The Good. The Bad. And, The Awesome!

Emily and B are ready
for the Youth Trail class

So, as usual, I start out with best of intentions to blog each day...and then the show happens.  I’ve been up at dawn and not back to my hotel until way past midnight - so the blogging has been minimal.  For most of you, I apologize for leaving you hanging regarding Diva.  I’ll start there, with an update, in this posting.  

Diva is a tough cookie!  I’m very proud of her. Only a day after her 5 stitches, I decided to try the bit on her to see if she’d even accept it.  And she did.  The stitches were over an inch down from where her bit rested - and she took the bit right away.  I had wrapped it up with a latex bit wrap, so it was soft and squishy.  She tested it a little and then let it be.  Next, I lunged her.  I thought I’d start slow, and see if she’d react in any way.  She lunged fine.  So, I put a saddle on her, and walked/rode her around a bit.  My finger tips just lightly holding the reins.  She walked just fine, bit in mouth.  In fact, she turned towards the ring, which was filled with riders practicing between the morning and evening competition sessions, and went right in.  Once she hit the ring, she went right to work.  I was totally amazed - she wanted to go out there and do what she came to do.  And so we rode a practice ride.  She didn’t miss a beat - and my only indication that anything was not completely normal - was that she was a little more soft in her mouth than normal when I squeezed on the reins.  But, honestly, it was slight.  I couldn’t believe the luck.  I rode her for only a short warm up and then put her back in her stall.  My plan was to try her the next day again and see if this was a fluke or if there was possibility that we’d be able to show after all.   I won’t hold you in suspense - we showed!  (Whoop!!!)  And she was a solid ride every time - consistent and shaking.   She took a 6th of 15 in the western class, a 3rd in her English class of about 9 (I think) and a 4th of 14 or 15 in another western class.  What a rock star!  What an awesome mare!  My baby girl!  :)

Mary from Wisconsin
sang the National Anthem.

Bourbon has been in two classes so far.  His first was a youth class with Emily Cotten for a 3rd place ribbon on Tuesday night.  I didn’t ride him until Thursday, and that big boy pulled out a reserve ribbon in a large class of about 12 or 13 nice horses.  He came in second behind a renown World Grand Champion horse, Suiza, and in a class of great contenders!  I was tickled pink on his ride!!!!  And, he pulled out a great ribbon as well.  To celebrate, we jumped in the winners circle and took a photo - and I was joined by Annette & Mike Weber and Mary who were here from Wisconsin, the beautiful trio of Carlan, Emily and Katie Cotten, and my dear friend Tami Steinbrecher.   We all went out to the trailer and tipped a few Wisconsin beers in celebration afterwards.

Next an update on Halo.  He’s on the grounds.  Hannah brought him so I could see him, plus to keep him on his training schedule.  Ironically, his stall is back to back to Bourbon’s and the two of them keep glancing over the stall walls to meet each other and make friends this week.  I think Bourbon looks over the stall wall when he hears me in Halo’s stall - and visa versa.  On Wednesday, I trailered Halo over to the vet’s to have a follow up visit.  Some X-rays, hoof tests, and walking maneuvers - and the assessment is VERY VERY GOOD NEWS!  Couple this news with the experience Hannah has been having from the saddle and everything points to great and awesome news.  Now, its all up to the training and our Mr Halo getting the light to come on for his timing.  Huge sign of relief...we’re on our way now.

Surprise bridal shower for
Hannah and Jason.

There is a big crew from Wisconsin here this year. Many ribbons have been collected - and the youth are getting a huge experience watching and riding at the show.  I’ve had so much fun hearing their stories of their rides, and seeing a few of them show.  there have been cheers and tears - but everyone is learning and having fun riding in that huge ring.  I’ve had to convince Owen to go into a class no matter how many horses go in.  And he had a great ride yesterday - securing a reserve/2nd place ribbon ride himself!!!  I think he’s more hooked now then ever!  The youth are also meeting a few folks - like Connie Waldo, Hannah and Emily - who either have done or will do a Zoom session.  They like meeting them in person, and have picked up even more tips and hints on showing and riding while here.  They have also shopped at Bedford and seen Nashville.

For me, the days have been filled with show prep, show baths, and lots of practicing and socializing.  It’s been exhausting but fun and the weather has been hot (over 100 degrees F a few days!).  One evening the Hannah Pulvers crew threw a surprise bridal shower for Hannah - who has plans to get married this Fall.  It was crazy and fun time.  I also had a photo shoot with Diva and Bourbon with Jennifer Barr, who did the shoot of Halo.  I can’t wait to see the results. Hopefully will see the proofs today.

Celebrating Bourbon's Reserve
ribbon ride.

