Fabulous Fred and his Road to the WEG

Iron Horse CDE

2010-08-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

It's showtime again! After a much needed rest, I'm missing my fans and am in need of some time in the spotlight! We leave the weekend before the show so that we can rest at our friends' house in Missouri before continuing on to the showgrounds. The temperatures fall the further north we go. Nighttime temperatures in the sixties and highs in the eighties feel great! I'm very happy until I discover that the Midwest is home to predators. Predators that I have determined are highly skilled horse tormentors, designed to hunt and kill us one drop of blood at a time. Yes, I'm talking about horse flies! I was trapped in my stall with one and for all of my kicking and rearing, it still got me. When turned out, I found that they didn't like the shade. I spent my time in the turnout shed, cautiously peering out now and then. Now, whenever I hear a buzzing sound, I'm instantly on high alert. The other horses think I'm overly dramatic and stay out of my way so they won't get caught with my flying hooves when I try to annihilate the enemy.
  I make it through the night without dying. Then the next day, Mike harnesses me up. The other four horses have already been worked, so right off I'm suspicious. Sure enough, he hooks me up single. Now, I'm all for showing off and all of that, but there's not a fan in sight. I give Mike a look of resignation and disdain but decide to humor him and work very nicely for him, thank you very much.
Early Wednesday morning we load up and head to Iron Horse. The last time we were there, it was the first outing with the four and we showed training level. We've come a long way, baby!
  The grounds are beautiful with gently rolling green hills. We're settled comfortably and are left to munch hay in peace. The cleaning frenzy begins Thursday morning as all five horses are bathed and braided. It's Vet check day. The crowd of fans isn't as big as Live Oak but I'm not one to disappoint and strut my stuff with style and class! The team is fit and ready. We all pass easily. I'm taken back to the stables but the rest of the team is taken back to the trailer, harnessed, hooked and taken out for dressage practice. Tuff is a little concerned when they come back to the stalls later than I expected. Donovan is still new to his leader position and is a little nervous. It takes a while to get Tuff and him really working well together. Once they are settled and working through the topline, they look great. Mike hopes that he can get this look in dressage tomorrow.
I'm only slightly jealous as the rest of the team is braided for dressage. You know I could care less about going around in aimless patterns in the ring, but I am all about fan recognition. The feeling passes and I go back to my hay as the team leaves for their test. Sometime later, I hear the announcer introducing Mike's horses. They say my name but all I can do is call helplessly from my stall while not one single fan can see me! It was torture! The only saving grace is that they are welcomed as a team of Friesians! As if. My cutting horse mother must be spinning in her grave! Mike must have been disturbed by this announcement as well because shortly thereafter, I hear a loud crash. As I was to hear about later, the carriage hit the arena boards and a bit of demolition occurred. Now, it could have been from Tina's tendency to let Ruff pull which caused her side to hit the boards, but I'm going with the distracted Mike theory. So between the board crashing and Don's nerves, the test wasn't stellar. Back at the stalls, I console the team and promise them that I can help make up the difference in marathon and cones.
Unlike other shows that we've been to lately, there is no day off between dressage and marathon. Mike and his gators have been out studying hazards every spare moment since we've arrived here. The hazards are well designed, offering both tight and technical routes as well as some more open options for a chance to really go! We're all decked out for marathon, boots on, tails braided, and anything that might come loose taped up. Section A is a little muddy from yesterday's rain but isn't a problem for us. It appears that there has been some sort of time keeping error and dispite our best efforts, we accrue time penalties. Mike is mad! We all sense his temper and walk as fast as we can in section D. We come in almost a minute early! All of us (Mike included) cool off at vet check. We laugh when we're told that we get an extra five minutes because of the heat. It's springtime here! At any rate, we're more than ready for hazards. All Mike's practice has paid off. He drives us smoothly around the course. I don't even mess with him and there's no ducking involved. We miss one turn in the last hazard but recover gracefully. The team all agrees that it went well. We know we can be faster but Mike put in a great effort. If not for the time penalty in section A, we would be fourth.
Finally it's cones day! This is my favorite part of the game! Mike's not stressed at all. We're out of the ribbons and he's feeling no pressure. We warm up, pass the vet check and wait for our turn. With three teams to go, we see the team that was to go right before us heading back to the barn. Apparently, there was a problem at vet check. We adjust our warmup time accordingly, feeling only slightly rushed. We are announced and enter the arena. I love this part! We navigate the course beautifully. We have one ball down in the zig-zag. Then, Tuff hits one with his hoof! I would have been so embarrassed. I would jump,dive,or levitate before I would hit a cone! The last section of the course is muddy and we happily splash through it. After all, we're not the ones who have to clean harness and carriage! Anyway, we think we finish with no time penalties.(There was no clock in the arena, so we relied on the stopwatches of bystanders.)  Mike doesn't want to go in for the awards presentation since we're out of the ribbons. I protest that I must satisfy my fans and he relents. All the teams line up and it's quite an impressive sight. They start calling the winners up and we stand proudly. When they announce us in fourth place, Mike practically falls off the carriage. Since times were not announced, noone knew the order of placement in cones. It turns out we were first! We were the only team to finish within time. Even though I still don't have a blue ribbon, I feel like a winner. This is the best victory lap ever!

I'm back!

