Saturday morning I drove to my trainer’s barn, helped load up for the Big Show and off we went down the road to Oklahoma City.  I was lucky in that I didn’t have to drive any (I offered but was declined…not sure if that is a testament to my driving or if everybody was in a good driving zone – I am guessing the “former”).  Instead I just tucked myself in the back of an extended cab truck and was able to sleep most of the way.  We stopped a few times for gas and to check the “kids” but we had an excellent drive and arrived in about 19 hours.  Once we got unloaded and ate, I was able to make myself a little more useful and organized the stalls while everybody else got some rest Sunday afternoon. 

I have to admit I was (and still am) very excited given that I actually have 2 horses showing this year. The last year I took my mare she injured herself before the show even started and was then off for the subsequent summer. I am so, so, so excited to see her come down the ramp and enter the coliseum! My 2 year old is also showing in hand and, although she was absolutely EXHAUSTED (she was falling asleep while trying to eat even 24 hours after she got there) she traveled well as did the other 4 horses we brought.

Due to my family obligations I hopped a plane Monday AM and flew back home. I am returning on Friday night to stay for the rest of the show. Before I left I was able to shoot some video to give everybody an idea what things look like early in the week. When I get back I will also get some footage to show the transformation that occurs in the barns by Friday. Barn 1 is always full of pretty cool decorations.

The video starts in Barn 1, followed by barn 3.  I then cross the street to show the new warm up rings and the other show ring.  The ending is the coliseum.   Hope you enjoy it.

i am looking to buy a dumb jockey, please contact me!

Okay, I discovered this website yesterday – love it! Question though, I see that several people who are looking for western clothing are requesting no Quarter Horse tops. What exactly is a Quarter Horse top so I know what not to buy? I feel like I’m always off with the fashion thing at the shows – perhaps I may be clueless. Currently I have a whole hobby horse ensemble – I thought it was expensive, but I think it’s actually cheap in comparison with some of these custom outfits I see. I hope to actually learn alot through this website – I’m an amatuer and have actually been showing since I was 14 (with Morgans) I can’t believe all of the things I still need to learn!!!!

What do you all think about training a western horse using a bumper bit? My current trainer seems to be big on them, but I was wondering if there were other (better) methods for creating a beautiful western headset? Tips please, tips.

Morgan Horse

This is my baby and I at the good ole’ fun show this year. It was our 2nd show – sad – but all I could afford this year . We had a blast and placed 1st in all but one class (we reserved in one championship to a worthy jr exhibitor).  The video is dark and Bob was a little naughty, but it was fun nonetheless!!! I hope to go to some big shows next summer maybe even a regional (gasp)!

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/0VKeKV1JlBg" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

Safe trip to all!!!  See you there!!! To colwilrin meet you at the bullriding place!! Looking forward too it!!!

[Update: The upgrade is completed and everything seems to be working correctly in Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Google Chrome browsers. The major change that you will see is in the dashboard area, after you are logged in to write a post (for those that use the "Quick Post", it won't look different). Things should work about the same. If you find anything that doesn't seem to be working properly, let me know by commenting to this post. With this upgrade, we'll start working on forums...]

Just to let everyone know, we will be working today on upgrading the blog software to prepare for introducing forums to AboveLevel.com. We have not upgraded the software before, so we are crossing our fingers that all goes well.

If you try to view the site at any time today and find that it is “messed up”, try back again in a little while.

If all goes well, we’ll be done later today. On the other hand, if we totally crash the blog, we’ll have to restore everything from backups …

With the Gaitkeeper.com website posting the class lists and entries for OKC, is there any specific classes that you have on your “must see list”?

 For those who are showing are you glad that there is a way to find out who you are showing against?

I have been wanting to see the live bull riding at the Rodeo Bar for the last 3 years.  No one from my barn has been up for it in the past, but this year I am going…dragging someone from my barn, kicking and screaming,  along.

So, I am going the first Saturday night of OKC.  I’d love to see a bunch of “Above-levelers” there.

I’ll be the tall blonde looking awkwardly northeasternish…probably drinking a Mic Ultra.

Reluctantly Offered:

MCG Secret Agent Man
(Futurity’s Macho Man x LPS Secret Affair)

“Absolutely Adorable” is the ONLY way to describe this 1999 Classic Pleasure gelding! An elegant 14.3 hand chestnut with star, “Sam” is graced with an expressive head, shapely neck, laid back shoulder and smooth topline. Sam’s pedigree is as gorgeous as he is, with Fleetwing, Vigilmarch, Trophy and Sealect of Windcrest all in the third generation.

In addition to his looks, this one is a trainer’s dream! Tons of charisma and a big motor make Sam a thrill for an experienced Amateur. Impeccable manners and a “crawl in your pocket” personality also make him a tremendous Walk Trot or Junior Exhibitor prospect. He rides and drives, is professionally trained, has a solid show record, and could be easily equitated.

If you prefer to point him towards the Hunter Pleasure division, Sam is quiet and confident in a snaffle and will go in a longer, lower frame when asked. Or, simply enjoy him on the trails.

Sound, sane and sensible, Sam is handled daily. Quiet for the vet/farrier/dentist, he is up-to-date on all health requirements. He lunges, clips, bathes and trailers with no issues.

A demanding job leaves Sam’s owner no time to do him justice, and he’s FAR too nice to sit in a coastal Maine pasture. So this gem is regretfully offered for sale… her loss could be your gain! Located in Warren, Maine, approximately 75 minutes north of Portland. Video, photos and papers available upon request to serious inquiries. $8,500.

Contact:

Paula Brown, Agent
Telephone: (207) 633-6083 evenings, 7-9 p.m. EST, or weekends
Email: Glorymorgan@yahoo.com