I’ve always had a lifelong passion for showing horses
and after watching the exhibitors at the show, I decided showing Miniatures was going to be my next
equestrian adventure. That winter, we arranged
to have Hershey sent to Cassidy’s Drive ‘Em Wild
Ranch for training. At this point, the “mini bug” had
bit us hard. After a few months of lessons, Cassidy
decided I needed a true all-around horse and she arranged the purchase of Daysprings First Light, known
as “Blondie.” This mare is by far, the sweetest, kindest, most energetic mare I have ever owned. While
many people don’t care for mares, I truly enjoy their
temperaments and sassiness. She can go from a sedate
halter obstacle horse, to a raging Roadster horse, back
to a calm precise showmanship horse in the blink of
an eye. Our styles clicked, we hit the ground running
and haven’t looked back! (Can you tell how much I
love my “blonde woman”?)
My husband Paul has joined in on the challenge of
showing Miniatures. Cassidy has been training his
gelding, H Bar DS Double Vision, in all-around so
we can practice and show together. Paul and I love
competing against each other. (as long as I beat him!)
We show in an average of 9 classes each with our allaround horses. Paul and I travel to Cassidy’s in Reno
frequently for lessons and sometimes we do the marathon day—7 hours driving and 4-5 hour lessons!
My favorite classes are Showmanship and Halter Obstacle. Most
of the in-hand classes are very similar to the Quarter horse events,
just from a different perspective. I enjoy individual pattern classes
that demonstrate if you are well prepared. The challenge of learning your pattern and then executing it with precision is a true
high for me. It’s a matter of precise timing and knowing your
horse inside and out that make the difference between winning
and losing. I’m very competitive and thrive off of the challenge of
showing. I’m my own worst critic and constantly strive to improve
my performance, sometimes much to the dismay of my husband,
family, friends, and strangers when I’m up at 3 a.m. studying my
patterns for the day ahead.
However, driving is a new game for me, one that I really enjoy and want to improve on. My biggest difficulty with driving
minis is finding that correct speed that shows my horse at their
best. Not fast enough, too fast, perfect.....how’s a girl to know
what’s right? With this said another true highlight for 2015 was
winning World Champion Amateur Country Pleasure Driving
Level 1, with our third mini, Sweet Revenge.
Both Paul and I would not have been as successful in the Miniature horse world without the guidance of our trainer Cassidy
Blanton and the support of her parents, Chris and Madelyn.
Showing is truly a team effort from every angle and we are
proud to be part of such a great one.
Continued on next page
D E C E M B E R 2015
Miniature Horse World 29