Sydney McCullough was trying to let her miniature horse, Willie, run out all that off-season energy Saturday at a special Christmas event at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions.
Willie had other ideas.
He kept circling her, going as fast as he could, before he finally went to Sydney, who is the daughter of ranch owner Rebecca McCullough.
Sydney finally induced Willie to come to her side, but she lost her balance a bit and plopped down into a sitting position. Willie poked his nose into her smiling face.
Rebecca McCullough noted that the horses know when the crowds are back and they get excited about performing. So she expected her performers to be keyed up after the off season.
The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the show, even if it was a bit off the cuff. Rebecca and Sydney McCullough might think about adding it once the regular shows begin with the new season on Dec. 29. Check the schedule at HerrmannsRoyalLipizzans.com.
The Christmas event continues 3-6 p.m. Sunday and next Saturday and Sunday.
East County's Siena Williams, 5, attempts to win a prize while volunteer Shirley Bryant watches. Williams scored in the carnival game and brought home a prize.
Photo by Jay Heater
Willie and Sydney McCullough share a moment during a special Christmas event Saturday. The event continues Sunday and both Saturday and Sunday next weekend.
Photo by Jay Heater
Damascus goes high on his hind legs to show off for the crowd at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions.
Photo by Jay Heater
With Rebecca McCullough aboard, Achilles salutes the crowd during a Christmas event at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions.
Photo by Jay Heater
Volunteer Jolene Bryant gets in the spirit during a special holiday event at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions.
Photo by Jay Heater
Willie had just had a bath before a special performance during a Christmas event at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions, but he couldn't pass up a roll in the dirt.
Photo by Jay Heater
A miniature village display at a special Christmas event at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions.
Photo by Jay Heater
Rebecca McCullough and Achilles head for a makeshift arena for an exhibition during a special Christmas event Saturday. The event returns Sunday from 3-6 p.m. and then returns the following Saturday and Sunday.
Photo by Jay Heater
Damascus takes a bow during an exhibition Saturday at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions in Myakka. The event continues Sunday from 3-6 p.m.
Photo by Jay Heater
Willie, a miniature horse, visits with Port Charlotte's Walker Kohlenberg during a special Christmas event at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions.
Photo by Jay Heater
Creekwood's Ronin Reyes, 6, and Chloe Scott, 10, create Christmas ornaments at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions.
Photo by Jay Heater
Parrish's Truitt Caggiano, 6, and Ella Caggiano, 9, enjoy a visit with Santa at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions.
Photo by Jay Heater
The crowd at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions watches as Rebecca McCullough shows the athleticism of Damascus during a special event on Saturday.
Photo by Jay Heater
Raven, a horse at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions, keeps any eye on those playing carnival style games for prizes Saturday. The special event continues from 3-6 p.m. Sunday.
Photo by Jay Heater
The crowd watches a special show during a Christmas event at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions in Myakka City on Saturday. The event continues Sunday from 3-6 p.m.
Photo by Jay Heater
Rebecca McCullough rides Achilles during a special Christmas event Saturday at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions in Myakka City. The regular shows begin Dec. 29.
Photo by Jay Heater
Willie, a miniature horse at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Myakka City, is acting a bit wild for Sydney McCullough during a special Christmas event on Saturday. The holiday event continues Sunday from 3-6 p.m.
Jay Heater is the managing editor of the East County Observer. Overall, he has been in the business more than 41 years, 26 spent at the Contra Costa Times in the San Francisco Bay area as a sportswriter covering college football and basketball, boxing and horse racing.
