Trail Off Conversation

Opening

It was a damp and slightly cold morning on October 5th 2025, Cacy heard of a show that was going on close by and just recently getting Izzy it was thought to be a good plan to see how show proof she was. Her previous wonders stated she did show but they didn't have any records of her or the shows which seemed a bit suspicious. Though after a week of Izzy living at the barn there didn't seem to be any issues, so with a three day practice run for the show Cacy was pleasantly surprised at Izzy being well trained, so with that Cacy loaded up Izzy and we headed down to the local show! It was fun looking, a Fall Themed show, SO cacy made sure to bring her bedazzled orange show blouse and the orange plaid saddle pad as well. As they arrived she noticed they didn't have any specific barn to place your horses in, (Good thing I brought the pen” thought cacy, the pen being a easy set up “round pen” for Izzy to stay in to keep her safe and to keep her from wandering off. After parking, Cacy set up the pen and then all of her tack, then she slowly let Izzy out. Cacy waited for Izzy to spook or to scream and act excited, but no, Izzy looked around and just Yawned…She was,,,Bored? Already? Was this mare THAT show seasoned? Well, there is only one way to find out…

Part one | Western Pleasure

Arriving so early Cacy was able to take a look at most of the other competitors, riders in the Barrels, Poles, and Reining, Cacy observed the Reining competitors very closely as it was definitely something Cacy wanted to try out with Izzy. Soon they began to call out western Pleasure riders, Cacy was given the number 11, Riders 1 - 12 we called out into the arena and asked to warm up, Izzy was CLEARLY already bored, Cacy on the other hand was very nervous, she definitely kept reminding herself to smile and look presentable, but most of her nervousness came from Cacy not knowing how Izzy will react. As the riders were warming up Cacy caught a glimpse of a rider on a grey not exactly paying any attention to the spacing, Cacy unable to say anything did her best to keep composure and try to see what Izzy would do, Izzy huffed seeming annoyed at this horse and rider, slowing her gait just slightly then moving to the left to avoid a collision. Cacy was taken aback by this judgment call from her horse. With that the judges began to call out that the judging would begin, Riders began at a walk, giving about 10 minutes before asking for a Jog from riders, the same rider that nearly collided with Cacy and Izzy was asked to leave the arena due to their unsafe riding practices which made Cacy feel very at ease. After around 10 minutes of jogging the judges asked us to line up to judge our outfits and the horses' conformation while being tacked up…Izzy yawned clearly still bored. The judges thanked all the riders letting us know they would announce placing at the end of the show, concluding our Pleasure Discipline without any hitches! 

Part Two | Western Trail

As Casy and Izzy headed out with the other riders She decided to hang back a little bit as she would be competing again after the Roping, and BOY was the roping a thrilling discipline to watch! Riders pushing their abilities as hard as they could within seconds just to get their ropes in JUST the right spot, the biggest gamble ever! Watching made Casy lose track of time as the judges called out Western Trail, Casy didn't even realize they had set up the poles and gaites while she was fixated on the roping. Each number was called out one by one, until they called 11, Casy lead Izzy out and began the course, at one point Casy had to sort of “make” Izzy look a bit more enthusiastic as this mare was the most BORED she has EVER ridden! Yawning and almost tripping over a pole thankfully she didn't. The decor was very adorable as well, pumpkins and twinkly lights, very aesthetic for fall! Casy noticed the only thing Izzy seemed even remotely "nervous" about was the bridge, it was making a LOT of creaking noises almost as if it would break soon, so Casy could understand the nervousness from izzy, but it hadn't lasted long as she quickly returned to her "I'm bored of this mom” attitude, thankfully though we had finished the course and headed out of the ring. Not having any other disciplines lined up we headed back to the truck and untacked…

The Ride Home...

As Casy and Izzy headed to the trailer and began to untack, Izzy reached over and pushed her head into Casy’s shoulder, laughing Casy hugged Izzy and gave her lots of face scratches. Happy with today’s showing and knowing Izzy did absolutely stellar Casy went and grabbed a bunch of peppermints, once of izzy’s favorite’s! Izzy’s eyes BUL:GED out seeing Casy bringing the sweet treats and began pawing and bobbing her head nickering loudly in excitement, “HAH, if only you were this enthusiastic in the ring girly” stated Casy as she fed Izzy a handful of mints, Izzy being a chunky gal gobbled them up with a mouthful making casey loose it in laughter. Letting Izzy munch on her happiness Casy began to untack her, due to it being a bit warm out Casye washed off izzy’s legs with the hose and wrapped her up in the shipping boots and her blanket after a good brushing. Even brushing out her hair and braiding it back up. Today was so wonderful, and it ended on the best way it possibly could, with that Casy and Izzy headed back home….Awaiting the announcements of Placings…

On October 2nd, Casey and Izzy arrived at a small local show for the weekend. The skies' were clear and the morning bit with a chilling wind, Izzy definitely didn't like the cold as she groaned and shivered slightly with each gust of wind. Casey patted the mare's neck "I know its cold girly, were gonna work soon though otherwise id dress you in your blanket", Izzy snorted most likely from annoyance. Casey heard the judges calling out to rider's, so with this Casey tacked up Izzy and began heading over to the arena. On the way there there was a photographer, without warning they snaped the photo, Izzy being in love with herself struck a pose just in time, as Casey was looking over at the arena. The flash brough her back to earth as she laughed "Hey i wasn't ready!" the photographer laughed and commented "Don't worry, its a perfect picture! Such a lovely horse you have! I wish you both good luck!" The man get us the photo...he was right, it was a wonderful photo. Casey placed the photo in her pocket for good luck, and headed to the arena for the show.... 

It was a crisp morning, the kind that bites just enough to wake you up. After a quick warm-up, the show began to roll—numbers being called, riders heading in one by one, each run blending into the next.

Then it was their turn. Casey and Izzy. Casey already knew Izzy would give it her all—she always did. Still, that familiar knot of nerves settled in her chest as their number was called. Together, they stepped into the ring, the world narrowing to just the two of them.

The run wasn’t perfect—there were moments Casey knew she could’ve ridden better—but Izzy never faltered. She carried them through with that same steady brilliance she always had. When they finally exited, Izzy let out a soft snort, ears tipped forward, clearly pleased with herself. Casey couldn’t help but smile. Of course she was proud—this mare had never been anything less than incredible. Now, all that was left to do… was wait for the placings.