Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure

Over the weekend I took my annual trip to the Fairhill International Event in Maryland. “Eventing” is the ultimate test of a horse and rider and has been referred to as the Triathlon of equestrian sport. Through tests in dressage, cross country, and show jumping the horse and rider work together to show that they can compete in the most demanding and highest levels of equestrian sports.

At Fairhill the highest level to watch is the CCI 3*. Horses and riders who do well in the 3* event may qualify to compete internationally or at the Olympics or World Championships. Pretty cool huh?

Well as much as I was excited to watch some of the top riders and horses in the world compete in the 3*, I was even more excited to see some of my old friends!

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

My very special friends from the World Famous Chincoteague Pony Drill Team were visiting from Chincoteague to perform with their special ponies!

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

Before I even made it out to watch the cross county course, I parked myself in the stands to cheer on my friends. Did you know that some the ponies are even descendants of Misty…and that pony second from the right…we’ll she’s my pal Blitz’s full sister, “Surf n’Turf”.

I had a blast watching their amazing choreographed drill.

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

Then it was time to head over to the Cross Country Jump Course where the 3* riders were competing. Can you believe that I’ve never actually watched a horse do Cross Country before? Usually when I visit the Fairhill event I go on the Stadium Jumping day, which means all the jumps that the horses go over are contained inside an arena.

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

Well on the Cross Country course the horses and riders race through miles of terrain over HUGE elaborate jumps like this one. Can you believe they jump stuff like this? Which by the way, this one was pretty tame compared to some of the other jumps.

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

As you can imagine the horses that compete in these events are in peak physical condition. I was in awe of their athletic ability.

I really enjoyed Cross Country Day and I loved being able to hike around the course watching my favorite riders race over jumps!

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

At the Fairhill Event there is lots to see and do (and shop for), including many food choices too….yum!

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

I actually drew quite a spectacle at the event with my fancy coats, and my warm snood (it was a pretty chilly day). Not only did many people stop to take my picture, but even these Alpacas couldn’t quite figure out why I had so many layers on.

Well if I had fur like them maybe I wouldn’t have to wear all these layers!

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

Before heading home I made sure to squeeze in as much fun as I could. I played in the straw…

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

…I rode a pony (sort of)…

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

…I rolled in the Fairhill grass (which by the way this Maryland grass isn’t much different from my Pennsylvania grass….just saying’)….

Fairhill International Cross Country Adventure with Ammo the Dachshund

….and I even dug a hole (shhh! don’t tell anyone!).

And don’t worry, I made sure not to dig it right smack in the middle of the Cross Country Course. (I’m not that evil).

Until next year Fairhill!Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Dog Agility on the Farm

It’s been a while since I shared much about my ongoing agility training. The fact is, I actually haven’t been to any training classes since last year, mostly I blame it on my mom because her schedule got too hectic to take me.

Ammo the Dachshund // Agility // Teeter Totter

But even though I may not be taking regular classes, that doesn’t mean that I’m not doing a little training on the side, because….

Real Dogs Have Muscles! via Ammo the Dachshund

Agility is a great way to keep me muscled and fit, plus it’s fun too! Early this Spring my mom decided to move all my agility equipment out to the farm so that we’d have more room to practice. And you know what, I completely forgot to share with you this fun little video of me running the agility course in the horse arena giant sandbox.

Obviously I was a bit rusty, but not too bad! I’ll just have to keep up with even more practicing.

Agility Tunnel with Ammo the Dachshund

If you’d like to find out more about how much fun agility is for you and your dog, you can check out some of my old posts.

What do you do with your dog for exercise?Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Dachshund and a Balloon

I bet you didn’t know I LOVE party balloons. Well it’s true, I thoroughly enjoy channeling my inner attack dog and going after that sucker until it pops! Just see for yourself…

Does your dog love or loathe balloons? Ammo the Dachshund

PULLER Review & Giveaway

Disclosure: This review and giveaway is brought to you by Puller.

Puller Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Recently I got the chance to test a product for dogs that is designed to promote physical exercise.

Puller Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Puller is a training device made up of two foam rings that encourages physical exercise, helps dogs to relieve stress, and improves overall physical shape and muscle development.

Puller Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Now I like to think I keep a pretty sleek figure myself, but there is always ways to improve!

