08/10/2024
Alright FB friends, we need a little help. We've tried. But we simply cannot decide. Is Miles cuter Hunt or Western? And before you try to choose based on the photos, we should tell you the WHOLE story!
This was Miles' first time showing in a big-boy (weighted) curb bit. We tried this bit on him a few years ago. It did not go well. So we switched to a lighter, more forgivable bit. And we switched it again. And we switched it again. And...seriously, I've lost count how many bits we've tried. The consensus at the start of the season was that he was all done showing Western. He had been ridden Hunt at home by several of our riders and had been SO much happier - light, responsive, confident. But as we prepared for this last show, Josie developed an idea. She decided to forgo her Hunt classes (to give our younger riders a chance to show her delightful mare, Ariel) but wanted to take Miles in a Western class. Josie had never ridden Miles, but their first ride went flawlessly. And somehow...probably due to the extreme heat we were experiencing...we got brave enough to try that big boy bit again on their second (and final practice) ride. Miles was as solid and seasoned as could be! AND it transferred in the ring. He marched around that show arena like he had been doing this for years. Miracle...or Josie's quiet, confident hands and soft reassuring voice telling him that he's a GOOD boy...we can't say for certain. Soooo...totally Western, right?
Welllll...then this thing happened today. Back at home. Just toting our darling little Emma like a dutiful little unicorn. Hunt. And now...we're stumped. Again.
(Video in the comments).