Successful Smile

"Smiley"

Petoski xx/Sparkling Hock xx/Hot Spark xx

Smiley is my 10 year old OTTB gelding and is my main dressage horse right now.  Like Lubenka he came along at a time in my life when I really needed him.  

During my discovery trip to Hong Kong I looked at several barns.  When I arrived in August I decided on one and we called them up to see if they had a horse available.  We were still living in the hotel when I started riding him!

After picking him out I became quite excited- I had a project at last!  My first ride was quite interesting- see, they had a jumping lesson going on in the ring so I couldn't ride in there.  Dressed in full seat breeches, Petrie boots, with the dressage saddle, OS bridle with KK bit, and Euro Pro boots, I'm sent over what looks like a bridge that's going to collapse.  The water is rapidly running under the bridge and there are BULLS in the pasture!  I will never forget feeling like I was ready to go into a clinic standing on an unfamiliar horse surrounded by bulls.  It's funny now, but I didn't know this horse, the territory and was just a touch scared.

The last six months have been a mixture of fun, learning, friendship, and sand.  We do mostly dressage but have popped over an occasional jump here and there. (I'm forced by my trainer- LOL)

Photos- By the Gate, I guess Mom has some treats, Aren't I cute, Uh-O this was a photo shoot!, one of our "friends" in the pasture.