Patrick and Dandy, Part 2

Horse shows can be trying events for both horse and rider, and a fair amount of nervous energy can pass between the two in the run-up to show time. With Dandy, that nervousness seemed to manifest in the need to buck a bit before entering the show ring. Through long experience, Patrick had learned to tack up well before the start of his first class and work the kinks out of his horse in the lanes and corrals outside the arena. Dandy would often crow hop a bit as part of the process, but after 20-30 minutes of pre-show exercise he would usually settle down and do his work in a more or less civilized fashion.

On this particular show day, however, Dandy was a model citizen from the moment he walked out of the horse trailer. He stood quietly, ground-tied, while Patrick gave him a good brushing, checked his feet, and eased on his saddle, bridle, and breast collar. The pre-show warm up was uneventful as well, without a buck, hop, or unwanted act of any kind. In fact, Dandy was walking, trotting, loping, stopping and backing with such proficiency that Patrick was thinking this was a trophy day for sure.

When it was time for the first class (Western Pleasure) Patrick eased Dandy into the show ring, right behind his friend Jay and Jays’ quarter horse mare, Link. Dandy and Link were stable mates and show buddies of long standing, and where one went the other usually followed.

It was a large class, well over 20 horses, and at the judges’ direction they spread out into a slow walk around the ring. As he moved in behind Link, Patrick noticed Dandy beginning to bunch a bit, but he eased him forward and he settled in with the rest of the class.

That lasted until the judge asked the group for a trot. As Patrick picked up the reins and attempted to squeeze Dandy into the new gait he dropped his head, stiffened his legs and burst into an enthusiastic bout of crow hopping. This soon turned into full-fledged bucking, as around the arena they went, inside the circle of horses trying to carry on with the class.

By the time Patrick and Dandy were halfway around the show ring the crowd in the stands was on its feet cheering. From where I stood those cheers became a roar as Patrick stayed aboard all the way around, while Dandy bucked and fishtailed like a certified bronc.

As Patrick and Dandy approached their original starting point, in an act of true friendship Jay eased Link out from among the other horses and into the path of the oncoming duo. When Dandy saw Link parked in his way it was like a switch flipped. He quit bucking, and settled docilely in beside him.

The crowd continued to cheer and applaud as Patrick turned hopefully toward the judge, who stood in the center of the arena with arms folded and just the hint of a smile on his face. The pavilion quieted as it waited to see what he would do with the wayward pair. Without hesitation the judge pointed to the show ring gate, and Patrick nodded and headed his horse out of the arena to a smattering of renewed applause.

The last thing I remember as I made my way out of the stands was the class resuming as if nothing had happened–young riders moving around the show ring to the commands of the judge. I couldn’t say for sure, but I think Jay and Link won that class. I hope so; they deserved it.

Author: Phil Ward

Phil Ward is a 5th generation Oregonian who over the course of a 40 year professional career has served as a high school Agriculture Instructor, Executive Vice President of the Oregon Farm Bureau, Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Oregon Department of Water Resources, and State Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency. He lives with his wife Pam on a piece of the home farm south of Independence, near the Willamette River. View all posts by Phil Ward