2016 Miniature Horse WORLD Issues October/November 2016 Vol 32 No 5 | Page 89

What was the biggest disappointment you have
experienced with one of your horses?
When you own and show horses there will be disappointments. We
choose to see each one as a learning experience.

Who is your favorite horse and your favorite horse show
to attend?
My favorite horse is our current show gelding Sierra Dawn Unos
Bugattie. His versatility and quirky personality make him a fun and
challenging partner. Still spunky for being 17 years old and he still
loves to show.

Rebecca says, “You’ve been warned, training and daily care can be
monotonous and boring! But the steps of the daily routine are necessary to build a horse that can perform on this level. My typical day
starts at dawn with feeding the horses. I closely monitor their diets
and look closely at each horse, every day, making changes here and
there to keep them at right body condition. The halter horses are put
in neck sweats and trotted for up to 20 minutes. They then stand tied
to finish the sweat. I do this four times a week.
The performance routine varies from day to day (and I’m still learning
and adding new activities). The hunter and jumping horses are lunged
or free lunged over trot poles, cavaletties, and jumps two times a week.
We practice a full course of jumps once a week.

Our absolute favorite show is the Central Regional Championship
Show. Due to my work, we are unable to attend the entire World
show. We are usually only there for the Amateur days and then have
to get back home. At the Central show we can enjoy the entire show
and all it has to offer.

Do you enjoy halter and performance classes?  And do
you have a favorite class?
I enjoy showing in both halter and performance, but my favorite class
is Driving.
I guess it because it’s the most like riding a horse. The amazing
strength and movement a Miniature exhibits in the cart is such an
adrenaline rush for me. I’ve enjoyed driving more than I ever did
riding a horse.

The obstacle horses
are worked on a
course twice per week
where I incorporate
obstacle maneuvers
(pivots, backing, side
passing etc.) into the
daily routine. Example: Do a pivot from
grooming rack, trot
to the stall and back
into the stall.
The driving horse’s routine varies depending on their level of training.
I will either ground drive, (work in bitting rig) or drive them in cart
from three to six times a week.
We end each day
with feeding and
neck wraps on
again for the halter
horses.”

What advice would you give someone whose goal is to
follow in your footsteps and win a Super Amateur title?
You do need to search or train the right halter AND performance
horse to be successful in both divisions. Be sure to designate your
best classes with the show management prior to the start of the show
so that all your points count. Then forget about the points chase…
just go show your horse and have Fun!

O C TO B E R / N O V E M B E R 2016

Miniature Horse World 87