Roy & Trigger / Al & Marshmallow

I couldn't help it.... this is just cute!

See Roy climbed up on his neck?  I don't even really see the reins, ... he has them right up high, and letting that horse run!

Just about the same here.  You can see the reins, but he's not pulling, he is leaning forward, saying "It's ok to run!"

Nice loose reins here too... getting ready to run.  They've just walked in the gate to start the pole bending at the Bruneau Junior Rodeo

Marshmallow has a knack for going about as fast as her rider 'really' wants to go.  Horses are pretty wise that way, and some are better than others.  Some don't care, and some take advantage ... some are careful and compassionate.  Marshmallow is one of those.  This golden Palomino is worth her weight in gold, literally.  She is 3 years old, and gentle beyond her years.  In these photos, she has literally NEVER seen poles for pole bending.  And you can see her curious look, as if "what are we going to do with these?"

Pictures like this are some of my favorites.  Al is doing her "Kissy Face" telling Marshmallow "GO!" and she's coming up on her neck, loose flopping reins, and feet in front to steady herself.  This is a great pictures of confidence in both horse and rider in one another.

I'm proud of how they did.  No where near the fastest time, but a good time was had by both.  Next time will only be better. 

In these next pictures, they are about to do their first "Goat Tying" ever.  Neither have done it, but Al has assured me she knows how to.  What I do know, is that I can trust Marshmallow to be steady.

Goat Tying is a speed event where you run to the Goat, do as quick a dismount as possible, and tie the goat so he can't move.  This is the way young ones practice for Calves later.  Now Marshmallow has never  had anyone get off while at a gallop.... I'm sure that caused her a bit of concern.  See her right ear flicked back?  That is her thinking.... "uh.... wait a minute...... what should I do?"

(this photo compliments of Evan Miller)

Notice also, Al's complete confidence in her horse?  Loose Reins, and she's is bailing off

Here Marshmallow can't help herself, she has slowed down to protect the innocent, and what she probably feels is folly ...and I love how Al's eye is on her target....the goat

This is their first Goat Tie experience.   See Marshmallow's legs?  She is waiting to see what is happening next.  Lots of the horses take off when they find themselves free.  But she loves Al, and has nothing better to do.

Typically, I'd say, "Never get on without some hold on the reins, just in case"  But again, there is a lot of trust here, and it's hard when you're short, and getting on by yourself.  So Marshmallow just waits. 

Gotta love a Flaxen mane and tale.  On both girl  and horse!

Al decided to ride a steer this year.  I really did not approve, but I'm not really one to try to control  (some things)

While in the chutes, Al was petting her steer and thinking how gentle and sweet it was.  She didn't realize that once that gate opened, he was going to buck her off.  She just didn't realize....

The gate opens

And she is bucked off.  She wasn't holding that rope near tight enough!  He was gentle, remember?

She hovers around in the proximity of his back for awhile

a very little while

But here she knows she's off

One of the most amazing things about this young girl, that I'm constantly amazed by, is her athletic ability. 

She was BUCKED OFF!  and like a cat, she lands on her feet.  You can't teach that.  They either have it or not.  Some day, she will get bucked off a horse, and I can only hope this happens.

I can't help bragging on my kids!