Speedy G is great at shows: he's sensible, friendly, and pretty willing to do what is asked of him. I think he thrives on both having my undivided attention as well as the novelty of being at a show facility. He finds it all stimulating and interesting. Back at home, he's a horse of a different color. He's easily bored and is very vocal about the lack of excitement and amusement.
And then there is Sydney, who is trying his heart out to be my Steady Eddy. Sydney tries his hardest each day. If he's bored by the repetition, he never says a word. He just goes where I point him and tries to figure out what I am asking for. He doesn't volunteer anything extra, but he does his job without complaint.
I've only taken Sydney to two shows and two ride-a-test events. He wasn't nearly as sensible as Speedy is, but none of the outings were disastrous either. He'll be going to the first of the Tehachapi shows at the end of the month where I hope he'll show me some of the steadiness he has learned.
I am not sure which personality is better: bored at home but dependable at a show; or calm and steady in my own arena but tense and nervous away from the barn. I suppose the answer is to change up Speedy's routine to eliminate his boredom and get Sydney to more events to ho-hum him to the activity at shows.
I wish I could just squish them into one super horse that is dependable at shows and happy to work at home. It would sure be a lot cheaper!
And then there is Sydney, who is trying his heart out to be my Steady Eddy. Sydney tries his hardest each day. If he's bored by the repetition, he never says a word. He just goes where I point him and tries to figure out what I am asking for. He doesn't volunteer anything extra, but he does his job without complaint.
I've only taken Sydney to two shows and two ride-a-test events. He wasn't nearly as sensible as Speedy is, but none of the outings were disastrous either. He'll be going to the first of the Tehachapi shows at the end of the month where I hope he'll show me some of the steadiness he has learned.
I am not sure which personality is better: bored at home but dependable at a show; or calm and steady in my own arena but tense and nervous away from the barn. I suppose the answer is to change up Speedy's routine to eliminate his boredom and get Sydney to more events to ho-hum him to the activity at shows.
I wish I could just squish them into one super horse that is dependable at shows and happy to work at home. It would sure be a lot cheaper!
