The Equus Ink - A Blog About My Past & Present Off Track Thoroughbreds

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Below is the latest newsletter and I thought it would be equally befitting to post it here. 

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Ink and I had a wonderful time at the 2009 WSHE! Filled with great friends, meeting new ones and of course a great learning experience for the both of us.

Ink and I arrived on Thursday the 11th, to be greeted by Christine and her 14 year old Mustang, Merlin. Welcomed with open arms, Christine took both of us in and under her wing. My family and I would like to thank Christine and her family for their support and sharing a wonderful time! It wouldn't have been the same without all of you!

I would also like to think Stephen Bradley for allowing us to share this experience. I had a fantastic time riding with this talented horsemen. Equally welcoming, Stephen helped Ink and I raise the bar (literally) and achieve some great things. A solid, composed clinician with an in-depth insight into the relationship and training of horse and rider as a team, Stephen helped Ink and I develop some lacking confidence, understanding and technique. We are really looking forward to meeting up with him again! Thanks Stephen!

I had a great time meeting new faces. I met some really nice people who shared their stories with me and I them. It was a treat to exchange experiences and for Ink and I to be an inspiration to one rider and her young off track Thoroughbred. As she said, "It was nice to see someone who's achieved what I want to do with my own ottb and know I can do it." "Don't stop believing," I responded.

Ink was great the entire time. I'm sure many of the audience didn't know that this was only Ink's second time out and about since his track days. This spoke volumes of his mind and how special he really is. Although the new exposure to the noisey grand-stands and baby strollers made him nervous, we rode through every spook, each time his comfort increasing. He jumped fantastically, I couldn't ask for more out of him. Stephen later said, "He is a very careful, atheletic jumper." It proved so, when one time Ink rubbed a rail with his back hoof. I could tell he was mad at himself as he threw his head in frustration and made sure next time, he would clear it. And he did!

By Sunday we were clearing jumps with increased confidence and with better form, mostly on my part. It felt great!

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Post-ride discussion with Mr. Bradley

Stephen Bradley, Christine, Merlin, Ink and I

Sunday, Ink and I over the in & out.

Gotta love the stars!!  Thanks to Christine for the braiding :D.

Ink and our new buddies

Pre-ride talk - Sunday

Aww, look at their cute faces!

Friday - one of the first jumps of the weekend!

Mr. Bradley coaching Ink and I.

Thank You Christine & Stephen!