Unfortunately, I continued a string of bad luck with the trailer tires!  In fact a second tire was found flat one morning, and I had to change that one.  That provoked Scott to go have me change ALL the tires - just in case.  Seems when one tire goes, they all soon follow.  So, now I have 5 brand new tires - 4 on the trailer and one spare.  I also had to have the truck jumped one night at about midnight.  We think it was bad diesel or some air in the line - but via FaceTime Scott was able to walk me and Tami through the processes and we got the truck started successfully.  Somehow  I have acquired about a million bruises from packing, swinging saddles, and changing tires.  War bruises, I guess. I hope that the “bad” is over - and only good stuff like good rides, good health, and fun times lie ahead the rest of this week.

I have a few more classes, and potentially will go into a Championship class, before heading home on Sunday.  I slept in a bit today, and then had time to write this blog. But, now I think its time to head over to Miller and get back to it.

Chuck and Mike share
a beer at the trailer.

Sunday Stitches

 I was up at 7 am, made a Kerig coffee in my room, and headed back to Miller.  D and B greeted me with a nicker as I fed them and filled water buckets.  I then took a walk to submit my coggins and paperwork in the show office, watched a few horses get early morning workouts in the warmup, and headed back to unpack and set up my space for the week.  Now at least I have sunlight, and could see what I was doing as I unpacked, re-orchestrated things inside my tack room, and set up a functional home-base with cross ties, mounting block and chairs and cooler for relaxing.   Katie is my best helper ever !   She filled water buckets and cleaned out the horse’s stalls when I removed each to take them to for their shoeing.  Every year Terry Moran does my horses shoes to perfect show requirements - and this year was no different.  By noon we had shiny new hooves, set to perfection.  Yeah - this afternoon we can get a practice ride in!  

Ashley, Katie and Peggy take a
moment to pose at Miller.

Emily is going to ride B in a youth class this year - so we wanted to make sure to get her a few practice rides before the show.  I tacked him up, and walked into the ring.   He was a little nervous as he chomped on the bit - but got right to work.  It was a bit fast, but he was rolling nice in the footing.  I worked him awhile - and then let Emily get on too.  This was a good for me - as now I got to watch him go.  I never get to SEE him ridden under saddle, since I’m always the one riding.  I get some idea when I’m lunging - but this was great to see him being ridden.  He continued to be a Speedy Gonzales - but Emily was doing a great job getting a feel from him.  And, she was smiling and enjoying him, I could tell.  His ears were forward, so I could tell B liked her too.  She practiced one-handed for western too - as she’ll have to ride him that way in the class - and did it very proficiently.  Okay, CHECK, this will go well - Emily is a great rider.  I’m so excited!

Next up - Diva.  Saddle, bridle and draw reins on - and we were back and riding in the arena. Diva felt a bit stiff, and she too was covering ground quickly.  I did a few circles, and then back on the rail.  Emily was watching, and I wanted to see what Diva looked like, and asked her to give her a spin too.   Again, it was great to see her go - and again Emily did a great job riding.  But, I could see Diva was a bit stiff, and nervously speedy.  That’s okay, we have a few days before showtime.  It was a long ride in the trailer, so I’m sure she’s still recuperating from the trip - I know I am! I rode her one more time around before getting off and heading back to the trailer.  I gave her a pat, good girl!

Dr Wright on call vet
for emergencies.

Then it happened.  It took a split second. A split second that I want back.  I want a DO OVER.  And it happened in slow motion. But I couldn’t stop it.  One moment I was leading her towards the trailer, reins in hand - the next moment her bit and reins were on the ground - the bridle broken right in half when she stepped on the reins that had been pulled right out of my fingers.  Nooooooooooooooooooo!  I looked at Diva, and she was opening and closing her mouth, as if she was saying, owa owa owa - and sticking her tongue out and rolling it around.  I grabbed her by the cavesson, which was all that was left on her head, and saw the blood in her mouth.  Nooooooooooooo!  I guided her the last few steps to the trailer and slipped on her halter.  I then proceeded to try to get a hold of her tongue to see exactly what damage was done.  I rinsed out her mouth to remove the blood for a better view.  Yikes, it looked like a cut down the middle of her tongue on top and the bottom.  Noooooooooooooooo!   Okay, who’s the vet on call - Katie sprung to action and ran to the show office for a phone number.  I headed to the next aisle and returned with Jana Anderson who took a quick look and reassured me - it isn’t too bad, but get the vet to take a look - we may want stitches.

Dr Wright, the on call vet, pulled up and tended to Diva right there.  We set up a mini operating room, and she got 5 neatly tied stitches - like a badge of honor - placed down the middle of her tongue.  Me, I was the nurse assistant, who held her tongue during the operation.  And, we had a whole Wisconsin crew of onlookers.  It didn’t take long, and Diva was a very good patient. I was provided with care instructions, antibiotics, and some antiseptic mouth wash to use after her feedings to keep things clean, but only time will tell if I’ll be able to show her this week.  All the work, all the time, and a split second freak occurrence and it may be all just a wishful dream this year.   

OUCH! 5 stitches needed.

