Saturday, October 2 was a rodeo day all for Tori. I drove her up to Cedar Rapids to her first goat tying clinic. We haven't purchased a trailer yet so she went to focus on her ground work and we left her new pony at home.
We both were pleasantly surprised with how well she had been taught to flank and tie at Rodeo Bible Camp this past June. She has no bad habits and can tie very quickly and securely. She is tying at her goal speed for her age. Yeah!!
However, she loses time on her horse dismount. I visited with Lacie (a 4 time state champ and 4 time college rodeo qualifier and instructor of this clinic) about this and she said that dismounting off of a full sized horse as Tori was in for sure not as easy as it looks. It is a long way down and she is moving so quickly. Best thing to do is to size her up with a pony to shorten the distance to the ground. Then practice, practice, practice.
The good news... We had just purchased her a very broke 9 year old pony mare named Nugget last weekend. Great to know we were on the right track with our thinking.
The conclusion of the clinic was participation in a benefit rodeo being held at the ranch grounds. The senior girls ran 11.+ seconds while Tori a fifth grader ran a 16 second on a borrowed horse! Very good start for her!! She is so determined to 'find' that extra 5 seconds and knock it out of there.
Her smile was from ear to ear all day long. What a fun and memorable day we were able to spend together, just me and her, doing something that she loves. We took home so many tips and hints from a rodeo pro. Plus Tori felt like she made a new friend in Lacie.
Sounds like a great and fun day! Something mother and daughter will always remember and treasure!
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