Horsin' Around

Sydney

Unlike this weekend which has been cool, rainy and dreary, last weekend was gorgeous. I broke away from the usual Saturday cleaning and laundry routine for a couple of hours and drove to Jefferson (near Cambridge) to the county fairgrounds. My good friends, Dan and Jill, had been inviting me for quite awhile to attend a horseshow competition that their oldest daughter, Sydney, participates in. Syd is also one of my students, so I know her fairly well and I really wanted to come out and watch her do what she loves and is always talking about!

The guys in the white cowboy hats were 2 of the judges.

Syd all gussied-up

I was not disappointed. The event itself lasted the whole weekend, but I only attended the Saturday afternoon portion. I was immediately awed by the beautiful horses and their varied riders. This show had both the traditional English riding and the more "laid back" Western riding. The English riding competition was just wrapping-up when I arrived, and I didn't watch those riders as I wanted to locate my friends before I missed Syd compete.

Little Danielle was pleased to sit on a saddle.

Dan and Jill had their hands full. Besides keeping an eye on their 2 younger children (Billy is 6 and Danielle is about 18 months old) and helping Syd get ready for her showing, they also brought their 8-week old Weimaraner puppy, Millie. What a pretty girl she is! She spent quite a bit of time napping under a picnic table during the warm afternoon.

Jill cuddles with her new baby Billy chasing after Millie

Syd did great! I am so impressed with how comfortable she looks on such a big animal. I don't know if I could ever feel that at ease! It was really neat seeing her ride and winning some ribbons as well.

I really enjoyed being outside and watching all of the people who were competing, judging and just observing. Although Syd and the other girls looked stunning in their fancy, bright colored and sequined shirts and gear, I couldn't help but be charmed by the little "cowboys" in the competition. It was like being out at some ranch in Montana...very cute.

It was a windy day and with the horses walking around, kicking up dust, this little guy was trying to keep his eyes clear.

I altered this photo to give it a more "antique western feel".

Last Sunday was a lovely day and we spent it by going to our friends' house to look at those adorable Llewellin setter pups that are now 6 weeks old (the pictures show them at 5 weeks). Don't worry, Mark and I ARE NOT going to get another dog, but we sure enjoy holding and playing with those little rascally sweeties. Incidentally, the litter is comprised of 11 puppies...so if anyone is interested...let me know!

We promise to be very, very good!

We also spent a large portion of the afternoon hanging out at "the gardens" of the downtown Great Dane, which is probably the best-known brewpub in Madison. There are 3 in Madison and they apparently just opened one in Wausau as well. Mark used to manage the flagship downtown Dane before he opened Morels; they have done very well over the years and we are very happy about that. We still feel connected to it because of Mark's history with it and because we have several good friends who work there. Anyway, we had a lazy, enjoyable afternoon hanging out with Greg and Renee and our friends Joe, Chico, Loralee, Dave, Mani and Baby Presley. Renee holding Presley, with Loralee and ManiMani and her first baby, Presley