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Description

Horse Name and Ref: HHR Dust to Dust
Horse Age: 16 years
Rider Name: Michael Kim
Rider Age: 30
Class(es) Entering: Mounted Shooting

Placing: 1st (Proof )

Extra: Getting Older

Story (521 words):
It had been a while since the last show Dusty had been in. The stallion had had a mild stifle injury a couple years back, and Michael had been careful in starting him back into work. Dusty was one special horse to him, the first he ever gentled, and they'd spent the last ten years together. He was finally back to the point where he was holding his own, and the vets and physiotherapist he had been working with gave him their seal of approval. When Michael had seen mounted shooting was on the docket for the Rodeo in the Rockies event, he decided to bring him along. He had hoped to give the stallion some more show experience before retiring him anyway. While he liked winning, obviously, he also didn't mind taking it at a slightly slower pace to let it be easier on his horse. Dusty had always thrived on breakneck speed and agile turns, but he was finding that the horse was content with less acrobatics now as he was getting older.
The morning of the show, after helping Harper and Stealer get set up for the day, he turned his attention to his own horse. Dusty didn't seem like he had been off the show circuit for a couple of years. In fact, he was excited and confident, but with the quiet calmness that Michael had learned to expect from him. He got a thorough grooming, complete with chalk on his white markings to make them stand out well against his black coat. He went through their daily massage and stretching routine, making sure to warm up his muscles gradually and well before their event. Then, they rode around the grounds at a walk for about half an hour before trotting a bit. Dusty was moving well today, and Michael was thrilled to be competing with him again.
It wasn't long before they were lining up alongside the arena to wait their turn. The competition had showed up ready to win, and Michael and Dusty were ready to give them a run for their money. When it was their turn, Michael didn't push Dusty too hard, letting him move at a slower pace. However, as they rounded the corner toward the second target, the stallion began to fall into a faster pace. Michael moved with him as if they were one creature, keeping low over the horse's center of gravity. One more turn, then it was down the centerline to get the last two targets. After the last balloon popped, Dusty began to pull up. He was breathing a bit hard, but snorted happily as they trotted toward the gate.
Michael twisted in the saddle to look at their time, then grinned. That was significantly better than he had dared hope for on their first try after the break. He leaned down and rubbed the stallion's neck with enthusiasm. Emmy and Lizzie greeted them outside the arena, Lizzie, by throwing her arms around Dusty's neck and leaning into his chest. Emmy kissed his muzzle before stepping over to kiss her fiance. Win or lose, they were happy.

Reference:
Pinterest

Description

Horse Name and Ref: HHR Dust to Dust
Horse Age: 16 years
Rider Name: Michael Kim
Rider Age: 30
Class(es) Entering: Mounted Shooting

Placing: 1st (Proof )

Extra: Getting Older

Story (521 words):
It had been a while since the last show Dusty had been in. The stallion had had a mild stifle injury a couple years back, and Michael had been careful in starting him back into work. Dusty was one special horse to him, the first he ever gentled, and they'd spent the last ten years together. He was finally back to the point where he was holding his own, and the vets and physiotherapist he had been working with gave him their seal of approval. When Michael had seen mounted shooting was on the docket for the Rodeo in the Rockies event, he decided to bring him along. He had hoped to give the stallion some more show experience before retiring him anyway. While he liked winning, obviously, he also didn't mind taking it at a slightly slower pace to let it be easier on his horse. Dusty had always thrived on breakneck speed and agile turns, but he was finding that the horse was content with less acrobatics now as he was getting older.
The morning of the show, after helping Harper and Stealer get set up for the day, he turned his attention to his own horse. Dusty didn't seem like he had been off the show circuit for a couple of years. In fact, he was excited and confident, but with the quiet calmness that Michael had learned to expect from him. He got a thorough grooming, complete with chalk on his white markings to make them stand out well against his black coat. He went through their daily massage and stretching routine, making sure to warm up his muscles gradually and well before their event. Then, they rode around the grounds at a walk for about half an hour before trotting a bit. Dusty was moving well today, and Michael was thrilled to be competing with him again.
It wasn't long before they were lining up alongside the arena to wait their turn. The competition had showed up ready to win, and Michael and Dusty were ready to give them a run for their money. When it was their turn, Michael didn't push Dusty too hard, letting him move at a slower pace. However, as they rounded the corner toward the second target, the stallion began to fall into a faster pace. Michael moved with him as if they were one creature, keeping low over the horse's center of gravity. One more turn, then it was down the centerline to get the last two targets. After the last balloon popped, Dusty began to pull up. He was breathing a bit hard, but snorted happily as they trotted toward the gate.
Michael twisted in the saddle to look at their time, then grinned. That was significantly better than he had dared hope for on their first try after the break. He leaned down and rubbed the stallion's neck with enthusiasm. Emmy and Lizzie greeted them outside the arena, Lizzie, by throwing her arms around Dusty's neck and leaning into his chest. Emmy kissed his muzzle before stepping over to kiss her fiance. Win or lose, they were happy.

Reference:
Pinterest