International Memoirs

What were my favorite moments of the international?  The answer may surprise you.  Here’s my top 10 moments for the 2023 International memoirs book.  

10.  Camper cocktail time. Ok. Maybe we really had Brie cheese and Gatorade and a few sips of wine, but by far the best moments of the week were catching up and sharing riding stories around the camper dinner table, after the show was over. Thanks Tami and Terry for all the laughter and inspiration. And, to Mariah, for sharing best practices over lunch, for a seat and hands consult. 🍷

9. Learning the definition of “shart”. Truth is, I really did know the definition. But, to hear teacher Carol seriously provide the dictionary lesson was beyond hysterical.  And,  yeah … don’t ask why this was even a topic!  😜 And, no, I did not shart! 💩 

8. Cake drive pickup. An early morning drive provided a bit of respite from the show grounds, but more than that, what a gorgeous day to drive along the rolling Tenneessee hills - what a view along 231 from Murfreesburo to Shelbyville and back. I turned up the music, sipped my latte and metaphorically stopped to smell the roses. ‼️ Ahhhhh! 

7.  Sharing a show jacket. Finally, after two years Mariah wore the “Wadsworth Incident”. Also known as the 2x RWC Jonathan jacket.  My pink, silver and black show jacket. We say it’s an incident, cuz I splurged on this one so badly that I had to put it into the show jacket protection program at Stonewall, so hubby never knew (well until now, if he reads this!).  Anyways, she had tagged me when it was posted for sale and she always said she would show in it one day as her finders fee. That day finally came. Btw - She wore it beautifully. 🔥

6.  English surprise. Riding English on MGK was my biggest learning this week and I experienced the magic of a curb bit. It was so different to ride him this way.  I had to go from a single 10-minute practice ride to show ring the same day - and the experience was a game changer. ✅ Frustrating, but enabling.  Challenge excepted and (kinda) conquered.   

5.  Slaying. The young Stonewall youth riders were gonna “slay dos hos” - aka, the competition, in the ring. Every time someone rode into a class, we had our funny cat call. Not only did it provide a sense of camaraderie and solidarity, but it takes the edge off. Why not slay. I mean. Just go for it!

4. A shower. Donning flip flops, grabbing the shampoo and heading off to the Miller coliseum showers may make some take pause, but after a few, hot sweaty days…getting to enjoy the full pressure water 💦 and no time limits placed on your shower (due to camper grey water 🚿tank sizes) makes this otherwise normal, everyday proposition, a decadent treat.  You all agree, I know you do.  Warm long showers-yeah!

3.  Picking up tips. You learn that you are not the only one with doubts, fears and improvements to make. But you can learn quickly from everyone around you. I’m amazed how many people are willing to share. And, they share tips, as well as their fears and hopes. You’re reminded that it’s not just me or you - we’re all on this fabulous journey, made possible by the very special walking horse. 📝 

2.  Spa time. Late at night when the aisles are empty and the only sound is from horses chewing hay, I love my midnight stall visits. Just being there with them, putting my hands all over my two boys makes me happy and builds a connection I otherwise never get with my “in training” horses being so far away. It’s in that touch and quiet alone time with my horses that I whisper my personal hopes and dreams - and they’re always met with a knowing and responsive sweet eye 👁. 

1.  Cheering 📣. While it feels good to hear your friends cheers, encourage or call your name when you’re in the ring, I think being someone’s cheerleader and support is twice as nice. Maybe because we know. And, in that knowledge-we understand how much meaning the encouraging clap, yell or whistle holds. The big hug, being the voice in an earpiece, a smile or knowing look when you win or lose, makes a difference  

So, yes I easily could have listed the top 25, 50, or 100 memories, but every time, these few would certainly rise to the very top.  Thank you to Whoa, Stonewall, Jessica Mast and my crazy, strong and wonderful village of show friends. YOU amaze me and make this journey the fantastic adventure it was meant to be.