was she was too young to compete in the state event. Contestants in the Miss Rodeo Montana contest had to be eighteen.  Mom smiled as she knew he was right and she knew she was his favorite cow girl and the Queen of his heart.

The trailer rattled as they turned off the highway on to the country road. It was only about a mile to the ranch where Mini lived and Cayleen was beside herself with excitement. As they drove into the yard, they saw Mini tied to a trailer and Bobbie was brushing her and cleaning her hooves. The Border collie puppies rushed to the pickup to greet them and Cayleen scooped them up one by one giving each a pet and a hug. Mini gave a soft whinny as Cayleen appeared from behind the truck. Bobbie greeted them and showed them the beautiful halter with “Mini Sox” engraved on a Brass plate on the side. She suggested several types of bridles and bits that are very gentle. She reminded them that Mini was very good to neck rein and there was no need for a severe bit. Cayleen stood beside Mini, stroking her gently, as Bobbie shared many suggestions for the care and maintenance of a show horse. Mom listened intently as she had always done ranch and rodeo horses and information about show horses was new to her. Dad waited patiently as he petted the wiggly puppies and reveled in seeing the excitement in his daughter’s eyes.

It was time to load and head out as Mom had written the check and all the paperwork was done. Bobbie suggested they tie Mini standing backwards in the trailer as that is how she preferred to travel. Dad held the door as Mom and Cayleen led Mini in and tied her to the side. Cayleen gave a soft pet and a big hug and stepped from the trailer as Dad closed and locked the trailer door. They jumped in the pickup as they said their goodbyes. They were off for the ranch and a new life for Mini Sox.

Wow! Cayleen had only had Mini Sox for five months and the Winter Wooly Horse Show was coming up. Rissa wanted to mentor Cayleen. Cayleen listened closely as Mom shared her plans for the show. They had to get her and Mini registered and make sure she was entered for all the events. The brochure gave a phone number for the lady who was coordinator of the show. Mom called and made all the arrangements. Mom and Cayleen would take the pickup and trailer and travel to Bozeman the night before. They would meet Bobbie and Rissa at the fair grounds and learn about what they needed to have and do the next day. Dad could check cattle and get there in time for the first event.

The big day came, April 1, 2005, Mom came to the ranch and loaded Mimi and all the tack into the trailer and the pickup. She picked up Cayleen as she got out of school and they stopped by the town house to freshen up for their big adventure. Mini moved excitedly in the trailer as she knew she was going to a show. The trip to Bozeman was exciting as Cayleen and Mom talked about their plans. When they arrived, Bobbie and Rissa were there to meet them. They unloaded Mini and as they led her to her stall. She gently whinnied and nuzzled Rissa; she was greeting and looking for a treat. Rissa gave her a treat and hugged her as she commented about how sleek and pretty she looked. Cayleen was proud that Rissa thought she was treating Mini well. Rissa and her Mom spent about an hour sharing ideas and suggestions for the following day. As they parted for the night, Cayleen and her Mom made one last check on Mini, they freshened her water and filled the manger with clean bright hay.

The morning was bright and cool as Cayleen and her Mom drove to the fairgrounds. When they arrived Rissa and her mom were there with two beautiful show horses. Rissa tied her horse to the trailer as she and Cayleen headed to the stable to get Mini. The Moms stayed back and visited as this was show day and it was time for Cayleen to be mentored by Rissa. Mini pranced in place as she knew it was show day. She remembered many shows before where she and Rissa had won. Rissa held the gate and offered suggestions as Cayleen brushed Mini and put on the blanket and saddle. Rissa smiled as she admired Cayleen’s saddle with it’s quaint country charm. She knew that Cayleen would ride well and the judge would appreciate her skill and confidence. She also knew that the appearance of the tack would often leave an impression on the Judge. As they led Mini to the trailer, Rissa walked into the tack room and brought out a beautiful silver show saddle. She offered to let Cayleen use the saddle for this horse show. Cayleen shivered with excitement as she admired all the beautiful silver overlaying exquisite hand tooled leather. Rissa returned to the trailer tack room and appeared with a gorgeous matching bridle. Cayleen squealed with delight and hugged Rissa. They changed the saddle and bridle and put Cayleen’s tack, safely back in the pickup. Mini shimmered beneath the silver saddle as Cayleen mounted up to practice the patterns. Rissa offered suggestions and ideas as Mini changed leads and gaits. Every suggestion brought out championship performance from Mini. Rissa was an incredible teacher and mentor and Cayleen felt like she was already a champion.   

