7/29/08

Yesterday a reporter from Chico News and Review came out and interviewed Artista and I. Make sure to pick up a copy on Thursday to read about us!
While she was here we practiced loping out in the arena and Artista did great. towards the end I switched directions just to see what he would do and he gave me a flying change! I also put him over a crossrail that Madi had set up and he trotted over it several times without even the slightest hesitation. Over the next few weeks we are going to work on refining the things that I have already taught him, turn arounds, backing, whoa, bending, loping off out of the trot, and backing through the L box. I am also going to work with him on a few new things, walking over the bridge, walk-lope transitions, and flying changes. We've got a lot to accomplish, but he is incredibly smart and fun to work with so I feel pretty confident in his ability. We are also going to start trailering him out a bit more, so stay tuned if you would like to come watch him.

We have also decided to keep the silent auction for the original artwork "Robert's Artista" by Josefa Casey going a while longer. The current bid is $300. If you would like to raise it, please e-mail Madi at madeleine@extremetrailhorse.com with your name, phone number, mailing address, and bid ammount. Josefa's work usually sells for anywhere from $900 to $2,000 so this is a great way to support Artista, a local artist, and bring home a beautiful oil pastel painting to boot.

Also don't overlook our "donate" button on the upper left-hand corner of the site. you can pick any amount that you wish to donate and you don't have to have a paypal account to do it (when it prompts login just look near the bottom of the page for the text that says "don't have a paypal account". With every $10 or more donation you receive one of the greeting cards with Josefa's painting, with every $20 or more donation you receive a "team Artista" rubber wristband (like the Livestrong bracelets), and with $100 or more donation you receive a print of the painting "Robert's Artista". Make sure that you send us an e-mail with your mailing address at madeleine@extremetrailhorse.com