From Racehorse to Western Roper

I took Yada to a clinic at Eastridge Stables in Charleston, ME and we had a blast! We only had one issue: Yada still doesn't like to load on the trailer. Not even peppermints got her on to head home! I did get some help from a clinician and looks like something I can try and can do by myself! YAY!

I went to the clinics Saturday and today (Sunday). On Saturday I worked on natural horsemanship with Elijah Moore and learned a lot that I can do with Yada! I even found some great tricks for trail rides if I run into any issues! We even learned how to do a one-rein stop! That would have been helpful to know the first time I rode western and dropped one of my split reins... we just kept spinning and spinning. Now Yada knows how to stop! ... mostly. After all of that, I also learned how to rope from the ground! I never knew how to rope before!

I got more roping practice in this morning with Ernest Garcia before my lesson with Gail McCormack. I learned a lot of good tips about roping! After roping and lunch was my lesson with Gail. I learned a lot about getting Yada to accept the bit and we worked on leg yields! Yada hasn't been that great at leg yielding or accepting the bit but now I have lots of homework to do! After my lesson, Ernest worked with Yada to see how she would react to roping! She didn't care whatsoever so I hopped on and started roping a barrel from her back! I got 6 "catches"! Yada did such an awesome job! I'm so proud of her. She is such a great girl! If you had asked me two days ago if I would ever rope from my horse's back, I would have said "No way!" but I decided to try and we did great! Ernest even said that Yada acted like she was in her teens and was surprised that she was so calm, especially for a Thoroughbred!

This clinic was worth every penny! Not only did I learn a lot, but I also met a lot of great and new people! However, there is one thing I did learn... I might like western a little better with a more comfortable saddle... and stirrups that weren't a little too long. At least I have a lot of things to work on this summer with Yada!