Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Off to the Texas State Fair!

I am leaving tomorrow to cover my first American Saddlebred horse show as Editor for Saddle and Bridle Magazine. www.saddleandbridle.com I could not be more excited than I am! So I thought I would show you a bit of what I am going to see and the breed of horses that stole my heart!

Here is Big Tex in all his glory!

Fried Coke????? Okay - I may have to try this since our office diet begins on Tuesday the 18th of September!

THE AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSEThis is a Saddlebred being shown "in hand". One handler runs beside the horse, showing the horses natural motion and gaits, while a second handler (not shown in this photo) runs behind the horse to keep him moving forward. This is done with weanling's, yearlings and two year olds.

Here is a weanling being shown "in hand" after they have trotted up and down the rail. He is now posed so that the judge can see his conformation. The mane is completely roached (shaved) off so that nothing is hidden.

This horse is being shown in Fine Harness. We break our horses to drive before they are broke to saddle. Again - notice the natural motion!

This is my friend Susan Norton, showing her horse Snow Fooling in a Parade class. Saddlebreds make the most wonderful parade horses because they prance. They are naturally fearless and are taught to move forward through unfamiliar situations. BTW - that silver saddle set weighs in at more than 250 pounds!

This is a champion 5 gaited Saddlebred performing at the rack. Please notice that we do not put huge shoes on our horses to "make" them use their legs. Saddlebred's are bred to have their necks set higher up on their backs, therefore freeing their shoulders, allowing them to easily raise their legs much higher than low headed horses such as Quarter Horses.

Here is a gorgeous grey Saddlebred performing the trot. Again - notice the high animation. Saddlebreds come in all colors - even pintos!

This Saddlebred is being shown in Hunt Seat. Some of the riding styles we show our horses in are Hunt Seat, Side Saddle, Western Pleasure and most commonly Saddleseat.

Here the Saddlebred is being shown in the discipline of Western Pleasure.

14 comments:

Lilli & Nevada said...

Being a horse lover myself i found i had to look at your photos. Amazing how beautiful they are,
Just found your blog so may check in again

Unknown said...

Julie, those horses are so beautiful and graceful! I just love looking at them! Good luck tomorrow :) You will do wonderful!

Hugs,
Amy

Elle Jay Bee said...

Sounds like you're going to have a great time! But those coke balls...you'd better stay away...they sound scary!!!

Linda

Unknown said...

Oh Julie, with your knowledge and talent for writing, you will just blow everyone away!!!!!

You are so funny about your daughter, lol! You know, I have heard that from a lot of people about girls! :) Even my own parents, lol and I am the only girl they had!!

Amy

Heather said...

Those horses are gorgeous. Good luck.
Heather

herself said...

You'll have to tell us how the Coke balls taste. I've heard of them but not yet run across them.

They are beautiful horses.

Justabeachkat said...

Fried coke? Wow...that's the first I've ever heard of that!!! Try it and let us know what you think.

Loved seeing the photos. Just gorgeous.

Have fun. Knock 'em dead. Break a leg. (and all that good stuff)

Hugs!
Kat

Anonymous said...

Julie, I loved the pics of those horses. Just gorgeous! I can see and appreciate your love and passion for them. Thanks for sharing all the great pics. Diane

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Julie, your horses are oh, so pretty! You seem so at home with them. They are such stately creatures.

Loved seeing pics of you & your man! Y'all are a nice looking couple

Catching up from being gone so long!
Rhoda

Unknown said...

What beautiful creautures! Stunning photos!

Deb said...

I love horses & your pictures are just gorgeous. Have a wonderful time.
Love your new blog header pic! Very cute.

vickie said...

Julie, the pictures are beautiful, I've always had a passion for horses. Best of luck in your new adventure, I know you will do well!

hugs, Vickie

The Weathered Pane said...

I love horses... horses don't love me... But these are some beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing! Nancy

Sandy McTier Designs said...

What gorgeous horses!
Fried Coke? Never heard of such but pretty much anything fried is pretty good!
Have a great week.
Blessings,
Sandy :)