Assessment day

This morning, I got outside for Cowboy Coffee right after 7:30 or so. It was beautiful and clear out, but a bit chilly. The company was fine, the coffee not so much.

Breakfast at the Homestead was good, bacon, eggs, and pancakes. I had coffee and a few strips of bacon. The eggs were dry, so I didn't eat them.

After breakfast, I went back to my room to put my boots and jeans on. The ring assessment was my first thing. They split us up into 2 groups--half ring tests, and the other half did roping and fly casting.

There was about 8 people in the group and we started with a half hour of "horse basics"--how to approach and walk around, how to get on, how to sit, how to get off. Then, one at a time, we got on our horses. I was on Snappy. Or Snappy the Appy. He was an Appaloosa. Then we all walked around the ring following the guide. We all made a turn and followed the other way. This was for about another 1/2 hours. Finally, we did a trot one at a time. I went first, as I could tell I was the most experienced. It was a bit rough, but I did fine. After that, I was the only one in my group to canter. I received no feedback, I think it was because I passed with flying colors.

Next, we went to the area near the lodge for fly casting practice and roping. The fly casting was fun but boring after a while. The roping was frustrating, but more fun.

After that, Danielle and I went to the ring to watch the other group's ring tests. Then lunch, which was make your own tacos or burritos. It was good and I was hungry!Læs mere