2010-08-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

Hey, fabulous fans! I have a lot to catch you up on. We did show at Live Oak but I was so exhausted after three trips from Florida to Texas in three months, that all I did was chill in the pasture for over a week. The show went fairly well, but Mike was starting to have problems with his shoulder. We all told him to cowboy up and admittedly he did try, but the pain continued to increase all summer. Partly because of this and partly because of the travel involved, we decided to stay home and train until the Iron Horse CDE in August.
We spent the relative coolness of the early mornings training and the miserably hot afternoons under the shade of the pecan trees. Donovan continued to get better and stronger, while Anton didn't seem to show much improvement at all. It was decided to bring Tina back to the A-team for dressage. (much to her- I'm busy getting fat in this pasture thank you very much- surprise.) She worked in the lead with Tuff for awhile and then (just a couple of weeks before Iron Horse) was put in the wheel while Donovan and Tuff took the lead. Donovan and Tuff look pretty good up there if I do say so myself. Tina is trying but still needs encouragement to not be lazy and make Ruff do all of the pulling.
Sometime during all of this training, Mike finally got some effective treatment for his shoulder and started feeling much better. I can feel it in the quickness and consistency of his rein-handling and am almost as relieved as he is!
Coach Peter came to see us at the end of June. We worked on cones. Mike, in a fit of self-torture made the course himself and it was tough even for me! If we can get through this course, we can do anything! We also practiced marathon. Mike is making great strides in being able to keep up with us. I still like to mess with him and duck in an opening at the last minute, though. You'd think by now he'd know that I always make it and wouldn't get so uptight. Fun times! With less than a month to go before we leave for Illinois, Coach Peter leaves us with plenty to work on.

Sushine State CDE

2010-03-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

The weather back here in Texas has been so nice since we've been back from Florida that I haven't found anyone willing to go inside and type up my blog for me. Sorry for the late news but here's my account of the Sunshine State show.

Feb 22 Monday
Our stay at home was a short one. We're already back in Florida at John Porter's spa retreat. I just love playing in that water! Our grooms got here in the afternoon though, and put a stop to our fun. I supervised all the other team members getting their baths, getting close enough to enjoy the overspray. I went last - they always save the best for last. I loved getting bathed and clean and shiny but then we had to have sheets on and stay stalled. What's up with that?

Tuesday
We're loaded up and on our way to Sunshine State CDE. It's a short trip and a gorgeous day. The dressage team goes for a drive and I'm left behind. I usually don't mind but with such a nice day, I was hoping to get out. All I get is an in-hand walk around with Mike. Maybe tomorrow.........

Wednesday
I get a last minute touch-up with the clippers. I'm not wanting to stand still. There's so much I haven't seen yet! I get another in-hand walk around. The rest of the team goes out for a dressage lesson with Peter. We're cleaned up, braided up, and ready for vet check. It starts to rain but not hard enough to mess up my look. I stand up nicely for the judges, but when I start to trot off, I notice a rake and broom propped up against the fence. I turn sideways and look at them very closely, showing everyone that a proper vet inspection should include only tasteful decor such as flowers or potted plants. In any event, the team passes inspection and is ready for dressage tomorrow.

Thursday
The rest of the team does dressage today. I just get hand-walked a few times. The test apparently is pretty rough and everyone's grouchy when they get back to the stalls.

Friday
Today we get to practice cones. I'm full of energy after so much time off. Tuff and I do an awesome job but Mike's a little slow. I wish he'd learn to keep up with me!

Saturday
Marathon! The day begins cold and rainy. I'll do marathon in any weather but more of my fans show up on sunny days so I hope it clears by our start time this afternoon. The rain has mostly cleared by the time we're harnessing up. We walk a bit to warm up and then head over for the start of section A. This section turns out to be fairly short so apparently Ruff doesn't think it's time to walk yet. He's tense, so our walk time is a little bit slow. We don't even have Anton to blame. It's somewhat embarassing.
The hazards go pretty well. The team is working together and trying very hard to wait for Mike. We're patient until the fifth hazard when we give up and just pick our own route. Mike doesn't think that's the best idea and makes us circle around and take the route he's chosen. Our miscommunication costs precious seconds. We'll get him trained yet! The remaining two hazards go well. We drive the last one well but unfortunately have a knockdown. The combination of walk penalties and knockdown penalties costs us but we still end up in 4th place.

Sunday
It's a gorgeous day for cones. Lots of fans are sure to come today. Mike's been practicing a lot and hopes to do better than the last show. After watching several competitors go, it becomes apparent that the time is tight and we'll have to really book it! By our turn, no one has made the time yet. We try our best and Mike remembers the course. We're the fastest team so far, missing time by about 2 seconds. Unfortunately, we have 3 balls down.
After all the teams have gone, we end the competition in 5th place overall. We get a ribbon and an awards ceremony! I wave to all my fans and don't even mind the pink ribbon. After all, only real men wear pink!

Monday
The shows over but apparently our work has only begun. We're dragged out of our stalls right during our mid-morning nap, harnessed and driven back to the cones field. Now, Mike has had all morning to learn the course but he only gets as far as cone #2 before he loses his way. We try our best to help but I'm still learning to read numbers. Despite Mike's memory lapse, we only have one ball down and are well within time. Michael and Peter want Mike to drive better lines so it can be more under control. We try again. Mike still doesn't remember the entire route. The team is tired and losing patience with Mike. A little better memory on his part would save us lots of work! We're tired but it takes 4 times before we go clear. I guess Mike is even more tired than we are. He is only human, after all.

We get a brief rest for lunch and a nap. It's on to marathon practice. We redo the walk section and then Michael gives Mike some coaching tips. Then , on to hazard #1 which has been re-gated since Saturday. The team is awesome. Mike is tired. He keeps saying he's too old for this. We just keep saying "Cowboy up!" We do three more hazards and it's kind of rough. I don't mind too much because lots of fans have turned out to watch. We're all tired but Mike has learned a lot and will be better next time. He knows I'm fabulous and the rest of the team isn't too shabby either. Each competition gets Mike closer and closer to being fast enough to drive us!

