2018 Miniature Horse World Magazine SPRING, Volume 34, Number 2 | Page 44

1000 hours - Blue Blazes Dancer and Alexann Rahimi  Blue Blazes Dancer and I normally compete at our local 4-H show, but this past year we had the chance to attend the Old Dominion Miniature Horse Club’s Spring Thaw Show. Dancer and I had both attended breed shows before, but not as a team. Because of Dancer’s versatility we show in just about every class--halter, driving, obstacle, and jumping. The biggest surprise was when we placed 1st in a large Amateur Halter Obstacle class. She normally does well, but there were some really tough competitors entered. I am so proud of her. This year we are staying at the local shows and focusing on winning some of the year end high point awards in the Miniature Horse Division.  500 Hours - Pleasant Views Morning Star and Bonnie Youngblood Pleasant Views Morning Star came home to me at 4 months of age.  Grooming, hoof and leg desensitizing, and trailer loading is where I began with her.  As she became comfortable with me leading at walk, trot and whoa I began setting up square with her next.  Lots of time was spent desensitizing her to clippers and various obstacles.  We also worked with YHQ, YFQ, backing up and ground tying.  May 12th, 2017 Star took her first 2 hour trailer ride to show at a breed show.  She placed 6th in her yearling halter class.  She was the only miniature horse among 20+ horses.  She came home with a pretty bright green ribbon! Star has been very busy while accumulating her first 500 hours. In her very first show season, she earned a Reserve Champion ribbon in the Yearling Halter class.  We walked in the Lexington Independence Day Parade where she was dressed as fireworks.  And what a thrill it was when she was awarded a 1st and a 2nd Place ribbon in halter obstacle at another show in July (as a yearling competing against well seasoned horses). Dressed as an elf in the Lexington Old Fashioned Christmas Horse Parade, Star and her stable mate, Zoar, earned  a 2nd Place ribbon.  She finished out 2017 by participating in a National Holiday Video contest for LaForce Door Company.  Star and Zoar were a success and won the contest for the Troy, Michigan location.  We love our Miniature horses and they are keeping us healthy and happy in our retirement! 42 Miniature Horse World SPRING 2018