Fun and Games @ the Show

There is always something fun going on outside the ring. Hanging out watching the classes from the rail or the stands.  Standing around watching horses in the warmup or going through DQP.  Hanging out by the stalls, visiting Halo or Carlan's weanling and horses.  And, the list goes on. One thing I know for sure, is that little to no time was spent sleeping or being at the hotel. It was rise and shine early to feed , and going until after midnight riding Halo. But who needs sleep anyways. We were running on adrenaline and spotted cow. 

Halo checking out the show.

I did get to ride Halo a few times. We'd wait until the show was over and bring him into the warmup. It was exciting to watch Hannah warm him up, and I rode a few times too. The last night we were there I rode. Scott watched and encouraged me to keep going. I felt like I was riding jello, but both Hannah and Scott said he looked good. The young ones always feel so tipsy. He feels different than my others, and I wasn't sure what he knew and didn't. But I did know he was floaty and fun, even though my power steering was hit or miss. Lol. I got him to hit it a few times around, and so that made me happy. And for a young boy he sure wasn't spooky, just went where you tried to point him.  He needs saddle time for sure, but Hannah really believes he'll be ready to show at celebration. So my first official ride on him just may be in the celebration ring. Yikes!  Not the original plan - to have the first time I show him be at the biggest show of the year. What a way to start!  Can you say.... P.R.E.S.S.U.R.E.  (insert nervous laugh here.)

Scott pulled halo out a few times during the days we were there. Hannah encouraged us to take him out and let him see the show and acclimate to everything. He was amazingly calm and inquisitive about it all. He was so good. Scott loved all over him and kept saying how sweet he was. And he really is sweet. But you can't take your eye off him for two seconds without risking him nipping you. He is  like a baby - everything in the mouth. Lol. 

My show string.  What a lucky girl I am!
L to R - Diva, Bourbon, me and Halo.  (Fash - not shown)

One day we got all three of our horses out and took some photos. This may be one of the only times they are all in one place together to be able to do a good photo.  So we took advantage of the opportunity.  I felt bad that Fashion wasn't in the photo too. He's back at home in Wisconsin, holding down the paddock, but he was there in my thoughts as I stood holding three lead ropes.  My B, D, and H.   Scott took photos, Carlan tried to get ears to come forward, and Katie just ran around to help however she could.  In the end, we captured the money shot. My heart overflowed with happiness. I love this newest photo. A treasure. Or maybe I loved the look Scott gave me as he smiled watching me see it for the first time. ;).  Thanks honey for encouraging me to chase my dreams. I love you. 

Socializing is the other constant. You do the rounds, visiting stalls.  Between Carlan and Tami and myself, we not only had our row of AOT horses with Gale and Eileen, but Tami and I also had horses with Hannah Pulvers, and Carlan had horses with Joe Lester and Bobby Richards. So we had three trainer barns to visit on top of AOT row, to socialize at all day.   A swing by Halo's stall in the HP aisle.  A stop to see SNB by Joe's for Katie to pet a nose, and then a drop-in by the weanling for Carlan to show me her mare's baby.  

 It was fun to see friends and meet new people too!  A cocktail with Janet and Jordan Howell up in the Miller Suite.  A hug from the pretty Kimberly Coult who always has a smile. Catching up with a Bobby and Stacey.   Then hanging out just about anywhere you bump into someone you know, to share a story of a ride, a win, a horse for sale, or to admire a saddle.  It was fun to introduce Scott to many people he's only heard me talk about. 

Carlan and I share a "cappuccino" - that's
our secret code for beer incognito.
(yes, I'm wearing a halo.)

