On Kai's good days, however, we had some INCREDIBLE work. He's moving well, he's stretching more and more, he's getting stronger, and I'm getting better with all of it too! When I could ride, things were FANTASTIC! With the nice weather, we ventured outside for the first time, and although Kai's stumbling made me nervous with the uneven footing, it was really good for both of us. He was clearly happy with his surroundings, and I think we needed a break from our sandbox.

We finished out the month with a show that could have gone much better. The ninety + temps and loads of bugs made everyone miserable, but I think all in all Kai did a good job putting up with everything. We had some really bad moments, but in better were several very nice moments, so I was pleased.

And now, a picture story:

How NOT to halt:

Nope, not like THIS either:

The way this show was going, I'm pretty sure a halt WASN'T required here

Nice canter....too bad it's an intro test!

What happens when I finally get around to telling the horse he's not supposed to canter in an intro test (it took me a while...because it really was such a NICE canter!)

Wow, we almost look like we know what we're doing here!

Yeah, that's nowhere near the center line

Good boy

Disclaimer: the blue ribbon is from an earlier eq. class - NOT the tests pictured above!! (and note to self, buy a hairnet!)

Kai and I are famous! That show was a benefit for ILPHMI, and we were interviewed for the Lansing State Journal!!

Published May 29, 2006

[ From the Lansing State Journal ]

Riders saddle up for show: New group wants to aid horses in need

Money to go to care for injured, abused horses

By Susan Vela
Lansing State Journal

WILLIAMSTON - Nineteen-year-old Jessica Hanney took out a loan to buy Just My Tuition, a chestnut thoroughbred with soulful eyes and graceful legs. Hanney loves that horse, and the two have developed a keenly sensitive bond in the show ring. The more relaxed Hanney is, the better Just My Tuition competes. Hanney, a Central Michigan University student from East Lansing, barely can comprehend the grief Gulf Coast horse owners went through when Hurricane Katrina approached and they had to leave behind their friends. "I'm so close to my horse, I hate to think about going through that," Hanney said. She saddled up Sunday to raise money for the International League for the Protection of Horses-Michigan, a newly established group that wants to help horses in need. Its Spring Fling Horse Show at Copper Creek Farm drew more than 50 riders and raised about $2,400 over the weekend, said Larry Heuer, ILPH-Michigan president. Two similar equestrian shows testing several skills are planned for later this year. ILPH-Michigan wants to raise $750,000, Heuer said, so it can feed and provide medical care to horses caught in the hurricane season's tumult. Also, the money would go toward building an ILPH-Michigan barn and stables in Dansville to care for abused and injured horses.

Heuer went to Gulfport, Miss., after Hurricane Katrina. With others, he took feed and hay to about 200 horses and put 25 injured animals in touch with medical care. He came back determined to start an ILPH chapter that could provide such relief well into the future.

"It's a shame," rider Ashley Hennessey, 18, of Delton said Sunday. "(Human) welfare is usually put ahead of the horse's welfare."

Her mother operates a private horse rescue service, which has exposed Hennessey to emaciated horses. Because of Michigan's economy, she also has seen owners sell their horses for as little as $50 because they can't afford the long-term care.

"You have to have an organization like this," said Mason resident Janice Smith, a Sunday rider.

Contact Susan Vela at 702-4248 or svela@lsj.com.