Cadence Steps Up to First Show Challenges

Off-the-track Thoroughbred, Cold Cash aka Cadence, and Emee compete in their first show.

I am so proud of Cadence! He was a trooper…after a very rocky start. It took four people two hours to load him on the trailer, which is completely out of character for him because he usually walks right on. This was the first time he’s ever seriously challenged authority, but in the end he did get on. He just was in a very sour mood – charging, throwing his weight into people, even after lunging…finally had to have one of my trainer friends put him in his place and then he loaded. On the return home, he loaded on the second try, no problems.

I only showed on Sunday, but took him up there for the weekend. I wanted him to get used to the property and everything going on. It was helpful to be able to school him on Saturday. He was very nervous initially, but settled in. There were five arenas going and lots of activity, so he was very curious, but not jumpy. It took him probably close to an hour of schooling before he relaxed, but even when he was nervous, he did not do anything stupid.

Cadence and Emee focus on their dressage technique

Cadence tends to be very reserved in new situations, which I much prefer over crazy, out of control spooking! He was fine in his stall overnight and even put up with our 7:20am starting ride! We rode First Level One and Two and Training Level Four. Each ride was better than the previous – 10th, 5th, and 3rd places! I was very proud of him, especially when we had a tractor in the next arena for one ride and a large flapping tarp waving during another.

We’re headed to a three-day clinic next weekend, which I’m really looking forward to. This will be another chance for him to get used to the routine of trailering and staying away from home for a few days. I’ll be sure to keep you updated!

See more photos in Cold Cash’s Photo Gallery.