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Cassie and Jack are
like two peas in a pod.
Cassie plods along outside the ring just like Jack. If it weren't for a lead rope, Jack
would stop and eat every sliver of grass. Cassie sets records for socializing and slow methodical tacking up and down
of Jack.
Once you get them in the ring, and assuming Jack's in the mood, it's tough to stop
them. They trot briefly and then fly into a canter. If Jack's on his lead, he stretches his stride and his
canter becomes smooth. Once they get used to flying around the
ring, next come the jumps. When she first bought Jack, he jumped too high. Now Debbie, Cassie's
trainer, and Cassie have it down to a smooth, controlled jump (most of the time) but it's still clearly
well over the jump. It's a glory
to see Cassie and Jack flying around and jumping in competition. They've done quite well. When they cooperate
with each other and are of the same mindset, they usually walk out with plenty of blue ribbons. They've also won
Champion or Reserve Champion for their class in the show. Even when they don't win, I can tell by Cassie's smile
and Jack's nudge that they had fun - the main purpose.
All and all, it's a good
match in both competion and training. Later after either session, Jack usually casually drifts over to me. He's
been known to take my hat off my head, nudge me with his nose, or give me a kiss (a wet lick). It makes me smile and
feel like, despite my position of spectator, I'm part of a triad. Sometimes
it's the same for the dogs. Jack likes dogs and has been known to lick them if he can reach. No matter
how frantic their pace, Jack usually doesn't spook around them. It's a tad unusual as most of the horses nip
in the direction of the dogs or easily spook. Jack probably got his demeanor from Kebo, our Golden Retriever puppy who
he met when Kebo was about 10 - 12 weeks. I held him up to Jack and Jack just sniffed and licked him. Maybe
because of Kebo's age and their ensuing meetings or those with the other barn dogs, Jack became comfortable. There
are times when we all are a little spooked and Jack's not immune; it's just not a usual happening. And a horse
barn wouldn't be a horse barn without barn dogs. Wesley, Zack, Ava, Ranger, etc. "make" the barn.
In any event, Jacks a member of the family and despite being such
a ham, is well loved by all.
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