The Show was a wonderful experience as each event began with a senior division, where Cayleen was able to see how Rissa and Bobbie rode and competed. Cayleen watched closely as Rissa and her Mom precisely showed in each event. As the ribbons and awards were being presented to the winners, Cayleen smiled as she saw Rissa and her Mom win the top two ribbons. As Cayleen mounted up and rode into the arena for her first event, she saw her Daddy and their neighbor Pete, sitting in the front row of the bleachers. She arched her back, checked the position of her reining hand and looked their way, flashing them a bright smile. Pete was the best old time Cowboy in the County and her Mom’s Hero. Cayleen was so proud that Daddy had brought Pete; she rode with more confidence than ever. Rissa stood on the oust side of the arena fence and each time Cayleen and Mini circled the arena she would smile and give them a thumbs up. As the Announcer placed the competitors for ribbons, Cayleen shook with excitement as she and Mini were called to the winners square. The Arena Steward handed her a beautiful purple Rosette as the Judge reached out to shake her hand. Cameras flashed and Daddy stood in the bleachers throwing her kisses. As she and Mini made a champions lap around the arena, people stood and cheered. She rode from the arena and dismounted, Mom and Dad hugged her and Pete shook her hand. Pete smiled, with a bright twinkle in his eyes, as he told Cayleen she was a champion, just like her Mom. The day just got better and better as each event unfurled with more beautiful ribbons and prizes. Rissa or her Mom would win the senior division and Cayleen was victorious in the junior events. There were only two events left, Reigning and Trail. Reining was a very tough event and only two of the junior competitors had entered. Reining is an event where the rider must memorize a pattern and be able to perfectly execute each of the turns and lead changes. The first girl rode with incredible accuracy and only failed to complete two lead changes. As Cayleen and Mini entered the arena they were motivated by earlier successes. Each turn was performed crisply and clean and each lead change flowed with precision. Finally as they rounded the final turn of the last figure eight, Cayleen failed to cue Mini for the lead change. She hoped the Judge hadn’t noticed and Rissa whispered, “Don’t worry about it” as she rode by. As they lined up in the center of the arena, Cayleen’s heart was beating fast. The judge commented about how impressed she was with these two outstanding young ladies. She added that the reining event was the most challenging and once again congratulated both of them. As the Judge announced the winner, the Arena Steward brought the Purple rosette to Cayleen and Mini. They had missed one lead change but the other girl had missed two. As they rode the victory lap, Daddy jumped from his seat and cheered and blew her kisses with both hands. As they left the arena they were greeted by Rissa and her Mom. Rissa and Bobbie hugged Cayleen and Mini and reminded them there was only one event to go.

The final contest of the show was the Trail event. Cayleen was excited as this was her favorite. This event required the rider to open and close a gate, while mounted. The next phase was to ride over a wooden bridge. Next the rider would cross a blue tarp that was supposed to simulate crossing a stream. As the rider went on, he or she must step over a pole and side step to the end of it, gently sidestep back the full length of the pole and ride on to a coat hanging on a post. The rider must ride up to the post, grab the jacket and drag it over their horses head and put the jacket back on the post. The final phase of the trail event was to ride up to a mailbox, open it and pull out a letter, and ride a lap around the arena to the finish line. The senior division was exciting as many of the competitors were riding high spirited horses that were new to this event. One horse nearly bucked the rider off, rather than cross the blue tarp. Several horses did not want to approach the coat on the post and were really excited if the coat was dragged over their head. As the junior event began Cayleen and Mini watched the other competitors closely. Most of the horses were well trained for this event but they were very slow. One girl, riding a very high strung Arabian, gave quite a performance as the horse shied away from the blue tarp and the coat. As Mini and Cayleen entered the arena everything went like clockwork. Mini sidestepped beautifully as Cayleen opened and closed the gate. Mini quickly passed over the bridge and easily trotted across the blue tarp. The side pass on the pole was beautiful and precise as Cayleen swiftly cued Mini with her toes and heels. As they approached the coat on the post Cayleen easily reached out grabbed the coat and swept it swiftly over Mini’s head. Mini stood quietly as Cayleen hung the coat and they proceeded to the Mailbox. As Cayleen pulled the letter from the box and closed the door, Mini sprang to life as she loped around the arena to the finish line. The crowd stood and cheered wildly as this champion mare and her tiny rider finished the event in record time. As the final awards were presented, Cayleen and Mini were once again called to the winners square for the Champion Rosette. Cameras flashed and the crowd surrounded the champions to offer congratulations. Rissa stood beside Mini and Cayleen as Daddy flashed Pictures of this Champion team.

Cayleens family gathered up all the prizes and ribbons, cleaned Mini’s stall and loaded for the trip home. Cayleen hugged Rissa and Bobbie as they carefully returned the beautiful silver saddle and bridle to the tack room in the trailer. Mom and Daddy hugged
Rissa and thanked her parents for all their wonderful support. Rissa’s Dad tipped his hat to Cayleen as he praised her for the wonderful job she was doing with Mini. As Mom and Pete Climbed into the Suburban, Cayleen Jumped into the seat of the pickup with her Daddy. She softly kissed his cheek, fastened her seat belt and cuddled close for the long ride home.