As the week wore on, I think we all relaxed a lot more. Show baths become small parties, as everyone walks along to help.  Katie spraying, Emily instructing, Scott with the scraper, and me washing or spraying show sheen. You meet the person washing a horse next to you. Laugh together as everyone is getting wet by accident or on purpose.  Terry the farrier stops, meets Scott and the two of them chat about the Packers.  I love this.  Charlie and Cindy stop to say hi. They are AOT riders too and we see each other in the ring, or at other shows.  Darden stops by our stalls to say hi to Scott, and to grab a Spotted cow that he opens on the side of my trailer and then hangs out for a while and opens more cows for the rest of us.  There is Dr John in his English suit getting ready to harness drive in the next class.  Carlan needs me to fix her tie. Emily checks my hair and tucks the frizzes and sprays them down with hair spray. Bub stops to shake Scott's hand and compliment us on the nice new colt.  We come to the aid of Jane who can't get her horse, Power-aid, in the trailer to take him home.  And, Katie does the water runs with the pink heart shaped pail to top off all the horses water buckets, wearing her halo.  This is what all of this is really about. 

We hang some show clothes out for sale, and by the end of the week Carlan and I sell almost everything we had put out there.  And then turn around and buy something someone else had hanging -  like a spontaneous tack swap.  I end up meeting Tracy Pinson, who purchased a pretty new blue shirt from me.  Tracy rides the top versatility horse in the world, and represents the walking horse in an amazing way!  Hope the shirt brings her more wins.  

Meals sometimes happen . Hannah invites us over for pizza or fajitas. We stop up at the consession stand or grab a donut in the show office.  Late night dinners definitely happen.  Even those are filled with stories and laughter. The last night we went to Red Robbin with Carlan and her girls and Rachel Allen.  I think we laughed so hard, we were crying. Scott has a knack of making us all laugh, and in the process teaches Katie a few new thing that I'm sure Carlan will hate him for later.  

Tami and My Little Black Dress
get the roses in the AOT all day pleasure
championship class.

Then there is the winners circle. The small, single place that everyone hopes to find themselves.  Eileen's 2yo wins his class, ridden by Gale, that takes them to the winners circle for photos.  Its so exciting to have a blue going home to Wisconsin!  Carlan and Emily get blues on Lil Wayne. And the roses are worn by Tami as she takes the victory lap with her AOT all day pleasure mare - Little Black Dress.  It's fun to be part of the celebrating that ensues after these successes. And your heart doubles with happiness for those who have smiles spread across their faces - if it's the first or

Eileen & Gale with Hot Diamond
after his 2yo class win! 

20th time there.   

So many happy memories are going home with me again. And deeper friendships than I could wish for continue to grow.  They say it was approximately 2000 entries this week.  The largest event in many, many years .  Congratulations to everyone who won a blue, or achieved their own personal goals. And thank you to Tommy, Sis and the entire WHOA team for putting on this outstanding show.  The DQPs who checked about 4000 hooves.  Dee Dee, the best ever WHOA board ambassador who ensured we were all having fun.  Truly, this was the BEST International so far….and its so sad it over.  Can't wait for next year.  Next stop, Celebration!

The International Report Card

Although I had good blogging intentions, once the showing starts it gets tough. Since I'm in the passenger seat on my way home and Scott's at the wheel., I thought I'd write my wrap up on my classes for the week. 

Diva in the line-up at the end of our
western AOT country pleasure class.

Diva showed on tues and weds nights and was in the ribbons - 5th and 6th in larger classes in the country pleasure division.  Doing better western than english.  We sparkled more in the western bling i guess.  On Thursday Scott arrived and B had his first class of the week.   His 1st class was english and the competition was deep with grand champions and world grand champions- yikes!  That is always intimidating when you see them warming up before the class and know they will be in your class.  Such great horses.  He pulled out a 6th placement behind WGCs  like Firecracker, Suiza and Leo Decaprio. So all said, not too shabby in a large class that counted in the 'teens. We got a piece of it. 

On Friday both Diva and B showed in western.  In the same hot competitive field B got 5th...and one judge even placed him 2nd ahead of a few WGC, which was exciting!  There are three judges, so it's always interesting to see what each placement is, as well the final standings. They post the judges cards in the show office, so you can go see them each day. 

Love my mare - showing my
affection with my
heart western attire.