It's Showtime! Little Everglades CDE

2010-02-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and first up on our calendar is a new show. We're off to Florida for the Little Everglades CDE. It's just the boys this time; Ruff, Tuff, Donovan, Anton, and my fabulous self. The big rig is packed up and Mike interupts my beauty sleep to leave way too early. The trip is long and tiring as usual but when we see that we're stopped at John Porter's farm instead of the showgrounds, we are suddenly full of energy. First off, we roll and roll until we are satisfied that we're sufficiently covered in black sand. Then, I lead the team on a gallop around the property, through trees and over logs until we reach the tank and splash in. We paw and play so that we are now both dirty and wet. (All except for Anton. He just stood looking bewildered, like horses aren't supposed to love playing in water!) We settle down for some grazing, thoughts of shows far from our minds.

    Our vacation is short-lived. Tuesday morning we're back in the big rig again. We're headed to Little Everglades where we will clinic with Coaches Peter Tischer and Michael Freund. The ranch is a beautiful surprise tucked back off the highway. It's full of live oaks covered in Spanish moss, massive planting of magnolia trees, ponds scattered here and there and the almost comical cries of flocks of whooping cranes. On closer inspection, there is an impressive turf steeplechase track, acres of flat and smooth warm-up areas, trails through the trees and pastures, and a greener than green dressage and cones field. Following the steeplechase track (which will be the walk section for Marathon), you come across six beautiful hazards all placed within easy walking distance of each other. This will be perfect for my fans! They won't have to miss a second of my fabulousness!'
     Since I'm a specialist and/or because I'm too fabulous to need dressage practice, Anton takes my place for the preshow training sessions. I'm mostly left alone in my stall to watch the sights and take a nap or two. Mike does take me out for a long-lining session. I use the opportunity to show off my cutting horse family heritage with lightning speed moves and crowd pleasing action.
     Vet check is fun as always. The team is fit and show ready. I am ready for dressage day to be over and get on with marathon. The team seems satisfied enough when they get back from their test. What they lack in fancy movement they try to make up for with team work and accuracy.
     On to Friday, our day off before marathon. I'm thinking thre must be some mistake because Ruff is left in his stall and Anton brought out instead. Ruffs looks on with worry and cocern but is powerless to help us. It seems that Anton needs to qualify if he is to compete in the dressage phase at WEG. Mike and Peter have decided that the hazards look easy enough to get Anton through, so he'll take Ruff's place for the remainder of the show. Tuff and I are not thrilled. Donovan is downright depressed. He's tired already, just thinking about it. Don't get me wrong. Anton's a nice guy and all but he pulls like one of the rubber trace girls (a.k.a. Tina and Ready).
     We go out and practice some cones, make sure the harness is adjusted correctly and that we won't all die with Anton in the wheel. Mike tries to instill confidence but we can hear the doubt in his voice.
     Still, we're pumped for marathon. The course is great; taking us through both the cattle and turf operations on the ranch. Now, being from cattle country ourselves, we've seen lots of cows but we did a double take at these funky looking black cows with white bands around their bellies. Good thing there was lots of scenery to tkae our minds off working. By the time we got to the walk section, I was starting to think evil thoughts about Anton. He didn't even help much in the walk section and for the first time ever, we were too slow. I'm usually not even breathing hard when we reach vet check but today I even broke a sweat. Anton didn't get the memo that wheelers pull and leaders, well, lead. Tuff tells me to quit whining and that we'd better get Anton through this marathon or we'd have to do it again at the next show. That's incentive enough for me! Bring on the hazards!
     We start section E and finally, a hazard. I forget all about Anton and focus on my job. All goes according to plan and we're outta there. Hazard 2 is also a series of boxes and goes well.   The campground hazard is a wide open free-for-all. Lots of fun. The Altech hazard is tow rows of poles with a lane down the middle. This means lots of diagonal turns and lots of opportunities to miss or break a gate. We miss a turn and correct it but it costs us time. The water hazard is usually our quickest but today we were missing Ruff's pulling power. We get through nicely but slower than we'd like. One more to go! Tuff and I are a little tired. We've been mostly in draft, pulling through all the hazards. Donovan is doing great but needs Ruff's help. Coming up to the last hazard, my heart skips. Cars! Cars on ramps! We have a bad history with cars. Tuff must have felt apprehensive as well. He started in the first hole he saw. He quickly realized his mistake but it was too late. The carriage slammed into the post and because Tuff and I were in draft, it is firmly wedged in place. Mike tries to back us up. Gators Dean and Jerry try to pull or push or move the carriage in any way. Nothing happens. The clock ticks on. I'm thinking we only have 5 minutes to get Anton through this hazard. I'm not doing this again! In a flash of brilliance, I turn right. There's enough room to turn us around. We have at least 12 feet. Plenty of room for four horses abreast. Mike yells,"Fred! No!". Then, as he perceives my brilliant plan, "Fred! Go!". I look Anton in the eye as I pass him, daring him not to follow. We spin around and are on our way. Poor Tuff is rattled and unbellievably we split the post at the next turn! This time Tuff and I can back up enough, remedy the situation and leave the hazard with the voodoo cursed cars behind. There is only a short distance from the last hazard to the end and we have to book it to make up for all the time lost. We're all out of breath and still a bit dazed at the final vet check. I'm understandably pleased with myself and look back at Mike. I don't even get a "Thanks for saving the day, Fred!" Never any credit I tell you, never.
     After looking at marathon scores, it looks like we were well on our way to winning before the last hazard. I guess we'll have to wait for Ruff and get 'em next time!
     Cones day dawns cloudy,cold, and windy. Practice goes well and we're ready to roll! The cones field is beautiful. I get an extra bounce to my step as I greet the crowd. However, my heart sinks when we hit the very first cone. It's Tinagate all over again! I'm not sure what happened but it's like a demolition derby in there. I'm embarrassed and can't wait to leave. We're ready to head back to the barn but have to stay for the awards presentation. I'm not happy. It's way too cold. Finally, we go back in the arena. I can't help but greet the crowd. It's pretty awesome to have all the four-in-hands together. As we stand lined up watching awards being given out, I turn and look at Mike. "Where's ours?", I ask. He cleverly averts his gaze. We take a lap around the ring and finally head back to the barn.
     The next day, barns are mostly cleared out but we're stayin for two more days of practice. It's still cold and now raining. I think I want to stay inside. No such luck. We do however, get Ruff back. Little Everglades Ranch has agreed to let us practice on the cones field and the hazards. We'll do cones first. We go through a few practice cones, get some tips from coaches Peter and Michael, then redo the cones course from the show. We go double clear! W all know that Peter and Michael would have us here until nightfall if we didn't get it right.  We're cold.  And wet. Did it perfectly. Get to go back inside. (Nobody needs to know that the reason we're double clear is that the team knows the course, so we can do it without Mike!)
     The last clinic day is a little drizzly but warmer. We're ready for hazards. Michael has very nice things to say about us. At last! Someone who recognizes true talent! We practice four of the hazards including the voodoo car hazard. The biggest challenge today was tired Mike trying to remember routes. The rest of us are great!
     Finally, we pack up and leave. It's back to John Porter's for a few days and then home to Texas.

