February 12, 2021

Back on January 30, Jenny and I took our horses to Amanda Brunson’s – Red Horse Training – Open House at her new facility in Louisa, Virginia. Its a really nice facility with plenty of stalls, bathroom, office, lots of pasture, and a good sized covered arena. A covered arena in the summer is amazing. I mean, its amazing year round, but in the summer to keep that horrid wicked beating sun off of you, super sweet.

For the open house Amanda had set up all sorts of obstacles in he covered arena that everyone could go through at their own pace. There was even a lovely princess sheep in a tutu and crown. Jenny and I tacked up and headed in to play.

Simon was pretty light footed when we arrived and ready to roll. So we spent a few minutes walking around, and then dove into a few of the obstacles that I knew would not be a problem. We went through the curtains, then we back back into them, and then walked forward and then stood under them.

Simon used to not like the big balls, but over the summer we played with one at Amanda’s game nights and Simon changed his mind and now he likes pushing he ball around.

The remote control car was a really thrill for both Simon and King.

Simon has never been ok with dragging things, and this event was no exception. Jenny helped out and leading King, drug the tire around. We started with Simon following it, then walking next to it, then moving ahead and walking next to Jenny with it following him. Improvement, but additional sessions are necessary.

The one obstacle Simon was completely floored by, was the tiny bubble blowing machine. I think it was the sound and not the bubbles that was getting him. King walked past it nicely several times letting Simon follow him, but it still remained scary. I suppose a tiny bubble blowing machine is going to be a spring time purchase for me.

These giant skeleton horses were super cool. They whinnied, or as Jenny put it, it started as a whinny, but then sounded like they ate a wolf.

This event was a lot of fun. And it sounds like Amanda has a great plan for the new facility. If you are in the area she is worth checking out.

Photos by Chloe Franges