Next on board was Diva, in western. I slipped into my blingiest bling bling western shirt to ensure we wouldn't be overlooked and rode her on in.  She did an awesome job, and she gave her all in this class. She felt good and I was all smiles as I pulled into the lineup. She got 8th in the class, which was a little disappointing for how great she felt, but in the ribbons nonetheless.  And again among some super outstanding horses.  I couldn't be prouder of her, my shaking machine. Love this mare. 

B hit the rail for the trail AOT class and this time pulled a 3rd.  This was probably his best ride of the week as far as performance.  Although our grand entrance was a trip as we entered the  ring. I guess we got that out of the way right away. Doh!  But then we picked it up and were in sync for the rest of the ride. Since B is 5, western is one-handed, and that's new for us this year.  So I'm happy we made it both ways of the ring and stayed on the rail without mistakes.  The third placement felt good, we were climbing the ribbons.  He was such a good boy as usual and we are really starting to click. 

B is the 2014 Reserve Grand Champion
AOT/OAT Trail Pleasure horse!

On Saturday we decided to enter one championship class.We would show back with B to give him one more go at it. Scott picked his favorite shirt for me to wear and we decided we'd definitely do the western class. I pulled out the Dale Chavez tack and moved his bit onto the matching headstall. Our class was about halfway through the noon set. We readied everything and went through DQP and into the warmup rIng to tack him up.  I then worked him in the warmup for a few classes prior to his. Then our class was called and we all lined up to enter the ring. It was a smaller class, many riders that don't fair well typically don't show back.  It was only 4 horses who came back.

 We entered the ring second in line and before we reached the opposite end of the ring the gate was closed and the class was being judged.  B was moving along, although he felt a little sluggish, so I asked him to move on up. There, better. Flat walk, running, walk and reverse and do it again. I focused on setting his speed the best I could to get max head shake.   Before I knew it, the lineup was called and we rode to center ring to park and back. Firecracker won the class and the judges gave B the reserve. Yeah!,  I pulled B out of the lineup and over to Sis, who reached up and put that red ribbon around Bs neck. It reminded me of the time D won a reserve championship.  And for the championship classes, both the reserve and the winner get to do victory laps. So off I went, and as I took the rail for my solo victory lap Tommy Hall announced the reserve, Watchin For The Storm and Renee Stasiewicz, and we took the rail at the curve and rounded to the straightaway and rode right out of the ring. Those laps are so much fun. A bit scary-as now eyes are all on you-but fun. And it's great to hear the cheers and clapping as you go out. As firecracker exited, Wayne

The Red & Blue ribbon winners in the 'circle!
Bourbon, me, Wayne and Firecracker.

Westbrook jumped in the winners circle with me, and both of us got our photos taken together with our horses. I know Wayne from when we were over at Hannah's with theses horses.  So it was nice to see Hannah's horses move to AOT division and continue to perform well with their owners. 

So that wraps up the show report on our classes for 2014. Another great year. And our horses were always in the ribbons and made every judges card, even in the largest classes. Plus we got to take a reserve championship lap.  Woot woot. 

Busy

It's been a busy couple last days. But i wanted to provide an update on the highlights.

- I had two classes so far with Diva. She got 5th out of about 16 or 17 in her western and 6th in English. 

- Katie is still wearing her egg and spoon championship medal. ;)

- I went to Bedford tack to shop. Bedford is about the size of a Walmart but with every horse supply you could imagine. There is always items I find that I never knew I needed. My prize purchase is a new saddle stroller to bring my tack to the warmup instead of carrying it. I'm very excited. 

Jane and Spiderman Two - getting ready
for their class.  Love all the attention
she's getting - like the scene in Pretty Woman!

- Jane rode her new Spiderman Two horses and is having a great time with her trainer. 

- Gale showed both her 2yo horses and was in the ribbons!

- Carlan's Lil Wayne won his class and Emily got high ribbons with their weanling. And they have been doing extremely well with shake n bake. 