AQHA World Show

2009-11-28T16:33:00.000-08:00

It's been pretty quiet around Pecan Mill Ranch. We've been steadily training and hopefully steadily improving. I was ready for a little excitement, so was happy to see Mike loading up the big rig. Seems that we're headed to Oklahoma City and the AQHA World Show for an exhibition. This sounds too good to be true. No dressage. No arduous marathon. Just me showing off for an adoring crowd.
The USEF is putting on a presentation to promote the WEG and also to introduce some of the other equestrian disciplines to the Quarter Horse crowd. There will be representatives from 3-day eventing, show jumping, para-dressage, reining, and of course combined driving.
The A team (Ruff,Donovan,Tuff,Fabulous Fred) is loaded up to go. I'm full of questions but Tuff just glares at me, Donovan knows nothing, and Ruff patiently tries to answer but finally has enough and tells me to just wait and see.
After driving all day, we finally arrive at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. It's a huge complex with several arenas, hundreds of stalls, vendors of all types, and most importantly, lots of spectators. All of this is indoors and with the weather turning cold, it was very much appreciated.
Joanie Morris and Kathy Meyer from the USEF were at the stalls to welcome us. We also met Paul and Deryn Stewart - friends of Mike and Jerry who had generously agreed to help. The stalls were deeply bedded (obviously not prepared by a certain Scotsman I know) and comfortable. Most importantly, word of my wardrobe crisis must have reached the USEF, for waiting at our stalls were navy blue sheets embroidered in red with USA.
Once we were all settled in, we decided to take a test drive around the place. We toured the parking lots and main streets, waving to everyone we met. We wanted to try one of the arenas, but didn't want to scare any horses not used to seeing carriages. (We found out the next day however, that working cow horses are pretty difficult to spook. The only horse we had a little fun with was the prima donnaish dressage mare.)
On Friday Deryn braided us all up in red,white, and blue. We were to be first to go. We were to show the crowd how quick and agile we were by going around a couple of portable hazards. The announcer introduced us (only Mike by name, no mention of Fabulous Fred). The music started blaring "Born in the USA" and we breezed through the hazard, kicking up lots of dirt and getting the crowd cheering. Mike complained that he had to make mostly right turns because I wasn't paying close enough attention. All I can say is, have you ever tried to speed through a hazard while at the same time waving to the crowd? Our time in the main arena was over before we knew it and we headed back to the barn in order not to scare any of the other horses. We missed the other performances but heard they all did beautifully. We were unharnessed as Mike headed back to the arena to throw autographed t-shirts and sign photographs.
We did get a chance to see some of the working cow horses and I have to say, I could do that job! I could do that job, have lots of fun and look Fabulous doing it!

Lexington CDE

2009-10-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

We're back home in hot, steamy Brenham after a fun-filled week in Kentucky.

Our trip started with just "the boys" being loaded into the big rig. Tina and Ready barely looked up from their grazing as we pulled out. I'd like to say they'll be missed but.....

The trip is long, boring, and except for a flat tire on the truck, uneventful. After two days on the trailer, we finally arrive at the Kentucky Horse Park. Our stalls aren't ready yet, so we spend the night turned out in round pens. I get to share a pen with Ruff and Tuff. Donovan and Antone share another. They like to pick on me, so I'm happy to make faces at them from a safe distance and standing behind Ruff and Tuff.

At noon on Monday, we're put in our stalls. The national champion 4-in-hand team is across the aisle from us. Tuff immediately starts talking smack, bragging that we can take them in the marathon. I, however, keep my mouth shut. They are, frankly, intimidating. Everything they own is matched and monogramed. Their carriages and harness top of the line. And their wardrobe! I have serious blanket envy. They wear more clothes in a day than I've worn my entire life. Day sheets, warmers, coolers, evening attire. I look down at my mud splattered turnout sheet and think - "Extreme Makeover, Horse Edition".

Because I am a marathon and cones specialist, I get the next couple of days off as Mike prepares for dressage. Antone has my spot as right leader. He's been doing a great job at home but seems a little on edge here at the show. He asks how I handle my show nerves but of course I have no idea what he means. The bigger the crowd, the better is my motto. While the rest of the team is out working, I get turnout time. I put on a show whenever I see a spectator. I'm perfecting my pivot/buck/sprint move.

On Wednesday, we get bathed and braided for vet check. I look fabulous. A crowd has gathered to watch which always makes me happy. I'm still not clear on the procedure, however.

