The Life of Riley, part 1 (end of winter!)

Since Saturday was the last day before this year's early start of daylight savings time, I designated it as the Unofficial End of Winter, and celebrated by taking my Quarter Horse gelding, Riley to a local horse show. (Riley's real name is All American Choice--note his American-themed horse blanket hanging over nearby stall door.)

Ordinarily, I don't go to horse shows unless I'm figuring on being competitive--which we aren't at this point. He's green, and I'm rusty. Not a good combination if points and ribbons are your objective.

But this time, all I really wanted to do was get out and ride my horse in a different place than home--one with more riding areas, different footing, unfamiliar horses (always a challenge for the equine brain), and some people to talk to other than myself. There's a lot to be said for just going out and spending a day somewhere with your horse, and for going to the trouble of getting him spiffed up, your tack cleaned and organized, and so forth. (Biggest challenge: Seeing if the chaps still zip!)

As a bonus for the good of the order, I got to support my local event by contributing some entry fees (and enthusiasm), and that's important to me these days. Because the way I see it, we can either sit back and bemoan the state of a horse industry in flux, or we can do something that adds up to some kind of active contribution.

Even if it's just to be points fodder for the other guys on a winter's-waning day in March.

Riley took the season's first trip to town well in stride--so much so that he was a real joy to me. He was curious but not spooky, green but willing to try. He earned my trust and confidence by offering up the same to me. If we just keep at it--which involves more DOING IT, instead of just sitting at home thinking about it--he'll get better at this public arena-work stuff, and I'll get my rusty spots sanded down and shined back up.

The life of Riley involves working steadily toward becoming a solid all-around using horse. Some days--show horse. Other days--trail horse, or photo-shoot model, or just the pal who lives in the barn.

Here's to the extra hour of daylight for doing all the above!