- Rachael arrived. (poor Krysta is stuck at home.  Hi girlfriend!). She's staying with me tonight. 

- the progressive barn party was held last night. Us Wisconsinites brought spotted cow to share.  Of course it was a hit. Darden made sure everyone had one and was the chief bottle opener. It was fun to socialize

- Halo was ridden last night after the show. He had the place to himself and he looked really good. Hannah was able to get his focus and they started hitting it. 

- the weather has been amazing. In the 70s and great for showing

Sorry for the quick post. I'm off to feed and do chores. And Scott will arrive in a few hours. Tonight I ride B in his first class. 

Egg n Spoon

My morning started with a fab egg sandwich. I grabbed a spoon and yogurt as I left the hotel. It's nice to have the free breakfast with my room, but I confess the coffee is not the best and I swung by Starbucks for a latte as I headed for Miller.

Stall 17.  B is ready for breakfast and cool water!

Everyone got hay and clean water when I arrived. Then I set up chairs and iced down the waters in the cooler. Stalls were cleaned. The regular chores completed. I spent the rest of the morning riding bourbon and diva in the arena. After lunch Halo would ride. He was getting a loose shoe attended to first. So Katie and I pulled out the crystals and hot fixed a bunch of them to the collar of the shirt she'd show in this evening while we waited.

When Hannah came around the corner with Halo in tow, we all jumped up and followed her out to the sand pen on the west side of the grounds. She hooked him up and began to lunge him.  It was nice to finally see him move. You could tell he was young and still figuring it out. But in between you could see him stride, shake and lift in front. He lost a few months of training this summer due to a hairline fracture on his leg. So we lost time on his progress  A dissapointment for sure, but we're very happy it was a minor setback that will easily be overcome. Whew!

Halo in the cross ties before
our practice ride. 

We then all headed into the arena. It was a busy beehive of activity. Horses riding the first way AND the second way of the ring.  Some doing circles and others lunging yearlings while others were leading colts around. Oh boy, was all I could think and I didn't envy Hannah having to ride halo in this commotion. Especially with it being his first show experience. What a way to start. But when she got in the saddle and headed off, I was pleasantly surprised that he looked calm and focused on the task at hand. Here you could see him truly move and those flashes of pure talent between the learning was evident. He's very tall and leggy. He is high in the chest and uses his front shoulders very well. The back legs have the perfect bent to really get underneath himself as he walks. And he seems to simply float effortlessly forward. Carlan stood there with me and whispers that he looks real good.  And as I look at her, her smile reassures me even more. I think that's when I finally started to breath again.  Round and round she rode H, and you could see her train him and him improve with every lap.  Eventually he started to get more consistent and settled.

Then Hannah surprised me and parked in by us, and jumped off. Okay, give him a try, she indicated to me. I couldn't believe it. But I couldn't wait either and climbed up. Oooooo, he's tall. Maybe even taller than B.  However, as I threw my leg over him and settled into the saddle, I was reminded he was not B in girth. It was like balancing on a 2x4 - the narrow way!  As we pulled out, all the memories of D as a 2yo, and B as a yearling came over me. He felt young and inconsistent, but trying.  Like riding jello. Lol. But I think we had a few moments when we got it together. And Hannah tried to talk me through it. All too soon they started to clear the arena to ready for the evening classes, so we had to leave. But I got to take the memory of my ride with me. Now it's just a matter of time and training. We have the raw materials for a good one.

Wisconsin represents!  Scott, me, Eileen, Gale, Bruce, Mick
all pose by the WWHA sign we put up to promote our club.

As I left the arena, I bumped into Gale. Yeah, they finally arrived. I helped them unpack and hang fans.  It was so cool to see more folks from Wisconsin make this trip. They brought two horses - both 2yo. Hot Diamond and Remarkable Journey. They got settled in and will ride tomorrow for a practice round in the arena. I'm so excited for them as I know how awesome the first year here is, and I hope they enjoy the experience as much as I did, and continue to do.

