Rising Up

Once In A Blue Moon Stables
IL, USA
Tatiana Burnett (26)
OBM Lieutenant General Brewster (20) - fav.me/d4hbbqt
1st place wins: fav.me/d5e2hiv
Classes Entering: Extreme Cowboy Race, Ranch Trail Challenge, Cutting, Reining, Reined Cowhorse, Senior Halter, Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Western Equitation, and Western Trail
Current class: Extreme Cowboy Race: Tree Obstacle.

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General is a all around Chevalier with tremendous working ability. He's been named Western Trail Division Champion by the 2012 Work Horse Trials and came in second place in Western Pleasure in the very same show.

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When word of the PD Show week had made it's way north, it's luring calls for possible fame did not go unanswered.

OBM was not known for it's western horses. It was primarily an English center, with emphasis on quality Dressage mounts that were Olympic level performers. That didn't mean that the staff at OBM didn't branch off. They just had an area they were excelling in, and focused on that.

However, there was an opening to include Western within it's cherished sports. So far, only one horse had really proven to be a western champion, and he was 18 hands high and not your average, run of the mill Quarter Horse. General was a Chevalier, a French breed that had found sanctuary within OBM's walls. It was noted for it's regality, yet willing nature that allowed it to be both a war/work horse and a gentle woman's mount. General fit both of those qualities, having carried his rider to fame in a previous show that had only meant to test boundaries and had come back with unexpected success and displayed the gentle demeanor that the breed was idolized for.

So, with the promise of another show to put her horse's skills to work in, Tat had gone and signed up. Surely a previous champion title would account for something, and if General could continue to perform, he could put the bucket loads of sorrel shorties to shame. She was prepared to test her theory. So far, the stallion had shown no promise as a dressage mount. Western was his ticket.

XXX

A month after registering, Tat and General were finished shaping up and were shipping out. With her butler in toe, as well as her prized stallion and a clever stall set up, the small group drove down to Texas. The trip was long, but having planned things right it meant that they could rest well once they finally got there. Which they did at about 4 days to Monday. 2 of those days were reserved for rest.

But show stars could only rest or so long, and soon Tat had to abandon her naps to help set up the stalls with her butler, toiling away for hours to get things set up and provide her horse with some place to call home for the next week. The following day was time to prep, meaning baths, furious grooming, and white duty. Getting all of General's white markings was hell, but it was necessary and once she stepped back and got a good look at what all her elbow grease had done for her, Tat was pleased with the results. She spent the rest of that day polishing tack and pressing her clothes. Tomorrow was show day and no wrinkles would do.

XXX

The morning of the show Tat was busy with getting everything ready. She was organizing her tack in order of events. First she had the Extreme Cowboy Race, which would include less dressing up. Still, she took her precautions and made sure that she looked presentable, and fitted her horse with the appropriate tack and number. They didn't get many visitors in the stall, but once they stepped out and began heading towards the field, all eyes were on them.

Tat was used to the gawking, as Chevaliers were rare, but she couldn't help but notice that they were the only "fantasy" horse and rider team there. Would it impact there score? Are the judges more likely to favor classics? Tat furrowed her brow with a bit of worry as they walked to the sporting area. It didn't matter if you had proven yourself. Sometimes the crowds were stuck on the old, and a newbie like General, who didn't fit stock horse conformation could be a total flop in a place where Quarter Horses occupied a huge percentage of the total horse population in America.

The woman sighed. Her mind was getting the better of her. Her trusty steed seconded that but nudging her with his nose, snorting softly in the chilly air and expressing his concern with periwinkle eyes. The woman gently patted him for his efforts, apologizing.

There was no sense in worrying now. they were here, and if they were going to make a name for themselves it was time to step up.

XXX

The wait for their turn seemed like forever, but as soon as they stepped up to the timer and were given the go, General was off at a good pace and obediently following his mistress's lead. The roping was a mild deterrent, as they didn't do much roping, but it was satisfactory and afterwards the duo headed down the hill with precision. General saw the tree coming and tucked his legs up high, tall height preventing him from getting a lower jump and popped right over the trunk, landing soundly on the other side and running off to the next obstacle.


*Note, grass is dry and dead. Mud is from Sunday's melting snow.*