Wednesday, August 27, 2014

State Fair fun

I always look forward to our annual visit to the Oregon State Fair. Rick usually signs up to be the horse show vet for one day (all the area equine vets are asked to take a day) which gets us free admission; yesterday was his designated day. That worked out great, because it was also the day Brian was to drive in the Draft Horse Show.

Brian's class wasn't until 3:00, giving him plenty of time to hang out with the draft horses and their peeps. Brian likes to drive, but he probably likes "belonging" even more. Don't worry; he has to help with chores, too.
With Sugar, one of the Clydesdales he drove last year
Filling water buckets
I would have napped, too, if I could've; I didn't sleep much Monday night
While Brian was busy, I helped an old friend ready his Shetlands for  the all-breed classes of Supreme Ram, Ewe, Young Flock, and Get of Sire. Picking straw out of their fleeces was interesting; he breeds for a very different fleece type than I do. I think mine fit the breed standard better; 'nuf said.

Finally it was show time. Brian informed me early on that I was "bumped" from riding shotgun to heading the team in the line-up. Fine by me; I could take more pictures that way!
Looking so confident and capable!
In the warm-up arena
In the show ring with Claire and Willy
Brian did a great job, and placed second in the class. Afterwards, he gave his grandma a ride around the warm-up arena. She was thrilled; said she hadn't sat behind a team since she was a little girl in Iowa.
Then it was off to "do the Fair." I was in luck; chickens were on exhibit in the Small Animal/Poultry Barn. The blue Andalusians particularly caught my eye; such beautiful birds!
There weren't any competitions taking place in the dog sports area, but one lady was doing practice runs with her dock dog.

That was a happy Pittie – and much cooler than we were (it was HOT!).

There were two things on my State Fair shopping list –  a falafel sandwich and a new $5 pair of sunglasses to replace my broken ones. I also ended up with a pretty little dress from India for a nice little price. I had stopped to admire it, tried it on over my clothes, then started to walk away. I wasn't trying to dicker, but when the vendor dropped the price twice in quick succession, how could I refuse? ;-)

Since we drove two vehicles to Salem, I was able to leave before Rick could (Brian, of course, wanted to stay as long as possible). That gave me a chance to ride my pony for the first time in many weeks; it was a great ending to a great day.

That's it for now from . . .

8 comments:

Fiona said...

The driving photos are wonderful and such a skill for a young man to have in these times of disconnect from agriculture. The team looks very much like my father's last work team....except for the flashy harness! I bet your ride was simply the icing on the cake of a wonderful but busy day!

Spinners End Farm said...

Brian is a handsome young fellow! :)

Tombstone Livestock said...

Looks like Brian found plenty of riders to take shotgun seat. Congrats on a job well done.

Fat Dormouse said...

It looks like you had a splendid time and congratulations to Brian. We await a photo of your new dress!!

Theresa said...

How fun! Great shots all around and Brian looks so good driving that beautiful team. Nicely matched pair too. Who doesn't love seeing a pittie enjoying herself and look at that air!I know they have dock diving in Maine but I had no idea it was popular inland so to speak.

Unknown said...

Sounds like a fun day all the way around.

Laura said...

Great pix of Brian - I would love to drive Tang. Blue Andalusians may be pretty, but they lay white eggs and are very flighty. I was surprised to see the pit as a dock dog - Lyra does the wicked witch thing (I'm Melting!!) when she gets wet!

thecrazysheeplady said...

I look forward to this post every year :-D.