Cross Country

This morning, I went to watch some friends ride cross country at a pace held to raise funds for the Bijou Springs Hunt. I don’t usually like to post more than one photo a day, but didn’t want to leave anyone out. (Unfortunately, there was only one place I could get a clear shot of them jumping.) They rode as a threesome, and came in third in their division.

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Sassy, an eighteen year old Thoroughbred mare who belongs to my trainer, was ridden by A. Sassy led most of the way during the pace. Most of Sassy’s experience has been in the hunter/jumper ring, so cross country is a new experience for her.

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Major, a fifteen year old Percheron cross, was ridden by his owner, ME. As the most experienced cross country horse, Major stayed behind unless required to give the less experienced horses a lead over the jump. (Major is my favorite horse that I don’t actually own.)

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Holly, a seven year old mustang cross, was ridden by her owner, L. Holly doesn’t have much experience doing cross country, but seems to think a five minute trip over jumps a much better deal than eight hour long trail rides through the mountains.

Candid

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More comical than anything else, but at least Lily had her ears forward. She was probably expecting a treat at the time.

Gift

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A friend gave these to me for my birthday, expecting I would be so horrified I would give them back. I don’t imagine, between the UV and the wind, they can last for more than a season.