The catch phrase of the week was, “Well that one wasn’t on my bingo card…” But then we literally had enough to make one. Enjoy this article where you get the inside view of a true $h!t show of a week!
For those in the mounted shooting world, it’s time for one of the most anticipated events of the year — the Eastern Championships and CMSA Futurity and Derby. Marcella and her crew are headed down and gearing up.
Moving up through the levels in a sport comes with a lot of moments of joy — but it also comes with a lot of hard work, dedication, and set backs. Marcella Gruchalak takes a look back as she achieves her penultimate move-up in Cowboy Mounted Shooting.
“How you treat your horse, if you smile and say hello, and how you react to a bad showing are all being observed by a child who idolizes you. Be the change you want to see in the sport because you’re teaching and influencing the youth riders more than you may know.”
“Do I know the work it takes to bring along a young horse to be my new partner? Yes. Am I ready to put in that work? Yes. Do I feel I have all the tools I need to be a successful partner for Hot Sauce? Yes. Will there be less crying than with Payco? Probably not.”
“While being injured has been a real mood killer, I will continue to find the bright side of things. I have people helping me that care, I’m assured my ankle is fixable, my seat is getting quite centered with all the stirrup-less riding and my right shoes all look brand new.”
No matter what happens in 2024, I don’t think I could be disappointed in the horses I ride or my journey with them — unless of course I break another bone.
“I’m not sure how much more motivation I need than my nine-year-old niece beating me on my own horse — and making sure I know it. Do I want to whoop on a nine-year-old? Yes. Am I anywhere close to being able to do it? No, I don’t think so. But, it’s fun trying…”
“No matter which horse I’ll be riding, I’m counting down the days until this cowgirl can get back on her horse. It just doesn’t feel right that the main ride is a knee scooter.”
“A good horse trainer develops a quality horse. One that has all the bells and whistles.” A great horse trainer creates that horse and develops the rider… They put as much passion and hard work into the owner as they do the horse.
“I’ve taken a lot of pressure off myself this year by focusing more on just enjoying my horses, the rides they give me and my time in the saddle. . . I’m excited to see what this year brings for me and my three troublemakers.”
Santa’s helpers come in all shapes and sizes. At Marcella’s barn, Santa’s biggest helper is Funny Bunny B, a patient off-track Thoroughbred who keeps the littles busy while everyone else prepares for the holidays. (more…)
On behalf of my three goons, Happy Thanksgiving from our farm to yours. We hope you all enjoy your nagging family members, really great food and plenty of room for holiday activities — I know we will be!
“I mean, how many people can say, ‘My foot is broken, I’m relearning to walk, but I trust my four-year-old horse to safely maneuver me through shooting patterns?'” (more…)
“From broken truck to broken foot to broken heart, it’s been one hell of a month on my mental and financial stability. I’ve been so fortunate to have some of the greatest people surrounding me, helping me get through the tough times.”
“I started this sport because I like to ride my horse and shoot guns, I continue participating because I look forward to seeing these great people almost every weekend.”
“Payco’s less than desirable moments at shoots are embarrassing, confidence breaking and trust shattering instances…Sometimes I cry because I know I’m a better rider, sometimes it’s because I was fully confident Payco was going to be … and other times I cry because I knew from his first stride he was going to take off with me…”
“I’m just trying to get to know him, figure him out and create a long lasting relationship with him. I had forgotten how long it actually takes to make a horse your partner. This is a wake up call and a bit of a blow to the face.”
This year has been a productive year for me and my horses. They’ve all progressed so much it’s almost as if the series name, “Triple Trouble” doesn’t describe them anymore. Here’s a glance at how 2021 went for us.
“Was Payco going to take to the gunfire and step into the shoes of a competition level mounted shooting horse?…if there’s any horse I have faith will do well and succeed, it’s the one I have…”