Next up on the agenda were the fun classes. Katie and Emily are getting ready to show. And for Katie, this is her first ever international. So chico, their little spotted saddle horse, was being spit shined and tacked up.  Waterglass class was first, and resulted in a reserve win for Katie!  What a way to start and set the bar high. She did better in ribbon placement than her older sister. Next up was egg and spoon. And when the 11 and under class began, 2 little girls lost their eggs before they even got out on the rail, 2 more were out within the next ten steps, and 2-3 more as they made the first curve. But Katie was still on her game and heading down the straightaway at the far side. And then the last 2 girls lost their eggs., and I heard a scream. It was me.  Every girl had already lost their eggs, But not miss Katie,  she was focused and confused when the

Katie's first international - and she gets the
BLUE medallion for her outstanding egg
and spoon ride on Chico!  AWESOME!!!

announcer called for the line up. She had no idea that she had won already.   They called her number and she headed for the winners circle. She had to remove her helmet so that they could put her medallion around her neck. It hung to her waist. Then they gave her an egg on a spoon and made her do her victory lap with it. She did not dissapointment. She rode the entire way, all around the ring, and kept it on the entire way. And mind you, the victory lap was longer than the whole class. Lol.   Pictures in the winners circle with all of us. We all agreed we won't be able to live with her this week. But the smiles were worth it. 

So I started and ended my day with egg n spoon. Who knew.  Tomorrow will be my first class. It will be with Diva in western. Can't wait!

Shoes and fans.

The pretty drive up to Miller Coliseum - lined with trees
and white fences.  The arena in the background at right.

I woke early and slipped down to the hotel lobby for breakfast. The eggs and sausage helped wake me up. Then I grabbed a coffee and yogurt and headed for the truck.  While I have no classes today or tommorrow, I still had plans to Take practice rides in the big arena. They let you go into the ring and ride between the morning and evening set of classes and I've always found it helpful to let the horses experience the ring before they go in to show.

I stopped off at Walmart on my way to Miller, and picked up water, tea, and assorted sandwiches and quick meals. We have a mini fridge and I thought it would be good to stock it full, for keeping hydrated and fed when times get busy.  Then off to Miller to fill water buckets and toss hay for B and D. They nickered their hello's when I arrived and dove right into their morning meal. Just like I did with my eggs this morning. I'm pleased to see that despite the heat we all have our appetites. And the buckets needed filling twice during meal time. So I'm confident everyone is hydrated too.

At 930 I walked over to see Terry Moran, my tennessee farrier.  And he agreed to shoe both horses. Diva was first. And then B. I hung out and chatted up poor Terry the entire time. We told stories, laughed and he shared great shoeing tips.  What a skill, I thought as I watched him measure and effortlessly work his magic  What a great guy too. He's been ensuring diva was always shod compliantly since my very first year down here. So I was thankful he was able to do the shoes for me today too. I must say the job was perfect. A full show level treatment. And by noon they were both done with their manny panny salon appointments.

Front row - right across from the warmup and DQP.
We took advantage of the spot to hand the WWHA
banner.  Our group took nine stalls.

I couldn't wait to put his shoeing job to the test, and immediately tacked up B and headed into the arena. I  L. O. V. E. this arena. I am reminded every year when I first set foot in that dark red earth, just how much I love this arena. It is soft, loamy, and both my horses seem to deliver their best rides of the year in this red satin.  And today was no different.  B dug right in and just walked a hole in the ground. He was shaking and walking and he felt so good. If it wasn't so hot I would have rode him around that big ring a hundred times, maybe a thousand.  I exhaled and totally enjoyed every step he took.

