2017 MULE DAYS II

THURSDAY, MAY 25^TH:

Today was an earlier start for Tina and we made it just in time for her classes in Western Dressage. Took a number of photos once again. 

We had a quiet afternoon with no competing by Tina or DawnMarie. We used the time to relax and socialize with acquaintances at the Fairgrounds. A friend of our other daughter, Klara, found us and so we shared tales with her as well. The evening was going to be laundry day for Tina so we went off on our own once again. We dined on the Fairgrounds on a teriyaki chicken dish before heading back to our motel. We enjoyed a quiet evening and early bedtime.

FRIDAY, MAY 26^th:

This morning we drove up Big Pine Canyon  to explore and hike on the trail which follows along the South Fork of Big Pine Creek. The weather was  pleasant and we enjoyed the start of Spring at 8000 feet. Along the way we came across a small herd of deer. We hiked in about 1.5 miles before turning around and returning to our car which was parked near the entrance to Glacier Lodge. 

SMALL HERD OF DEER

POSING DEER

LUPINE

CLIFF ROSE

The water was flowing fast and furious which was nice to see.

Creek in Big Pine Canyon

We got to Bishop around mid-day. The afternoon show was full of activities.

Grandstand View Looking toward White Mountains

Tina competed in two Western Pleasure classes,

Tina and Ima in Western Pleasure Class

Tina and Ima

and DawnMarie and her Mom,  VidaRose, in donkey Western Pleasure classes.

DAWNMARIE

 

VIDAROSE

Thankfully we were still allowed to sit in the main grandstands which are covered and so we did not bake in the afternoon sun. These classes were  very large and so they divided them and made for a long afternoon. In these classes the mule is judged on quality of gaits, lead changes at the lope, and response to the rider, manners and disposition.

DAWNMARIE AND VIDAROSE - Quite a team

Becca Garrett, A Very Talented Rider on a Beautiful Donkey

For dinner, we enjoyed Indian Frybread Tacos before heading to the Arena for the evening activities. 

 

HORSING AROUND WITH THE CLOWN

A SPECIAL HAT RACK

A new event this year was Bridleless Western Riding. 

BRIDLELESS RIDING

All went well and there were no mishaps. The Justin Children’s Boot Race is always a fun event led by the show clowns. This year there was a false start which could never be corrected and finally they just gave in to the mass chaos.

The Chariot Race was once again fun to watch. We also enjoyed the Barrel Racing which I did not photograph due to darkness. 

FEAR THIS CHARIOT

CHARIOT RACER 2

The team packing event is also a good show as you watch how the various Pack Teams race to get the various items securely onto their animals. They are judged on time, and the correct use of the various hitches used to secure the gear.