Poco Blackburn Forty is 28 years old. He’s been the delight of my stable for 23 of those years. We just call him “W” --a play on “WD-4D.”
W has done it all, been every place, and always given 100%. He did 240 miles Michigan Shore to Shore Trail ride in 2015, never missed a step. He has fox hunted 23 seasons, been the joint master (guest) at the All Michigan Fox Hunt. He’s never refused a jump --never kicked a hound–never spilled a stirrup cup. He’s only 15 hh, solid bay originally from a ranch in SD. Except for the 14 days on the Shore to Shore, he has never been shod. True, he doesn’t like kids. It may be his only fault.
On June 17, Bob and I had an accident that put me in the ER and Bob on Stall Rest followed by extensive rehab for 5 weeks. As of today, both of us seem to have recovered completely.
Meanwhile, on July 25-27 the third Ranch Horse Show was scheduled. I really wanted to go as it the only place I see horse riding gal pals and can hang out with my riding friends.
Bob was not going. I looked around my barn with a heavy heart --and then my eyes landed on my old friend W. Could he? Would he? Should he?
We did —I dusted him off, gave him a cursory wash, and took him to the show. While it had been beastly hot the previous few weeks, rain had cooled everything off and due to rain, the class I wanted to enter was held inside --Ranch Horse Trail.
The vet had checked out W while out to see Bob’s progress. The vet reminded me that he was 28 years old, somewhat asthmatic, and (probably) arthritic although it would take a really close inspection to see that as it only manifested in a slight shortening of his initial trotted steps that almost immediately resolved. I was to keep a close eye on W’s breathing rate as well as the temperature outside.
It took some rapid paperwork from AQHA and ARHA and RHAM to have all the paperwork in order for the show --as well as a health certificate as we were out of state. Seems I’d neglected to transfer W’s ownership some 22 years ago . . . but the original bill of sale was signed, the transfer was signed, and the previous owner was still alive --so we did have all our ducks in a row just in time to enter.
I entered W in two classes, back to back: Novice Amateur Trail and Amateur Trail.
We did the first --no problems --except we smashed a cone completely flat (rider error). The second time out we made another error --I misjudged the side pass and W stumbled on it, righted, and finished well.
When the classes were scored, we had placed 14/28.
And W had scored 1/2 point higher than Bob ever did in his trail classes.
Was it a good idea to take a 28 year old horse to a horse show? I’d probably say no if someone asked me. On the other hand, I’d like to think we both had fun, that he had a day off the farm, and both of us hung out with some new friends. Would I do it again? No. I think it was stressful for W. I checked his respirations often --he was never below 40 breaths per minute --at home he’s usually 15-20. So he was stressed --but it might have been just wearing a saddle, having me brush him every 10 minutes, a long haul (40 miles), and a different environment.
Bob is back to work and W is back to being retired with his two pasture buddies --also retired but unrideable.
I have been working to keep my eyes up, and my right hand quiet. I still need to work on keeping my legs back, and my rein hand lower:
Roping the dummy:
Canter to the gate --a small half circle (30 m) and the only cantered aspect of the class. Everything else was w/t.
You have such a wonderful way of telling stories, sharing your experiences with us, and highlighting your horses personalities. Thank you. I’m really glad you went, and am grateful that you shared your adventure with us.