Next up was Diva. But by the time I had her ready to ride, there was a clinic going on inside, and so I only got in to the warm up area. But that footing is the same and she seemed like she was happy with it too. Even her little ears were flopping. I had a few fast moments, but for the most part she was timed well and just did a nice flat walk. Carlan and Katie and Emily came in with Chico. And so we were riding around in the warmup area together. Other than one or two other horses that ventured in for awhile, we had the place pretty much to ourselves. I parked Diva in by Emily and asked if she wanted to take D for a spin?  Her face lit up and in less than two second she was up in the saddle and we were adjusting the stirrups to fit her properly. She did an outstanding job riding D. And for me it was great to watch her go. I never get to see her go. So I appreciated the opportunity as much as Emily did. And even D seemed to think it was a cool thing!  Emily beamed and said she loved her. And I know exactly what she meant. I love riding that mare too.

The Halo/me selfie -
in Halo's stall in the
Hannah Pulvers Stables row.

Then the moment I have been waiting months for happened. Halo arrived!  He's in stall 34.  And when I walked into the Hannah Pulvers aisle, everyone pointed to that stall and said that Hannah told them that was him, and to tell me the stall number when I arrived. :) how did she know I'd be obsessed to see him. LOL.   And what a pretty boy he is. He took my breath away. That tiny face, those dainty ears, that solid back and long legs. I opened the door and slipped in and he walked right over and sniffed me. And then he put his nose in my hand and it seemed like he was saying hello. And I smiled. Katie was with me and she reached up to pet his velvet nose and grinned.  I snapped a selfie and texted it to Scott. Oh I can't wait to see him move tomorrow. And maybe ride him too. Yeah!

The rest of the day was filled with bathing horses, helping hang stall fans for the HP row, and watching the versatility classes. A Mexican dinner with Carlan, and I was ready to hit the hay. Both literally, as in tossing it to the horses for their late munching, and figuratively now for me, as in pillow time.

International 2014

Miller Coliseum is home to the
2014 WHOA International.

Hey everyone. Today I made my 4th annual pilgrimage to Murfreesboro, TN for the Tennessee walking horse International. I woke at 445am to do my final packing and ready the horses. This year I'm taking both Diva and Bourbon for the Amateur Owned and Trained (AOT) classes.  And by the amount of packing and double everything, I'm thinking the week ahead will be a lot more work than just one AOT horse. Just hay alone proved a bit of a space challenge. Not to mention bits, bridles and saddles.  But we pulled out by 630am and were on our way. Mostly due to Scott's help in ensuring we were all set. Love you babe!  Scott will fly down and join us later in the week and drive back with me.

The day's drive for the most part was pleasent and safely uneventful. We made good time with the minimum stops for gas and water breaks.  And thankfully my phone was ringing regularly, with great conversations to break up the trip and make the time go fast. Thanks to all my friends and MOTHER who checked in with me. By 530pm, we made our last left turn into Miller colesium and my heart skipped a beat. It is always so cool to turn into the grounds and drive up the white fence lined drive. It's big and awesome and welcoming, all at the same time.

Diva (aka I'm Demanding) has moved into Stall 18
for the big week of competition.

I parked and began to unload. Diva in stall 18, and Bourbon in stall 17. I like those numbers for some reason. They feel good. Especially that we have a lucky 7 in the mix.   We are in the first row facing the warmup. So it's very convenient.  Only steps from the DQP and right across from Bedford tack onsite store in a trailer. This should be good. Plus we have most of the row!  I'm next to Tami Steinbrecher and her two horses, plus Carlan is bringing her AOT horse for her daughters to show and Gale Zinter and Eileen Olson from Wisconsin are  joining us too.  So, we kinda have our own group all together.  I have a feeling it is going to be SO much fun this year  its like you can already feel the energy in the air

When I arrived my shavings were all down. Thanks miss Emily for having them fresh and ready for us!  B and D made themselves right at home, as the rest of us rushed around prepping the site. Fans, electric, seating, refrigerator, tack.  The list goes on. And it was fun, since I had so much help. Katie Livingood and Peggy Butler were down from Wisc to see the Twhbea versatility show and met up with me to provide a helping hand. And soon Carlan and her girls arrived and the party ensued.  Lots of sweat and dirt. But things shaped up quickly. Thanks so much to all of you for the helping hand. And Katie and Peggy it was so nice to see you in TN. Safe travels back north tomorrow!

