On Friday Phoenix got to visit an elementary school for the day! We had a little trouble loading (she flipped over and ran off) but with some persuasion she hopped onto the trailer. When we got to the school grounds Phoenix was super interested in everything so I walked her around and lunged her. After getting used to the screaming, running around children on the playground a little ways off she settled down. For the first few rotations I had to leave Phoenix tied up to the trailer away from the kids because she was being too dangerous due to being bored of standing still (pawing, head butting, etc.), so I got to teach the kids about saddles and headstalls. It was awesome getting to interact with the kids and help them onto a saddle. I loved teaching and it was even better when Phoenix finally relaxed and was able to have her own mob of adoring children. Afterwards Melissa drove us home and Phoenix just hopped into the trailer like she was ready to go home.
The next morning we had to be at the 4h grounds at 7am for the show, so we picked up Phoenix bright and early (she loaded way better this morning) and headed out to the fairgrounds. She was a little pushy while brushing her but she calmed down while I put on her protective boots and tack. I walked her into the rodeo arena and then made her stand still while I mounted (took a few times). We walked around and adjusted to everything, Phoenix got a few excited bursts out. We trotted a little and sniffed all of the scary neon signs. I wanted more time to warm up but that was all we got so we loped out of the arena to get some running in and then of course we were first up for senior barrels.
Our run was ok but I was still disappointed with it. It was 2 seconds slower than last show and I was too nervous to turn with one hand, causing my turns to be to wide. Phoenix was bracing a little but overall it wasn't too bad. We ended up with a 26 and we placed 2nd. Our pole run was the fastest we've ever earned, a 34, and I was super proud of Phoenix even though she went faster than I wanted. With poles, if you can't get them to slow down then you have to go with them or you will knock poles. She braced a lot at the run up the poles (as evident in the video) but she did pretty well during the pattern.
After poles I untacked Phoenix and loaded her in with all her tack on so we could quickly get to YPBRA. We learned that the trailer divider comes out if you pull up the rusted pins and hit the board out sideways. Since the trailer was wider on the inside without the divider, when I unhooked Phoenix's halter she turned around and jumped and bucked out of the trailer. She was already tacked up so I just put on her headstall and we walked around till it was our turn to race. We trotted and loped a few circles right before our turn and then we head into the arena. We trotted a circle and then went for it.
I let Phoenix out more than last time but I still held her back and slowed her for the turns. Our first turn wasn't too bad and our 2nd turn added a lot of time. The last turn was pretty good and of course we can run home haha. We got a 22 and won 1st place in E barrels, so we will be running in D at the next race.
We didn't do too well during poles. Phoenix started off ok and we rocked the first turn but then she picked up too much speed to fast and I couldn't turn her fast enough. I tried to get her to slow but she braced and ran through the bit. We ended up breaking pattern and getting disqualified but we finished it out and will be working on it. We will be considering a tie down but I'm still not convinced that Phoenix needs one so we'll see.
Overall, it was a good day and some good runs. Phoenix and I have a lot to work on but we have also improved a lot. We will compare it to the next show and see if we improve.
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