I'm asked to trot away from the crowd. I don't like doing this and someone waves a whip towards me. What nerve! We turn and I happily trot back to the crowd who are obviously impressed with my style and flair. The team is all cleared to compete in dressage tomorrow.

I watch smuggly as the team is harnessed and hitched for dressage. Antone looks calm and I shout encouragement. I want him to do well. I don't want any part of dressage anymore. I wait for what seems an eternity for the team to return after dressage. Apparently, the ring is close to 30 minutes away from the stables which only adds to my impatience. Finally, they arrive looking neither pleased nor disappointed. Antone had a case of stage fright and couldn't keep his trot rhythm. They worked well as a team and had an adequate test. They are close to being able to score better, but as always, more work is needed.

With Dressage finally behind us, it's time to focus on the fun stuff! We're harnessed up for cones practice and I'm full of energy walking up to the practice field. The Horse Park is a beautiful place with lots to look at. We pass by some of the hazards and it makes me psyched for marathon day! We get to the practice field and it's amazing - absolutely huge, grassy and smooth. I can barely contain myself and have fun boucing around and practicing flying lead changes while the rest of the team boringly trots along. We get warmed up and then it's our turn on the cones course set up by Coach Peter. The first run through is pretty good. Spectators were amazed at my ability to get through the cones at seemingly impossible angles. Peter wanted Mike to work on setting the team up earlier and straighter, before each set of cones. We worked on that awhile. At the risk of making Mike a little bit mad, I have to say that one of my favorite quotes ever and the reason Peter is my favorite coach ever, happened during this training session. Mike kept saying Fred!, Fred!, as if I was doing something wrong. Peter says,"Not Fred!, Mike!" All I could think was, Ha!, I knew it all along! As if I could ever be to blame!
Finally, it's Marathon Day! We had a little scare with the rain, thinking that the course would be very muddy but the weather is great and the wind has helped dry the footing. We have new Zilco harness, our manes are braided in red, white, and blue, and we're looking good as we start out on section A. The cooler weather feels great for Team Texas and after the walk section, we arrive barely winded at the vet check. In fact, Ruff's temperature is so low that the vet rechecks it to make sure it wasn't a mistake! We head off to the hazards feeling fresh and confident. The first hazard is pretty tight and technical. Tuff must have been studying my moves because he leaps through an opening that I thought he was going to miss and we exit with a very respectable time. The first water hazard is next and since we all love getting our gators as wet as possible, we splash right in. Mike continues to drive well and the hazards go very smoothly. Another somewhat technical hazard 3, then "the mountain" at hazard 4. (Later, I heard that there was some good-natured ribbing from the crowd about us taking the side route like "little girls", instead of the steeper up-the-middle option.) We were blazing in hazard 5 but passed a gate and had to circle back to catch it. Hazard 6 was pretty straight-forward around some logs and then it was back through the water and up and down another hill in 7. It was all over before we knew it. This was Donovan's first marathon on a team and I have to say that he was pretty awesome! With all four of us doing our jobs, we were faster and smoother. We felt good about how we had done and although it was apparently a surprise to many, we weren't entirely shocked by our 3rd place finish.
Cones Day! We're in 5th place overall going into cones. I'm excited not to have Tina as a wheeler and am counting on Donovan. I always love having the crowd up close to the arena in cones and we're all feeling good about our chances. We start off well but things quickly fall apart after we're asked to come back from the canter. We can't seem to work together as a team and the balls start to fall. It's a disappointing run and it drops us to 7th place. I see more cones practice in our future.
All in all, it was a pretty good show. Donovan is qualified for WEG, marathon went very well, and we feel that our cones performance will be greatly improved with more practice.
Right now though, we're ready to get home to Texas!

The Summer of My Discontent

2009-09-14T07:22:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness this summer is finally coming to an end. My euphoria at being crowned a "specialist" was quickly followed by the realization that Antone would be needing lots of practice with the "A" team in order to be ready for dressage. This meant that I was relegated to the "B" team with - you guessed it- Tina! I was to be the adult supervision in the lead with Tina. Now, if you know me at all, paying attention to anyone but myself is not my strong suit. This fact ended with disastrous consequences that I'll go into in a moment.
Ready and Taylor are the "B" team wheelers. Ready works only marginally more than Tina and Taylor does OK but is really a bit of a chicken at heart. I spent the summer trying to add a little flash to the team with decidedly negative results. So it was with less than optimal enthusiasm that I went out for marathon practice on the aforementioned disastrous day.
Here's how it went down. We're having an easy practice and Mike decides to go through a couple of hazards in the trees. I notice a couple of fans are there to watch, so I put on my game face and prepare to dazzle. Tina is clueless as usual, so I do my best to pull her around. However, there's one gate that is a very narrow opening between two trees. We round the corner and are supposed to go through this particular gate but Tina has other ideas. I'm not the biggest horse in the barn, and when Tina puts on the brakes, I can't do a thing. So, we back up and have another go at it. This time, Tina trots forward just enough to get herself through, but the carriage has no room to follow. It hits the tree and catapults gator Jerry. She lands badly and obviously needs medical care. We're quickly taken back to the barn and Mike whisks Jerry to the emergency room. Later, news gets back to us that she has a broken ankle. She'll be on crutches for awhile but we're all relieved that she will be alright.
With our trip to the Lexington CDE coming up, the timing of our accident is terrible. Jerry obviously cannot gator. We are all so used to her calming influence and ability to help Mike make any corrections needed while going full speed through a hazard. She will be greatly missed.
P.S. Hate mail directed towards Tina will not be accepted.
She's a bit clueless,yes. Intentionally destructive, no. She has issued an official apology which has been accepted by the team.