Katie is a helpful hand to
set up, fill water buckets
and promote Halo with
her halo over her head.

After refilling water buckets I joined Carlan, Emily and Katie for dinner. I had this super yummy salmon salad with all kinds of healthy antioxidants atop. Healthy and tasty. To be honest I was so hungry, I think just about anything would have hit the spot.  But this did the trick and was healthy. Bonus!  

 I'm now checked into my hotel and will hit the pillow soon. I set the alarm for 630 and will go back to Miller for feeding and a farrier visit.  Plus I will see Halo for the first time since I bought him. Woot woot!!  Can't wait to see my baby boy.  He'll be with us all week in the Hannah Pulvers Stables aisle,  but we have yet to decide if we will show him this week.  There are a few 2yo classes so those would be the ones if we do.  But that is TBD.   Either way I'm excited as all get out.  All 3 of my show string are here in one place for a whole week.  H.  E.  A. V. E.  N. !

I'll try to keep everyone up to date via my blog this week. And yes I have my cell and keep the text messages coming. I am excited to see what this week of competition will bring. Wish us luck!  And I wish all those competing this week a safe, fun and successful week too. 

HALO

Jose's HALO

I have a new horse!  I'm so excited.  I feel like I'm floating on cloud 9!  And, he's just perfect…..for me.  Every last detail is perfect and he's exactly what this little girl has always dreamed of -  everything was checked off our wish list.  I think, perhaps, he fits me like a glove.

For the past year, we've been wanting to add another young horse to our string.   Bourbon had his last junior year in 2013 - so I wanted to add a 2 year old to continue to compete in the junior classes…as B moved on to the aged divisions, along with Diva.   But, it seems each really nice colt gets bought before you can decide, or there's something that just doesn't fit.   Maybe its age, maybe its how they move, a detail in their confirmation, oh…the list can go on.   But then along comes one - that just fits.  Feels right.  And the pieces fall into place.  That was HALO.

It all started when I called to check in with Hannah on some young horses she was evaluating.  And you get to talking, and all of a sudden one stands out.   The more I heard, the more I wanted to hear.  And the more I wanted to see!   So….instead of jumping on a plane at that very moment - I had to wait.  Hannah was off to sail the Virgin Islands for a few weeks (and get engaged!).  And so I waited.  I knew he was there.  I was scared he wouldn't be there much longer.  And I waited. And I waited.  OMG - I waited.  :)   And then she returned….and I waited some more.  To let him get back to a few days under saddle, and to get a video to see him move before I traveled to see him in person.  And see we did.  Once a video was posted…we viewed it over and over.  Scott and I.  And our excitement mounted.  He was perfect….for us.  

He peered out of his stall.

The very next day, I was booking tickets and packing my bag.  And negotiating the deal.  And the colt was going through the vet check.  It was all but done - I would make my final decision once I saw him live, placed my hands on him, rode him - and knew without a doubt - that he was perfect….for me.   I arrived late Friday night….drove right to Main Gait Farms - and I placed my hands on him.  The stable was dark when I arrived - Hannah was over at the colt showing - so we agreed I'd slip in anyways to see him.  I wound't sleep if I couldn't see him once on the ground in Tennessee.  I pulled up, and it was dusk.  I walked in through the front doors, and through the wash area, and into the long dark aisle.  The lights were off, the aisle dark, the horses munching on hay - every long face looked up as I made my way down the aisle.  I walked and looked into each stall….until I came and stopped at stall 16.  Sweet 16.  My heart was beating….I could hardly see into the stall, let alone see a black horse in a dark stall.  But then he pulled his head up, looked at me ears forward…stepped up to the open window in his door - and peered out.  My heart jumped a beat….and I grinned ear to ear.  Hello guy!  I coo'd.  And I stepped forward and placed my hand on his soft nose for the first time.  There, just the two of us - in the dark.  And, I could see, he was perfect…for me.

