Gigi - Race horse to Show horse!

In Fall 2011 Gigi began her new career as my show horse. We are registered with the Inland Empire Hunter Jumper association and went to our first show in October 2011. The show was held at Industry Hills Equestrian Center in Industry, CA in a large indoor arena. Though still a little out of shape, Gigi was a trooper. We showed in four under saddle classes (no jumping for us at this show). We managed to get a fourth and a sixth in two equitation classes. Gigi was a little excited in the arena, she was going so fast we basically lapped all the other ponies. Hopefully with more show experience she will get a little more calm and comfortable in the arena.

Our first show

Our second show was early December 2011 at Pepperglen Farms in Norco, CA. Gigi was better behaved at this show than the first show. We competed in the Green Rider division which included two jumping rounds and two flat classes. Gigi was still a little excited to be in the ring and was very quick in the flat classes but over all she did a great job. We managed to take home four second place ribbons and we were reserve champion in our division.

Tired after a long day!

One thing we will be working on is entering and exiting the arena at shows. Gigi goes in the ring fine the first time but she figures out that going in the arena means work! She had to follow other horses into the ring or be lead in by hand for the remainder of the day, which is very inconvenient for me as a rider. I don't like having to force her to go into the arena but I also don't want to keep the judge waiting!!!

Since our last show, Gigi got a long break from training through the holidays. My new goal is to work her at least five days a week to gear up for the next show at the end of March. Also, we are beginning lessons with my trainer starting this week, which will hopefully help a lot with jumping! I purchased a new video camera to film practices and shows to study what we look like to the judge. Videos and pictures to be posted soon!

Copyright Benoit Photo

Speaking of pictures, I contacted the track photographer who shoots races at all the local race tracks. I ordered 8x10 photos of Gigi in the winner circle. It took awhile for the photographer to get back to me on the prices and availability of the photos but I just heard today that they are ready to be shipped! I will be getting those sometime this week!