Keri Masquerading as Annie Oakley

An accomodating friend came up to the farm to help with holding the camera and doing pics and video for me and Keri-- It was a nice day and we wanted to get started on our obstacles.  This particular challenge was fun for me.  I think it was last year that Denise video'd herself and Reese with a cap gun. I was enthused about trying it myself - but used a 22 pistol with blanks instead.. which I sometimes use to train my Lab.  

I practiced with about 20 shots on the ground and from different positions - ending with shooting over Keri's head.

When Keri and I are on the trail, we often hear very loud gunshots - either with people in their yard target practicing or during hunting season.  So far, she has been good about it - but now I guess if I HAD to I could shoot from the back of my horse.

Keri did a pretty good job - and as usual per her sometimes prima donna personality -- she was more pissy about being asked to stand still in the barnyard for what she deemed a pointless exercise. Doesn't being saddled up mean we are going somewhere other than up and down the driveway ?

This one is mainly to make a smile for the day.

We gave the 'on the ground' part a few more tries.. hoping to get very little reaction. 

We practiced a few times in the saddle standing and walking.

We ended with a canter/gallop up the driveway..  I would never have done this if I had not felt completely safe :)    I get more bucks and hops out of  Keri when we work in the ring on refining her taking cues. She's just a ridiculous poop head like that. But I love her :) By the way - you might notice I do have a nice bowtie of caution tape on Keri's neck.

Betsy and Keri from Vermont