Ridden dressage

2009-07-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

I've finally gotten my dressage rider back. Tina hogged her for months and months as Mike held out hope that she would be the "Terrific Tina" to my "Fabulous Fred". I think they've decided she's as terrific as she's going to get for right now. Ridden dressage is more fun than driven. I find it easier to focus when I have undivided attention. Besides, my rider always sneaks me cookies, gives me pats, and tells me how fabulous I am.

I had just started being ridden again, when my rider went on vacation. She assures me that she thought of me the entire time she was gone and even offered photographic proof.

First, there was the city that borrowed from my name.

Then, evidence that I'm famous far and wide.

And finally, in case you were wondering about the photo at the start of this post, views that are nearly as fabulous as I am.

Hot Clinic

2009-06-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

We've just finished another clinic with Coach Peter. It's been brutally hot here with record setting afternoon temperatures of 104 degrees. This meant early morning and evening lessons with the middle of the day set aside for napping under the trees.
Peter quickly figured out why Texans wear those funny looking cowboy hats. Check out the picture. You can hardly tell he's German! I told you, I'm all about inclusion. Antone and Peter can both be honorary Texans.

The first day of the clinic is dressage practice. Someone forgot to tell Peter that I'm a cones and marathon specialist and I get put on the team with Ruff, Donovan, and Antone. I do my best to remind everyone why I don't do dressage. I look around for cones, and finding none proceed to daydream. My thoughts of fame and fortune keep getting interrupted by Mike's incessant commands though, and I'm glad when the lesson is over. I'm not really sure how the lesson went (wasn't paying close attention) but the other three horses practically drag me back to the barn and they're not being particularly friendly.
The next morning, Tuff is put in my spot next to Antone. (That's right, people! I'm a specialist!) They come back sometime later (I don't know how long. I was busy with hay) hot and tired but looking pleased with themselves. The same four are hooked up again in the evening. It looks like Antone is quickly improving and has earned a dressage spot.
The last morning of the clinic, I'm harnessed up. It's too hot for marathon, so I hope for cones practice. We head out towards the dressage field and I get a little panicky. It's only for warm-up, though and soon we head to the cones course.
Jerry, my personal videographer, is there to record my every fabulous move. Mike can watch it later and see the spots where he must get quicker to keep up with me.
The course is tight and challenging. I try to pick the route but Mike keeps insisting that he gets to choose. Ruff and Donovan do a good job. Antone surprises us all by mostly keeping up with me and working really hard. He's a pretty good partner and not nearly as bossy as Tuff. As long as he doesn't try to steal my thunder, I think he'll do.

The B Team

2009-06-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

Today is team driving day. Occasionally I'm driven single. Mike reaffirms that I'm fabulous, secretly fantasizes about taking me to the singles world championships, then sighs and turns me back towards the barn.
Other times, I'm driven as a pair. My partners are usually Mr. "I can walk faster than any horse alive" Tuff, or Miss "I'd really not leave the barn, thank you!" Tina. It's all business with Tuff. I work way too hard and Tuff is not sufficiently impressed with my effort. Tina's a bit lazy and makes me look good. She keeps Mike busy calling her name. I used to think he kept saying "Fred!" so much to point me out to the crowd, but have since learned it's not a good thing. I've tried telling her, but she's in denial. I pay close attention to where we're going. Tina's been known to hit a thing or two. (I forgive but never forget.)
Anyway, it's team day. Ready and Donovan are led to the wheel. Tina and I are leaders, but I'm on the wrong side. Ruff and Tuff are in their stalls. My first thought is, "First the minis and now this. Mike really is losing it." My second thought is, "We're all gonna die!"
We've never done this without Tuff telling us all what to do and Ruff making sure that the carriage doesn't hit anything. I look anxiously at Tina. She's oblivious. I glance back at Ready and Donovan. They look slightly dazed and bewildered. I think the whites of my eyes might be showing. I try to calm down. That can't be a good look for me.
Off we go and we live to tell the tale. My fears were (uncharacteristically for me) exaggerated. Donovan steps up and does great. Ready, all about self-preservation, does her part. Tina, after a slow start, finally gets it in gear and gets to work. I, of course, am fabulous.
We head back to the barn. Ruff and Tuff smirk smugly in their stalls. I hope they're enjoying their break. I can only take so much stress. I need a massage. Where are those fans of mine?

I'm Special

2009-06-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

Antone

I haven't written much about our training lately but we're still working hard. Ruff and Donovan are doing great in the wheel. We have much more power now and I'm free to be my fabulous self out front. Also, when Donovan came from Indiana, he brought a buddy with him. He's not a Texan either, (he even has a German accent) but I'm all about being inclusive. His name's Antone and he seems pretty cool.

Wait! Mike hooked him up next to Tuff, in my spot! I'm just left standing in my stall. Mike must notice that my famous twinkling eyes are looking hurt. Apparently, I'm a "marathon and cones specialist". That sounds pretty impressive. A fitting title for me. I'll let it slide. Antone can do dressage. I'm too special for that.

Betrayal!

2009-06-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

It's a little quiet around the barn. Mike should have been out and we should have been driven by now. We're all wondering where he might be when we're shown the evidence. Judge for yourself. I think he's finally gone off the deep end.

There are no words............

Sure, sometimes we can be a bit strong, a

little too much to handle...........

But really? Mike? Minis?

P.S. You never smile like that when you drive the big horses!

You're making me feel a little less fabulous.

Maybe some carrots would help. And a day off.

Centerfold

2009-05-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

The new Driving Digest came today and finally, I'm getting the press I deserve! I'm looking fit and fabulous as the centerfold model. Check it out!

