Posts Tagged ‘mounted games
Minnow back in the day
I recently recieved a few old photos from one of Minnow’s previous owners before me. I just thought they would be fun to share with all of you.
Minnow at the Chincoteague Pony Centre in 2001
Minnow at the Chincoteague Pony Centre 2001
July 29, 2002 Minnow during an adult mounted games competition with previous owner Mike Nelson
July 29, 2002 Minnow during an adult mounted games competition with previous owner Mike Nelson
Minnow at home with the Nelsons in 2003
Minnow at home with the Nelsons in 2003
Be sure to check out Minnow’s life story here!
-KD
www.ponypaintings.com
New Home for the Boys
Its official – all 3 Chincoteague’s are now moved into my parent’s new farm, Iron Horse Farm. (not to mention their 4 other horsey friends).
Boomer and Kyley place a flag in the cone
Saturday actually started off with a mounted games competition, in which Boomer and Blitz competed in the training division at a local show. We had a few little episodes – Boomer began rearing when the music got turned up – and both ponies thought it was such a blast to be competing again that they wanted to buck all the way to the finish line. Boomer eventually settled (as I clicked and rewarded him when he didn’t buck all the way home) but Blitz had some anxiety. As the day went on he got more and more agitated with my mom – and we knew it was time to take a step back with him. I think part of his anxiety stemmed from the fact that my mom had been riding him in the hackamore for the last few months and for the competition she decided to put him back in his snaffle bit. I could tell he was not very thrilled to have a bit in his mouth again – so I have since convinced my mom to try the bitless bridle I have been using (and its great I might add!). Below are two videos from the competition.
Boomer and Blitz are the first to arrive on the farm
So after the competition we drove the boys over to their new home – and then went back to pick up Minnow. It was such a uneventful move, which I knew it would be, the boys seemed perfectly happy at their new home. I think they all really enjoy their big dutch doors that have a view of the neighboring vineyard. Its such a peaceful and happy place.
The 3 Chincoteague Ponies look out over the vineyard
On Sunday we brought over the rest of the horses, which included my Dressage horse, Nitro and my sister’s gaming pony Jet as well as 2 borders. Nitro notoriously has trouble adapting to moves (as he sees himself as “herd leader” and takes on the burden on making sure the other horses are safe). And after having his 23rd Birthday on Saturday I think he’s actually starting to grow up a little. He was surprisingly calm (aside from his ear piercing whinny’s everytime he hears a sound in the barn – I’m hoping this will pass). I think Iron Horse Farm just has such a relaxing atmosphere that it instantly calmed all of the horses.
Later on Sunday I decided to show Minnow the new Tuff Ball I had bought for my horses. He instantly took to it, and I can’t wait to put the ball in the ring with all 3 of my ponies. I think they will have such a blast playing with it! I could watch the video I took of Minnow playing with his ball over and over again – I just love seeing him enjoy it. It makes me smile to think of how far he’s come. 2 years ago I would never of dreamed of showing Minnow this ball. It would of sent him running for the hills! Now he’s perfectly at peace as he plays with the ball and my dogs run around him like crazed animals wrestling on the ground. I love my little Minnow.
Anyway so that was my very eventful weekend. I’m now recovering from a pulled shoulder muscle and a bout of poison ivy – but I’m happy that my horses are happy at their new home!
-KD
www.ponypaintings.com
Christening the Ring
Blitz and Boomer take a visit to Iron Horse Farm
Yesterday my mom and I trailered out two ponies (Blitz and Boomer) to our new farm, Iron Horse Farm. We plan to move the horses in this coming weekend, but we just couldn’t wait any longer to try out the ring (we’ve gone for so long without one its like a brand new toy). So we practiced some of our games for an upcoming show we have on Saturday. I then introduced Blitz and Boomer to the new Tuff Ball that I had purchased for them. Anyway I won’t go into much detail about it – because you can see for yourself by watching the videos below. Its funny even though Blitz and Boomer have the same father, and they are both left brained horses, they both reacted differently to seeing the ball for the first time. Blitz was very nervous about it and Boomer walked right up to it and began biting and kicking it.
-KD
www.ponypaintings.com
Interview about Minnow
Check out the recent interview I gave about Chincoteague Minnow to The Equineist. I think it turned out really great. For a full store on Minnow’s life, and how he learned to paint please check out my page, How it Began.
I have since been researching Minnow’s past, trying to find out more about where he came from/etc. – so in the interview please note that my facts were a tad off. I had some slightly wrong information before (a whisper down the lane effect) and in fact Minnow was not locked in a stall – he was kept in a dirt paddock with some cows, and although he was not “starving” his condition was not that of a healthy horse. With the research I am doing now I hope to uncover more of what happened to Minnow when he left Assateague Island in 1993 as a colt. His story is becoming more and more fascinating to me as I learn new and interesting facts about him. For example at one point in his life he was living on an Amish farm in a field with nearly 100 goats. I think this perhaps contributes to Minnow’s love of small animals.
Anyway enjoy the article!
-KD
www.ponypaintings.com
2009 MGAA Nationals
Chesapeake Boomerang and I
Are you familiar with the exciting equestrian sport of Mounted Games? If not, let me describe it in the words of some of the competitors – “fast and challenging,” “the most intense riding ever,” “a partnership between rider and horse.” Mounted Games is an equestrian sport that involves head-to-head team relay racing requiring skill, agility, courage, and discipline from riders, as well as speed, obedience, and flexibility from their mounts.
In July of this year, Mounted Games Across America, the largest mounted games organization in the United States, will hold its second National Competition. Over two hundred competitors, along with supporters, family members, and spectators, will be in attendance. You or your company can be a part of this event by sponsoring MGAA Nationals with either a financial contribution or a donation in kind.
Benefits to sponsor include:
• Recognition in the official program
• Listing and link on the MGAA website
• Announcements of your name or your company’s advertisement during the competition.
• Donations are tax deductible. (MGAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization)
• See form for other benefits.
Two types of sponsorships are available—an entire division or a single race.
Division Sponsorship: Over the course of the 3-day National competition, 75 races will be played in each division. Your company’s name will be displayed and announced throughout the entire division of 75 races.
Race Sponsorship: Over the course of the 3-day National competition, each race will be played 4 times. Your name will be announced each time the race is played.
Please see the attached form for descriptions of the sponsorship levels and the full benefits of sponsorship.
MGAA members would like to thank you for any level of sponsorship support you are able to offer, whether in cash or product donations. We all appreciate your generosity!
Stacey Calhoun
President
Mounted Games Across America, Inc.
As an avid member of MGAA I fully support the organization and all of their efforts to further the sport. PonyPaintings.com plans to donate several paintings, if you are interested in contributing please check out these sponsorship options: Download Forms Here and Here.
-KD
www.ponypaintings.com
