2009 Recap

My blog was named after my ever entertaining and lovable horse, Scout. When I purchased Scout, the only event I competed in for 1 year was Reining. Here's the text book definition:

Reining is a western riding competition for horses where the riders guide the horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops. All work is done at the lope (a slow, relaxed version of the horse gait more commonly known worldwide as the canter) and gallop; the fastest of the horse gaits. Reining is often described as a Western form of dressage riding, as it requires the horse to be responsive and in tune with its rider, whose aids should not be easily seen, and judges the horse on its ability to perform a set pattern of movements.

In 2009, I ventured to compete in several new events which included Working Cow Horse, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Stakes Race, and Working Ranch Horse. Between these 5 events and reining, Scout completed the 2009 show year as #12 in our region in all around competition.

I am the most proud of the following accomplishments:
#1 in the Nation: APHA Novice Amateur Pole Bending
#1 in the Nation: APHA Novice Amateur Stakes Race

#1 in Texas (PPHSS): Novice Amateur Reining
#1 in Texas (PPHSS): Novice Amateur Stakes Races
#2 in Texas (PPHSS): Novice Amateur Pole Bending
#2 in Texas(PPHSS): Novice Amateur Barrel Racing
#2 in Texas (PPHSS): Novice Amateur Limited Working Cow Horse
#2 in Texas (PPHSS): Novice Amateur Stock Horse Reining

APHA 2009 World Championship: Finalist Novice Amateur Reining (#14 in the World)

APHA 2009 World Championship: 5th Place Amateur Limited Working Cow Horse



It was a great year, and I feel so fortunate to have a horse as willing and versatile as Scout.

Our goals for 2010 include the hope for a World or Reserve title between the Pinto World Championship in Tulsa or Paint World Championship in Fort Worth this summer (both are held in June). I am also venturing out to compete in Trail, and we finished 4th out of 14 in our first trail class last night! Thanks to Derek for hauling us to all of our competitions (if you know horse shows, they take a lot of patience if you aren't the one riding!) :)

Bunny Antics

Derek and I both love dogs, but don't have a yard to share with a canine friend. As cozy as our condo is, it isn't the best set up for a dog (as we learned after 1 month of dog sitting an adorable Boston Terrier). However, I love animals, and really miss having a house pet (Scout the horse doesn't count in my view of pets!)

The day before Halloween a small baby bunny caught my eye at Russell's Feed Store in Benbrook. The tiny ball of fur with large ears was nestled in the cashier's hoodie sweatshirt just enjoying the attention from the stock clerks and scattered customers. I asked if the baby bunny was for sale. The simple answer of "Yes, $30 dollars" was all I needed to hear. Alas, I realized that our next pet would be a rabbit! Well, in my mind at least, but I had to convince Derek. The next day I brought Derek back to the store to meet said rabbit and was anxious to be sure no one else had bought my future pet. Luckily, she was still there hanging out with one sibling in her cage. And, luckily, Derek liked her because of her outgoing nature. She REALLY likes to be petted.




So after a Wabbitat cage (very clever marketing), water bottle, food, toys, and shavings were purchased, we were out the door with our new fur ball. We decided to name her Boo since we got her right before Halloween.

We both love Boo. She stays in her cage while we are at work, but she loves to come out and play when we are home in the evenings. It works out well since rabbits active periods are sunrise and sunset. Boo is 100% litter box trained. I must brag because she has never had an accident on our floor. Boo has learned 'no' (kind of) and 'come here' and I feel somewhat confident she knows her name. The one thing she does know is the crinkle of the packaging for her yogurt treats. We taught her a little trick every time she hears the plastic rustle from the bag...

Weekend Getaway

Derek and I made a spontaneous decision to drive to Fredericksburg this weekend for a change of pace. We had an easy drive there and back (easy for me because I didn't drive)! We went with our friends Ioana and Ryan and had fun walking and shopping on Main Street, wine tasting at Becker Vineyards, and spending a lot of time at the Nimitz Museum.

My Grandpa Long served in the Navy in World War II, and there is a plaque in his honor at the museum. I was really happy to have a chance to see the plaque first hand. The picture is from 1944 when he briefly came back stateside to see my Grandma, before returning to his ship in the Pacific.



The museum in Fredericksburg is truly a hidden treasure. In addition to the Nimitz Museum, there is a Pacific War Museum, Presidential Plaza, and the new Bush Galleries that would take at least 2 days to experience in full. It's well worth the drive from DFW.

Since we were in a German settled town, we felt compelled to eat authentic German food for dinner. I was more impressed with the schnitzel this time than I was last time I tried it at age 13 or so! :) However, I'm still not a cabbage fan....