Easter Sunday was spent attending the Young Stock Show at Gatton with Rebel and Duchess in their very first show outing. Sadly Duchess’s cut hock swelled just before her event so we had to scratch her which meant Rebel was on his own for the big walk. He was totally spooked to be leaving Duchess, the vista before him of puddles, mud, drizzle, cars and people had his little eyes bugging out of his head and there were moments where I thought I was going to lose control with his rearing, spinning about flicking his back hooves at sounds and things he didn’t understand…. but once he caught sight of other horses waiting for their events to start, he calmed. However the expended energy just getting to the arena sapped most of his energy and he was all but asleep by the time his event was finally called.

He was 1st in the under 1yr Heavy Horse event (only heavy foal at show), 2nd in the Best Presented Heavy (out of 3) and finally, Reserve champion Heavy horse at show (out of 4). Looking back at photos he stood well and despite needing the judge to trail him to get a trot happening, he handled the whole day far better than expected. In regards to presentation, we have a lot of work to do. A nice halter is first on the list with accessories for us a must for future events. The photos really look plain compared to the other presented horses. But it was also great to go home…. Duchess was so happy to see Rebel back from the arena and once we were packed, back on the truck and home the pair of them were so exhausted they just flopped in the yard and slept till dinner time with a bewildered Pearl on guard.

 
Since this momentous event I’ve managed to pass my MR license so we can finally travel without having to find a caretaker driver and this weekend I drive the trailer out to Gatton so see if I can park it by myself in preparation for the Clydesdale Heavy Horse Field Day next weekend. This will be a 3 day adventure for only Pearl and Rebel as Duchess’s hock is still not fully recovered and our first attempt at camping in the trailer so we’ll see what we haven’t thought of come night one.

Still unemployed but hoping for a call back next week – fingers crossed and remaining crossed for Pearl too as she is due for her 45 day scan 5th May and we’re still confident she is pregnant. Sad news with Brisbane Royal only hosting 3 classes for the Shires (Gelding, Mare, and Stallion) with all of them over 2yrs which excludes Rebel and leaves us eligible only for the Mare class. A lot of effort for one class, fees, fuel, time and preparation and as I am also unemployed we just can’t justify this outlay, so we won’t be going this year. We will see how Esk is looking once we’ve got to the other side of the CHHFD event. I’m excited about preparing for these shows but the time involved for such a short event is bordering on the insane….. Not sure how we’ll fare at the next one but you gotta be in it to win it haven’t ya… J