Everything Horses and Livestock® Magazine Feb 2019 Vol 4 Issue 1

Everything Horses and Livestock Magazine ®

song. I listened to my freestyle song 119 times, but only practiced with the horse to the song two times each day for about 10 days leading up to the competition. Before that, I worked on each individual part of my routine so Chester wouldn’t get too bored doing it over and over again, which he did anyway. In the past, I had not shown much in halter or showmanship. I always wanted to focus on the riding classes instead. This challenge forced me to get out of my comfort zone and seek assistance with helping my horse to square-up and trot smoothly next to me. I also learned how I, as the handler, should present him with my own body carriage and how I was to hold the lead. World Paint Horse halter champion, Richard Burns of my home town, Lyndon, Kansas was just the guy to ask! Richard met with me three times and gave me the edge I needed to win the Mustang showmanship class. I was super proud of my horse for catching on so quickly. What I loved most was how Richard taught me to walk next to Chester instead of run while Chester was trotting to make him look super smooth. I think the judges liked it too. The lessons I learned go way beyond winning the competition. They are skills, work ethic and knowledge I will be able to use and build upon throughout the rest of my life, both with horses and for life in general. Most importantly, I gave a wild, BLM

Mustang, an opportunity for a good life with his new owner, Eric Voss, from Concordia, KS, who had the highest bid of $550. While we were offered to keep our projects, my parents said I couldn’t have 5 horses and told me up-front that I would need to sell him if I was going to do the competition. It was a sugar and salt kind of day. I won the title and a very nice Justin Branham Memorial saddle made by R Bar B, but I cried on the way home with an empty trailer and a heavy heart missing Chester, thinking of all the time we spent together. Now my focus will switch to finding a quality Welch pony to train as a Hunter Jumper over the next few years. I guess that means I’m going to have to sell

the mini too. I had a fantastic experience and want to thank all who made it possible!

Alyssa Hogelin, age 13 of Lyndon, Kansas

Alyssa takes in outside ponies and is looking to purchase quality papered Welsh Ponies. She can be reached by calling her mom, Sara at 253-225-9164 Visit her Facebook page: Alyssa Hogelin Mustang Beginnings Challenge to watch her Freestyle Video at https://youtu. be/EowLkwisf4

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