Time to Mix Things up a Bit

This Saturday is my birthday. For the record, I'll be a mere 44 years old. They say these are supposed to be the best years, so far so good. To spice things up a bit, when my husband asked what I wanted to do for my birthday I said I wanted to attend the "know and go clinic" at Riverfare Farm in Webster. The clinic runs through all of the classes in a stock horse show according to the S.H.O.T. rulebook. I've dabbled with team penning before and even entered the trail and pleasure classes in one of Riverfare's shows a few month back. But on Saturday, Kitt and I get to play with the cows and try out the other classes involved in Stock Horse Shows including working cow and reining. In the Spring, Patrick attended the clinic and it gave him things to work on at home. Now he can spin Tucker around like he's been riding for years. He does lead changes like I've never been able to and both he and Tucker enjoy their time in our arena at home. They've "mixed things up". Of course, Cowboy Mounted Shooting is still our passion, but without having other activities to keep both you and your horse entertained things can get a bit "dry". I would know, that's how Kitt and I are feeling. Dry...even bored at times. I don't see the twinkle in Kitt's eye when we're riding around in our arena. Sure, when we go to competitions she's "all that", but otherwise she's bored and so am I. The other night when I was riding I picked up a rope and started playing with it while in the saddle and swinging it above my head to see how Kitt felt about it. She was fine, un-threatened. I, however, felt clumsy and thought I might get tangled and topple off the top of my horse in total embarrassment. Obviously I need to work on my rope handling techniques. So I'm looking forward to the clinic this weekend. Mixing things up will not only teach Kitt and I something new, it will give us some things to work on which in turn will make us a better team.