The NC Equine Extravaganza

We are back! Actually we've been back since Monday evening!
The Extravaganza, despite the economy was successful. I would like to know from you readers what compells you to attend an expo and what keeps you from it.
It's so hard to read the minds of America's horse owners.

So Brock Griffith won the trainer challenge. He easily had the most outwardly difficult horse. Very herd bound and initially very untrusting. Brock was admittedly nervous but still got the colt on his side and made friends. One heck of a nice guy ... we will look forward to seeing him compete in the finals in VA.

Gilbert Gonzoles from our home state of GA was very impressive. I would encourage anyone near him in Dearing,GA to send horses or take lessons from him. This is the first trainer challenge I've ever seen a clinician use long reins. Smart man, that Gilbert! Love that Texas twang too.

Phil Rogers was extremely successful at getting his horse to hook on to him. He explained the concept of getting the horse to let go ... something that Ray Hunt and Tom Dorrance promoted. Phil's demonstration of this was very inspiring to watch. His respect of masters like Tom and Ray was apparent and appreciated.

Julie Goodnight moderated the challenge and I judged along with Scott Purdum, Lynn Palm and Sylvia Scott. It was an honor to sit with such a great panel of judges. To discuss the in's and out's of training with pros like them and to see what we agreed and disagreed on was really interesting.

more later!
T