Perhaps a slight exaggeration, its called artistic license.

We have just had our annual Equitana trade show and competition weekend and the handsome hunk of horseflesh and keeper of my heart, Django, competed in the Grand Prix and Grand Prix freestyle. The four days are always a hustle and bustle of clinics, competition, lectures, demonstrations and for those so inclined, shopping.  For us Dressage tragics the big day was Saturday. It started with a 3 hour clinic with Carl Hester , British Dressage superstar and Olympic Gold Medalist and ended with the Freestyle competition. The above photo however reflects a solemn moment in the proceedings. A wonderful gentleman known to the dressage community as Stable Mike passed away all too young this year after a battle with illness. He  had much love for the horses and Django held a special place in his world. (Long black hair, big brown eyes – does it every time).

In a break in the competition tribute was made to Stable Mike and Django was chosen amongst his charges to represented the horses he looked after so well. My big black stallion who had not long completed his own moment in the limelight stepped into the arena and stood like a statue. For the duration of two speeches, a silence and the playing of Mikes favorite song he did not even move an ear. It never ceases to amaze me how our horses respond to the energy around them. He did not understand the words, no one was able to explain it to him what is role was, but nether less he carried it out to perfection (even with a camera man hopping around filming close ups). It is getting in touch with this sort of knowingness that the horses are so good at teaching us.

Thanks to his sponsor Baroque Horse Magazine for a photo that captures the moment so well.

As for the competition its self he did us all proud: not a winner on paper but a winner always where it counts. He may be playing bashful in this but it is quite clear Jeremy is feeling pretty happy.

Oh and I did go shopping. Early Xmas present.

My Rat Barrow.