Puller claims that with 3 simple exercises for 20 minutes a day your dog can get the equivalent of a 2 mile intensive run or 2 hours of exhausting exercise (like playing fetch).

Puller Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

So Trooper and I decided to take Puller out to the farm for a little exercise.

Puller Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

The 3 exercises that Puller promotes is running, jumping, and pulling.

Puller Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Puller Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Trooper and I both enjoyed getting in some physical activity with Puller. We also hear the Puller floats (although we haven’t had a chance to test it), and it’s foam material is nice and soft on our teeth.

And it’s because of the foam material that Puller is not designed to be a toy you leave for your dog to play with on their own, but a device to help you keep your pup fit and active with you.

So to get some inspiration for our next workout, Trooper and I checked out this Puller video with TreT….

After watching that Trooper and I figured, hey, we can do that….so we shot our own Puller video…

Yeah, I think we might need a little more practice before we’re as coordinated with Puller as TreT – but at least we got a good workout trying.

Puller Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Well, despite our lack of coordination, Trooper and I agree that Puller is a fun device to get us excited about “working out”. Trooper especially got very excited when he saw Puller come out. I preferred to play with my Puller in my basement at home with mom and dad – it’s always been my “workout” room where I spend a lot of time in the winter burning calories and getting some physical exercise in when it’s too cold outside.

So if you want to get your best friend some exercise too, you can fetch your own Puller in standard or mini size from Collar and also on Amazon.

And now for the best part…..

Puller Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

THREE LUCKY WINNERS WILL WIN A PULLER

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

For this giveaway I will be using, Rafflecopter. We only use the information you provide to contact the winners and we never share it – so not to worry. Winners will be chosen at random and you will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends on 11/25/14 12AM EST. Open to USA residents only. Only three winners. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Puller, but all opinions are my own! Ammo the Dachshund

P.S. Don’t forget, today is the last day to enter my Canidae giveaway for some yummy dog cookies.

Halloween Adventures with an American Icon

Disclaimer: this post is brought to you by Barkbox.

So seeing as how we’re just a few short days away from Halloween (or Halloweenie as I like to call it), I decided it was time to officially share my costume for this year. As you might already know, I’ve made it my mission each year to come up with a handmade costume (with some help from my mom and dad) – and this year was no exception!

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Of all the super heroes that have graced the pages of Marvel comics, there is only one real life superhero (well aside from me) …… Evel Knievel. And the legend lives on with my Halloween Costume this year!

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Evel Knievel was known as King of the Daredevils as he flew through the air on his motorcycle – over canyons, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, even buses.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Of course when I chose to be him this Halloween I couldn’t help but envy his costume fashion flare and brave (albeit maybe a bit foolish too) daredevil antics.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

I’m glad he at least opted to wear a helmet!

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Considering Evel Knievel broke a record 32 bones in his career, which landed him in the Guinness Book of World Records, I knew some precautions had to be taken before I attempted my first daredevil feat.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

So to prepare, I practiced falling…..gracefully. Well as gracefully as one can when flying through the air on a motorcycle.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

So after a thorough practice session on “landing” I headed out to the backyard to attempt my first stunt.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Mom helped me set up some ramps, and I double triple checked them for safety.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

But seeing as how I was a little short on school buses for my first daredevil stunt, I had to improvise and use ponies instead.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Also, I had a little trouble coming by a motorcycle, but not to worry – Mom’s vacuum seemed like the perfect thing to carry me through the air.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Now if you’re particularly nervous about watching a dachshund dressed as Evel Knievel riding a vacuum over several ponies than I suggest you close your eyes for this next part. It’s not for the faint of heart.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Better yet, I’ll spare you all the scary details and just let you know that I did it! I landed safely on the other side – clearing the ponies, and gently navigating my vacuum to the ground.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

But you know what, after my hair raising adventure through the air, I decided I’m much safer with all 4 feet on the ground.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Especially when my October Barkbox showed up at my door!

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Packed full of lots of yummy Halloweenie goodies just for me, it totally got my into the spooky spirit! (As if wearing an Evel Knievel costume wasn’t Halloweenie enough)

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

Did you know that Barkbox has a new program called Scout’s Honor – and if you or your pup isn’t completely happy with an item, the BarkHappy team will replace it with something better suited – or issue a credit of equal value to the brand new BarkShop.

