The Lineup

The boys had a nice, quiet weekend to get ready for their big week this week.  We did light flatwork both days, and Pete had a nice trail ride in the famous Aiken Hitchcock Woods yesterday.  Ayla had a great event over the weekend with Corelli.  Today we are cross country schooling at Jumping Branch Farm in preparation to compete on both Wednesday AND Sunday this week :-D

I thought it'd be fun for everyone to get to know the horses a bit better, so I'll introduce one each day. I'll start with Rufus. 

QUANTUM MERUIT

• Birthday: April 12, 2002
• Dam: Mouse
• Sire: Reputed Testimony
• Name: Rufus' owner Brooke named him Rufus.  My Dad gave him his show name Quantum Meruit, which is a legal term meaning, "as much as he deserves" in Latin. 
• Marking: Sock on right front, ermine spots on left hind, white hairs (roaned) on the right side of his belly
• Favorite treats: Mrs. Pastures Horse Cookies.  Rufus didn't like treats very much when I got him, but he's becoming more interested.  He eats apples in tiny people sized bites.
• Least favorite things: Waiting to be turnout out in the morning, having his face washed, and having his mane and tail pulled.
• Best friend: Jeff Keffer's hunt horse Milton
• Bridle size: Rufus is very dainty.  He wears cob sized tack, and he could almost wear a pony bridle.
• Quirky habits: Rufus can appear wild if he doesn't get fed or turned out when he wants.  He also is a very, very laid back horse.  After his first novice event, he slept flat out in his stall for three days! His lower lip is often drooping like he works way too hard. 
• Funny story: Dorothy Crowell delivered Rufus to Maryland from Kentucky.  We met at the Wal-Mart in Frederick, MD to do the trade off.  He was a young five year old, and he marched from Dorothy's trailer to mine right in the parking lot (photo above in May 2007). 

I'm off back to the barn to get ready to go school!