I spent some time with him in his stall.  I could see he was long legged (check), black (check), pretty (check), oh la la the mane (check), calm, silly and mischievous personality (check), and (check), (check), (check)…..my list of wants that outlined the perfect horse for me were all getting checked off.  I couldn't wait to see him move and ride him tomorrow.  But…I'd have to wait.  I'd have to wait all day.  I wouldn't ride until late afternoon - as Hannah was taking colts over to the colt sale on Saturday.   I said my good byes - and just as I was about to leave, the barn manager, Roger, came walking in - helped me find the lights - so I could REALLY see this colt - and he snapped the very first picture, of the very first meeting, of me and my "soon to be" new colt.  I knew it would be so - in every fiber of my being.

HALO and I meet for
the first time

Off to the colt showing at the Calsonic I went - and caught up with Mary Pickhardt, who I was going to stay with this weekend.  We hung at the colt showing - but not much was happening, and hunger took over.  So, we enjoyed a a few margaritas and dinner at the Casa down the street.  Well, it was just down the street - but Mary had us visit almost all of downtown Shelbyville, before we settled on this place.  (Note to self - don't take driving directions from Mary - LOL.)  Her home is lovely, in a lovely neighborhood.  And I met all her cats and dogs - yes there were quite a few.  My fav was "Spiderman", a cute black kitten with no tail.  But he had the longest legs you ever did see.  We talked and shared stories all night…and picked right up where we left off at breakfast.  And, I was treated to a tour that included a wonderful collection of Pusher and Push-Over portraits and other TWH pictures and historical memorabilia.  And I slept in "Carol's" bed.  Or at least she's placed dibs on it - thanks for letting me sleep in your room Miss Carol!  :)

Beautiful boy - Jose's HALO.

When I went back to see my colt in the morning, it was just us, again.   But a good chance to get to see him in the light of day and to experience his personality.  Then off to the colt sale.  I met up with Carlan and her girls - and got to personally deliver a brand new ruby red day-coat for Emily!  (Kricket - it fit her PERFECTLY!)  We hung out and socialized…and then all four of us went over to see "my" colt.  Carlan and the girls agreed - he was something.  We shopped, we lunched….and we visited Katie's new pony and watched her ride!  She's getting so big - and brave to ride.  Then we said our good-byes.   I love seeing them…its so much fun.  But…it was close to 3pm - and F.I.N.A.L.L.Y. I would get to ride my colt.

Hannah and Bub were already in the arena when I arrived.  Hannah was working with another client - and Bub had my boy in the round pen.   As I came up and rested my arms on the rails to watch - my colt ran around and stopped right by me.  Bub just shook his head and laughed.  Like the colt had chosen me already too. :)   In no time, Hannah had mounted him and was riding.  And my heart was happy.   Again, each element - front lift, shake, stride - potential, potential, potential.  His confirmation seemed right - he'd be a nice size.   And, once I got into the saddle, I could tell he wanted to figure out what we wanted him to do.  And, he was all new, young and perfectly inconsistent and imperfect.  Just as a young coming 2yo should be.  And, I could tell, he was perfect…for me.

He gets his name…and is introduced
to the world.

Paperwork, hugs, celebration and he was mine!  And, I celebrated further with Bub and a whole gang for dinner- tipping margaritas and eating mexican (again).  Thanks for letting me crash your fiesta Beverly, Billy, Frankie, and the Dr. Richards family.   I drove and stayed by the airport that night - I would catch the 530am flight back home….so staying next door to BNA was a necessity of convenience.  I had sent Scott text messages, video snippets and photos - but once I got home, I recounted every detail and each moment.  And we smiled.  Yep, he'd be perfect…for us.  :)

And, while we had worked our way through (literally) 500 names.  Scott came up with HALO - and once we realized that Jose (the colt's papa's name) was also spanish for Joseph - we just knew that Jose's HALO would be his name.  In memory of Joe Stasiewicz, Scott's father who passed away on new years eve.  Another detail fell perfectly into place, that reminded us both, this was meant to be.