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

My favorite this month? This Plush Puppies Invincibles Cat!

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

And now that my Barkbox has arrived, something tells me I won’t be making it to the other side on my next big jump!

If you want to fetch your dog a Barkbox Subscription to be excited about too, make sure you use coupon code AMMO5 for 15% off this month only! Only a few days left!

Evel Knievel // Ammo the Dachshund's Halloween Costume

And now, I leave you with an Evel Knievel quote…

“Kids want to be like me, men want to be me, and the women want to be with me” – Evel Knievel

Happy Halloweenie everyone! Ammo the Dachshund

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Barkbox, but all opinions are entirely my own!

Hula Hooping Good Time

As my date to perform at the Spring Doxie Fest this year is approaching I’ve been gathering up props to be used in my performance. One of my favorite tricks is jumping through my hoop, so mom decided it was about time I had more than ONE hoop.

Hoola Hooping Good Time // Ammo the Dachshund

So with a little internet searching we came across Spellbound Dance Arts, who’s main purpose is delivering sunshine one hoop at a time! Totally my kind of hula hoop!

I browsed their site of lots and lots of custom designed hoops in all colors imaginable, but ultimately decided to go the DIY route and ordered a few 18″ blank hoops and some tape. When my hoops arrived mom set to work taping them for me, while I ooh’d and ahh’d over what colors I wanted.

Hoola Hooping Good Time // Ammo the Dachshund

Mom said taping them herself was pretty labor intensive and it took her several hours (despite my protests to go faster, go faster over her shoulder).

Hoola Hooping Good Time // Ammo the Dachshund

Mom still has several hoops to tape, but I haven’t quite decided what colors I want them to be yet, and I just couldn’t wait any longer to test them out!

You can purchase hoops from Spellbound Dance Arts HEREAmmo the Dachshund

I was not paid or perked to write this post, I just wanted to share my hula hooping adventures!

Throwback Thursday: Athletic Ammo

Since I’ve been laying a little low lately (while mom’s recovering from knee surgery), I decided it would be fun to share some of my adorably cute photos from my puppy years. I didn’t have a blog back then, so these photos haven’t seen the light of day in quite some time. But have no fear, it’s Throwback Thursday time, and I’ve dug through my archives and found some super sweet puppy pictures to brighten your day!

Throwback Thursday: Ammo the Dachshund's Puppy Years

Throwback Thursday: Ammo the Dachshund's Puppy Years

Throwback Thursday: Ammo the Dachshund's Puppy Years

Throwback Thursday: Ammo the Dachshund's Puppy Years

As you can see, even at a couple months old I was quite the athletic guy! It’s no wonder my muscles are huge now. And check out my spots! I bet you didn’t know that I’m actually a red dapple, and at certain times of the year (when the sun hits me just right) my spots are much more visible.

I hope you enjoyed my #throwbackthursday – perhaps I’ll have to make this a regular feature on the blog! Ammo the Dachshund

Progress Report on Dog Agility

Ammo practices Dog Agility on his DIY Agility Jumps 2012As you probably know, I’ve been taking weekly agility training classes since last spring. I’ve come pretty far in my training, but I still have lots to learn until I’m ready to compete.

Last week I had a visitor at class…..which means I have video proof that I’m an agility dog! Yay!

This week I decided that the teeter totter was a bit scary – I mean do you really blame me, that thing catapults you into the sky! But mom helped me get through my fears, and hopefully I’ll be back to darting across it at super hero speed just like I had been doing for the past several months.

Anyone else taking dog agility classes? What’s your favorite obstacle? Mine is the A-frame! Ammo the Dachshund

Running with the Ponies

I may not have been frolicking around in the pasture with the ponies in real life, but I certainly was in spirit (although you can catch a glimpse of me in the video below).

Blitz, Boomerang and Minnow really know how to have a good time!

ponies on the farm

ponies on the farm

Nothing like a good romp in the mud on a rainy day! 

Beginner Dog Agility Classes

If you follow me on Facebook, then you probably already know that I’ve been taking a beginner dog agility class. With 5 classes under my belt now my Dad came to watch me at class last night – which also means I now have video proof that I’m a kick-butt agility star. Plus I know you have all been dying to see me hop around the course in my cute yellow jacket. *wink*