"One of these things is not like the other ones..." I took Memphis to an AQHA show last week just to let him see the busy show grounds and ride around the crowds and in different pens. It was our first real outting besides the vet, and he was wide eyed and on sensory overload at first. I enjoyed showing him to my show buddies, most of which haven't spent time with horses like him. He got lots of attention! It was a great experience for him. He tied to the trailer like a pro, and rode GREAT in the warm up pen. Unfortunately, the indoor arenas had classes showing in them, and the heat kept anyone else from riding in the outdoor with us, but it was still a good start. He did get to cruise all around the indoor facility, and was outstanding.

Today he actually earned his keep. One of our steers stuck his head through a panel and got hung up. This happened last week, and I tried to use Memphis to get him out. He isn't afraid of the cattle, but he's much more comfortable pushing them when they actually move away from him, instead of flailing in place and trying to pull the fence down. Today though, he was solid. We rode right up on the steer, who proceeded to hop and jump and kick, and even sat on Memphis' front legs. He was confident and easy to handle, it was so nice! Unfortunately, we weren't able to motivate the steer to pull his head back through, so I had to get off and climb the fence to push him from there. Memphis ground tied 5 feet away from the flailing and screaming steer, and didn't move a muscle while I freed it. He's starting to feel like a real partner. I think he's going to make someone a great friend.

Tomorrow we haul to Bandera State Park to test out the all-hoof drive. ;)

Everyone's horses look great. I must say, Tuff is really coming into his own; he looks awfully pretty.

Also, Thursday the 17th, arrival day for Ft Worth, is my birthday, and I was thinking about having a little party at the stalls that night. Nothing crazy, but it'd be nice to celebrate and to get to know everyone at the show. Anyone care to stop by?

mcmillanshowhorses@yahoo.com/210-844-5694