Pre-Barrel Racing

Well, not really barrel racing for me, but Jessica arranged a "Barrel Racing Series" where contestants will be horse racing for a period of six consecutive weeks. I rode Orion and Doodle Bug, but not really racing. I am becoming more fascinated with riding, but it is still kinda scary so I keep it slow. Jess's horses are well-trained and I have taken some riding lessons, but animals are unpredictable (so are humans for that matter, but I guess we are all animals too, so that makes sense). Someone asked me the other day how I can rock climb several hundred feet off of the ground, but be hesitant to ride horses. After little thought, I responded that climbing is much more calculated and predictable. Sure, rocks can break, equipment can (extremely rarely) fail, and climbing partners can make the potentially deadly mistake of taking their hand off of the break while belaying, but I feel much more in control in all. The more I ride, however, the more comfortable I feel, which translates into how the horse feels and acts. Anyway, I am grateful to have the opportunity to get to be with and ride such amazing animals. A few pics of the pre-Barrel Racing Series, a family (and free to the community) event:

Jess and Orion (Aka, the horse that hates me).


Nice horsey...will you be good if I give you some of my beer?


Jess on Doodlebug...


Look at 'em go!!


Jason: This horse has had one too many!


Local cowboy.


One of Jess's students.


Come on pony, go!