Photo Shoot

2009-04-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

I knew we were going somewhere! All six of us driving horses are loaded up in the trailer. I'm a little surprised when we go for such a short drive and arrive at a barn where there is obviously no show going on. We're all led out to a field covered in bluebonnets. I recognize the guy with the camera. I thought he was just part of the papparazzi, (I've seen him following me at the shows) but it turns out he's photographing us for our web site.

The girls (Ready and Tina) are up first. They know nothing about modeling. Their poses are all off and they don't carry off the right expressions at all! Ruff and Tuff go next. They look pretty good for what they have to work with. Donovan has been watching and tries to do his best. I think his head shots will be decent.

Finally, it's my turn. Jerry recognizes that a plain halter will just not do for me. She brings out the bling! I pose like a pro. I'm sure my 8x10 glossies will sell like hot cakes!

We're turned out all together for some candid shots but I pay no attention. The grass is very green and very tasty...

Spa Day

2009-04-26T18:52:00.000-07:00

I've been working way too hard this past week, so I was very pleased to see my personal stylist walk in the barn this morning. Sally is here to make me look even more fabulous. Sally has been grooming and taking care of me at shows for several years now. I have her very well trained. She knows just how I take my food, keeps my stall clean and fresh, and cleans my harness and carriage to best show off my fabulousness. Today she trims my face, ears, bridle path, and legs. I get a nice massage as she brushes my coat until I feel as good as I look.

As Sally finishes up, Willy pulls his truck up to the barn. He's our farrier. I guess I'll be getting a pedicure and new shoes today, as well. I wonder if we're going somewhere this weekend. It would be a waste to look this good and not even have an audience!

April 6th Dressageless Day 2!

2009-04-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

It's a repeat of yesterday, except today everyone (even Mike) is prepared. Since Mike showed us the hazards yesterday, the team knows which routes to take. We won't even have to wait on him today!

We have a nice warmup through Section A and then blaze through the first hazard. We stop for some coaching from Peter and it's all good news. We were fast and smooth. The other hazards also give us no problems. Mike is learning a lot from Peter and the practice is making even Ready better. Ruff says Donovan is almost ready for hazards and then we'll be even faster.

Peter promises to re-gate the hazards before he leaves so that we can practice some more on our own next week. Can't wait!

April 5th Dressageless Clinic!

2009-04-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise when we're pulled out of our stalls bright and early this morning. I'm really not excited about trotting around in circles in the dressage field. But I feel a glimmer of hope as I see Mike and Dean checking out the marathon carriage. My hopes are further raised when the heavier harness is put on me. I can't believe Peter's here and we don't have to do dressage! We actually might get to have fun today!

Ruff, Tuff, Ready, and I are all hitched and set to go. Only when the barn doors are opened, do I realize why they were closed in the first place. It's cold and windy. Peter really thinks we're lying to him about the warm Texas climate. I really don't mind, though because it's marathon time!

We warm up with a trot section to simulate Section A of a real marathon. Peter has set up four challenging hazards for us. Of course, I never have trouble but some of the others (i.e. Mike, Ready) do. We all expect Ready to be a little slower than the rest of us but I'll have to admit, she's getting better. Mike hasn't had much time to study the hazards and gets a little lost. Peter gives Mike lots of helpful advice and they decide to practice again tomorrow. I can't believe my luck! Two days of marathon! No dressage!

2009-04-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

April 4th Left Behind
This Ruff and Donovan (that’s right, no D-Dog for him) thing is getting on my nerves. Today there’s a drive at Morris Ranch and who does Mike take? Doesn’t he reallize how many fans he’ll disappoint by not showing up with me?They’re gone all day. Tuff and I sulk under a shade tree. Ruff and that other horse get home and tell us all about this beautiful ranch with trails through the woods and fields. Apparently, they even crossed a swampy area known for alligator sightings! I feel only slightly guilty for giving Donovan the once over, hoping to see teeth marks.After dinner, I look up and do a double take. It’s Coach Peter! He’s followed us home! He’s a nice guy and all (very cool accent, by the way) but this can mean only one thing. Work!

March 30th D-Dog
Ruff told me and Tuff that we couldn’t chase Donovan around the pasture anymore. Apparently, he’s pretty strong and not afraid to work. Ruff likes the help so I guess I’ll try to be nice. But if he’s gonna hang with us, he needs a cooler name. I’m calling him D-Dog. Yeah, that’ll work.This new rule doesn’t apply at feeding time. D-Dog and I nearly get run over by Ruff and Tuff at the hint of any grain coming our way. It’s times like these that I realize how big those guys are! I decide it’s best to not risk any marks on my fabulous coat and politely let them be first in line.

March 28th
We’ve had a little time off and I guess because Im’ so fabulous, I don’t have to work as hard as everyone else. Ruff is training Donovan to be a left wheeler, so they work as a pair. Tuff is trying to teach Tina something, anything. I saw her prancing around her paddock, trying to look like me. Someone needs to tell her to just give it up, already!

March 24th Home at last

2009-04-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

After two days in the big rig, we’re finally home! We get turned out on the grass and I make a couple of laps to make sure all the other horses notice The Return of Fabulous Fred. I’m satisfied everyone is looking at me and settle down for some serious grazing.

Fabulous Fred's Road to the WEG

2009-04-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

Follow Fred on his road to the 2010 WEG(Editor’s note: As Mike and Jerry travel to shows around the country, they are greeted with many questions and comments. Topics range from the horses’ breeding, to training methods, to managing a ranch in Texas. But most frequently (and much to the bewilderment of Mike), they will hear something like, “I sure like that right leader.”, “That right leader sure can get through some tight spots in the hazards!”, or “Is that right leader for sale?” That right leader is Pecan Mill Fred. He’s the little horse with the sparkle in his eye that just makes a person smile. Beginning with the driving community around his home in Brenham, Fred has amassed a group of people who call themselves members of the Fabulous Fred Fan Club. So here, for his fans, is Fred’s account of his quest to become part of the United States Combined Driving Team and compete in Kentucky at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.)

