Good job, QuiltE. Nothing wrong with your eye sight or colors on your lovely blocks.
tdt: good to hear from you. The cowboy way would respect age and the youngest cowboy would sit on the right and open and shut all the gates. If the horse is eating the wood there is a problem...needs minerals & salt...and some schooling. Some horses will kick boards out of their stall and needs a refresher of training. Others will try to bit you as you saddle or bridle them; bad habit. Or fill their stomach with air, so when you step into the saddle, the cinch gives way and turns you under the horse.
I find the trick rider is exciting; they train their horses well so the rider can hang onto each side and back while the horse gallops around the ring.