Sundance stole the show Saturday night at the Maryland Horse Expo!

This year we brought Smokey and Sundance along as it would be their first year without our lead horse Legend. Smokey’s confidence and courage was tested with each of our musical liberty and freestyle presentations at this year’s Special Demonstration. His will to try and please was obvious as he would connect with Caroline during her performance, and then leave her for the gate. Caroline knew this would happen as Smokey is not ready to completely put his trust in her ability to provide comfort and safety in such an overly stimulating environment. Practice and time will make all the difference for him as they continue to build his confidence and trust in humans.

On the other hand, Caroline’s Quarter Horse Mare Sundance proved to be quite the show stopper as she stole the show each time she was in the arena. Her confidence has been improving over the last year as she has been displaying a higher play drive when engaged with Caroline, more willingness to please and offering partnership on many levels. While Caroline’s main focus was on Smokey during their musical liberty and freestyle, it was Sundance that showed her emotional collection as she explored the arena, remaining unaffected by Smokey’s constant withdraw.

She showed her loyalty and willing partnership Saturday eve by freely joining up (ponying alongside) with Smokey and Caroline as they rode down the side of the arena. It was at that moment Caroline realized she was offering not only consensual partnership but leadership as she was ready to take over Smokey’s lead position and do whatever Caroline requested. Caroline took her buddy string off of Smokey and presented it to Sundance, who slipped her nose into it. Caroline knew then that she had permission to get on and she did as she slid from Smokey’s back to Sundances. They performed the Spanish walk bridleless, trot and canter half pass with flying lead changes! All of which brought the house down as the crowd exploded with surprise and enthusiasm. The most rewarding aspect of all of this was the level of connection and relationship. See, Caroline hadn’t planned on riding Sundance. She hadn’t been ridden bridleless in months, let alone they had never practiced flying lead changes. Goes to show that it’s all in the mind and once you have your horse’s mind and soul, the body will follow!