Sunshine State CAI was the first qualifying show for Team Texas. Ruff, Tuff, Ready, and Fred not only qualified but finished second to the World Silver Medalist, Chester Weber.

Saturday, March 14
Since Sunshine State, we’ve been at our Florida spa retreat, aka Erika Matulich and John Porter’s Cypress Keep Farm. John and Erica graciously allowed us to stay at their lovely place in Plant City for some much needed down time. Being turned out to play in the pasture was great. Mike worked us each day but we still had lots of time to chill. Today we load up and travel to Live Oak.

Sunday- Tuesday Live Oak Clinic
It’s time to get serious again. Coach Peter Tischer is here to help get us ready for the Live Oak show. Mike has promised no two-a-day workouts as long as we’re good. Ready and Donovan aren’t showing this time but will take the second lesson slot each day of the clinic. I’ll try to be good but there are no fans watching us practice and I find it difficult to dazzle without a crowd. Plus, I can only let Mike practice so many one-handed circles before I’m bored to tears!

Wednesday Vet Check
I love the jog! The entire team gets all glammed up. We’re brushed to gleaming and our manes braided up with fancy green yarn. Lots of fans show up to watch me strut my stuff on the runway. The best part is I get lots of attention with no work involved on my part. I pass the check with flying colors, of course. Oh yeah, the rest of the team does, too.

Thursday Dressage
There’s nothing quite like coming over the rise to enter the Live Oak arena and seeing the crowd, the tents, the flags for the first time. Still, Dressage is not my favorite day and Tuff always gives me dirty looks when I try and acknowledge my fans. He wants me to wait until after the test to look at anything. He’s always so serious.Ruff and Tuff put in a good test. Tina, however, pretends she’s tired and puts in a flat performance. Mike (who’s always telling me to pay attention), forgets where he’s going and adds 5 penalty points to our score. I, of course am fabulous. We end the day with a somewhat disappointing 67.46 in 5th place.

Friday
The Intermediates do dressage today, so all we have to do is get ready for marathon tomorrow. We’re harnessed and hooked and go for a quick spin in the marathon carriage to make sure everything is adjusted correctly. We also have a new groom on the back step and Mike and Jerry want to be sure he can hang on during all my fancy moves!

Saturday Marathon
You can just feel the anticipation on marathon day. Everyone is a little worried about Tina being able to keep up. This is her first FEI show, her first marathon ever in a team. We all know that we can rely on Ruff, though. He’s used to doing most of the pulling since both Tina and the other left wheeler, Ready, think that all the heavy lifting should be left to the boys. I hear talk that Tina is vying for my right leader position where she won’t have to pull so much. We’ll just see what my fans think of that!Anyway, we’re all booted and tails braided up out of the way. We’re checked and walking, ready to start section A when our helpers flag us down and tell us we have a trace down. A snap has broken. “Seven minutes!”, the timer helpfully tells us. Luckily, Jerry (prepared as always) has a spare and with a leatherman and many helping hands, a quick repair job is accomplished. All this stress and we haven’t even started yet!Section A takes us on a lovely tour of the Live Oak grounds. Those thoroughbreds know how to live! I need to talk to Mike and Jerry about upgrading my housing situation. The walk section causes some problems. They expect us to walk past the stabling, i.e. our food, at 7 kph. Not gonna happen. We accrue penalties but arrive at the Vet check relaxed and ready for hazards.Hazards go fairly well. I’m fabulous, of course and do my best to keep up with Tuff. I stay with him the entire time, never once “splitting” a post even though I have to really hustle through some very tight spots. I think sometimes Tuff forgets I’m over here and doesn’t leave me any room.Tina actually works some. Mike remembers his routes. And although not super fast, we finish with a respectable 4th.At Vet check we’re told that not only I, but the rest of the team as well, look fabulous.We’re chosen to have our carriage weighed so we’re all unhitched. And then, incredibly, they tell me I need to (excuse me while I blush) pee in a cup! I’m terribly embarrassed by all of this but soon find the FEI drug steward is a very nice lady who quickly becomes a member of my fan club.

Sunday Cones
It’s cones day! This is my favorite. The fans are very close, I’m very dressed up, and I get to show my moves with very little sweating.We’re all groomed, braided, and fitted with white boots. Cones are in the same area as dressage, so we head up there to warm up. I’m not feeling any love for Tina as she complains that she’s already worked hard enough this week and doesn’t want to play this game anymore.We enter the ring and I’m set to impress. I’m fabulous and don’t touch a single cone! The crowd cheers and I’m feeling great. But as we’re leaving the ring, I hear Mike ask Jerry, “What did I hit?” “10”, she replies. “And what other one?”, he asks. That is when she explains that she didn’t mean he hit number 10, but that he hit ten cones. I’m incredulous and shoot angry looks at Tina.We stick around the warm-up area to see how the other teams do and to find out our final placings. We’ve figured that we’re out of the ribbons and are surprised when they call us back into the ring. The announcer states that we’re to be presented a special award. (probably the Most Fabulous Horse award, I think to myself.) But it turns out we receive the FEI Fitness Award. I knew I was in fabulous shape and it turns out the rest of the team was, too. This award is quite an honor and makes us feel proud of all the hard work we’ve put in. It takes the sting out of the cones debacle, and we head back to the stables in high spirits.

Monday
We’re all loaded up and ready to travel home to Texas! It’s been a great trip and all five Pecan Mill bred horses are qualified for WEG! We’ll continue to practice at home and receive coaching from Peter until our next show this October in Kentucky. Hopefully, Donovan will be ready. With Ruff getting some help pulling the carriage, we should be even more fabulous!