August 29, 2009

With Ingrid in the saddle, Paschal was 3rd in the $1,000 Derby at Thunderbird Show Park.   Ingrid had a smooth, steady clear round. 

It was the first time Paschal had to do a bank going up as well as the Devil's Dike.  He decided it would be best to trot up the bank and walk into the Devil's Dike.  Needless to say this costs Ingrid several seconds and a higher placing but it was a positive experience for Paschal.

August 28, 2009

Paschal continues to impress and surprise all of us.  This weekend at Thunderbird Show Park he had the fastest times in the jump off both on Wednesday (Isauro riding) and Thursday (Ingrid riding) but one rail.

Friday evening was the feature class, Thunderbird's Ride and Rally.   Both Ingrid and Marilyn said that it was my class.  Paschal got to wear his brand new hoody with matching saddle pad.   I got to wear my uncle Julio's car racing shirt and colours.  The crowds and noise did not bother Paschal at all.  Instead he was very focussed and serious.

In the ring I could not believe how professional he was.  We did all the inside turns, angled jumps and had a steady pace throughout.   I then proceeded to dash for the car (a smart car that Thunderbird Show Park is gifting to a lucky winner of the ongoing raffle.  All proceeds are going to benefit a worthy charity for children. )

In the car portion they had set cones with tennis balls on each.  Here is where my years of driving in Mexico paid off.  I went clear in a fast time.

So between Paschal's focussed and accurate jumping phase and my driving we ended up winning the class.

In typical Paschal fashion, he was trying to remove his cooler when they first put it on.  Once in the ribbon presentation he was all business.  He stood there quietly while the ribbon was pinned on his bridle, was relaxed throughout the victory gallop, and posed quietly for the pictures afterwards.
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