I continued to check on her into the evening.  I tossed her a bit of hay much later that night and she ate.  Slowly.  But she ate.  She drank as well.  But mostly she stood pouting in her stall.  I didn’t blame her - and I joined her and pouted a bit too with her as I rubbed her ear, her neck and let a few tears fall.  I’m so sorry Diva.  I’m so sorry.  And she looked at me, and I could tell she liked the pampering - so I gave her more pampering - all that she wanted.

Carlan grabbed me and hauled me off for a quick something to eat.  I’m glad she did - as I otherwise wouldn’t have eaten anything.   I returned to Miller and I hung out well into the dark of night. Katie Livingood stopped by to check on us, and we sat and talked for a while.  And Katie held her head to help me apply the antiseptic wash.   It was past midnight when I arrived back at my hotel.  I think tonight, more exhausted than from the long ride.  This is emotional exhaustion now.  As I tossed and turned all night - reliving the split seconds over and over - I still can’t figure out exactly what happened.  Maybe she stopped or turned to look at something - I really don’t know - but whatever it was pulled those reins from my fingers and just out of reach for me to grab them back before she took her next disastrous step.  Cher - if I could turn back time - if I could find a way.   

Nurse assistant Renee.

Road-trip Blowout!

Not much left of this tire.

I was packed and pulled out of my driveway by 6am heading for my 5th International competition.   Driving down Hwy 43 on my way to Tennessee, I heard a horse kick inside the trailer.  It was a hard kick - BAMM! - and I glanced in the rearview mirror. Hmmm....wonder if I should check on them?  For some reason I reached for the mirror button and tipped the mirror down so I could see the tires and I thought I noticed a bit of smoke or dust blowing on the passenger side of the trailer.  When I pulled over to take a look, it wasn’t a horse kick I had heard, but the tire on my horse trailer had completely blown out.   Arghhh, less than 90 minutes into my travels and still in Wisconsin...and here my trip came to a screeching halt. 

Next, I was wielding a tire iron and hydraulic lift in my flip flops and white shorts. (I know!)  One quick call with Scott, and I was able to figure out how to get the bolts off, how to remove the spare, and how to get everything put back on.  However the spare looked low, so I drove slowly to the Citgo Station only a half mile down the road.  Scott caught up with me there - helped put air in the tires and made the decision that I needed a new spare, just in case.  A few questions to Siri and I was on my way to Farm & Fleet for a new spare in Rosco.  The F&F guys put a new tire on the rim of the blown tire, as well as a new tire on the rim of the spare - but I was the one who had to again change out the tire in the parking lot or wait until noon for an appointment.  So tire change #2 was undertaken - and quite proficiently and experienced, I might add.

F&F parking lot getting
a new spare!

Two hours later, I was back on the road. I made one wrong turn that lost me another hour along the way, but I arrived at dusk around 8:30pm.   As I drove down the Tennessee Miller fence-lined drive to the arena and horse stall building, Carlan rang to find out where I was ‘cuz she was worried we hadn’t arrived yet.  3 minutes later I  saw her waving me in as I pulled up, exhausted at my stalls.  In no time, I had Carlan, Emily, Katie and Peggy Butler all providing an iPhone flashlight and a helping hand.  Diva and Bourbon knew we had arrived, and pounded in rhythm inside the trailer.  I think it was “let me out, let me out, let me outta here, let me out,” in some kind of horsey morris code - but we all knew the song.  Shavings down, fans installed and blowing, hay tossed, water hung, leg wraps off, and horses tucked in - whew!!!!  I hung out only a short a while to see Eileen, Bruce and Owen briefly - then headed for the hotel, to get me showered and tucked in around midnight.  The pillow felt so good.  I pray tomorrow is a better day!  

2015 - The 3 Week Countdown to the International

As I prepare for and look forward to the WHOA International at the end of July, I thought it was a good time to bring you up to speed on the happenings this year.   2015 has been an interesting year.  By interesting, I mean not quite the year I had planned on having - at least not in the horse realm. And, as many of you know - I'm sorta a big planner (okay, control freak- but who's judging?)  Also, I am a firm believer that God works in mysterious ways and that things happen for a reason.  So, I continue to be watchful for the lessons and reasons in all that is happening this year.  And, I'm learning to embrace the unexpected and ride the tide.

HALO photo shoot from earlier this year.  Thank you
Marty Barr from Barr Studios for capturing him on film.

The biggest unplanned event has been that HALO continues to be out of the show ring.  His fracture has healed completely and successfully, (thank goodness) but we are dealing with getting his hoof angles right so that we can get him timed up and shaking like a champ.  Unfortunately that has meant another season down the drain for showing him - as we have made the decision that we want him "perfect," not just good enough.   And, it also has meant I have shown him once this year - with the totally tally of twice (ding ding ding) since owning him.  Not what the plan was!  (LOL, whimper.)  However, we have identified the root of our challenge - and we are addressing it - and in only weeks he's made a HUGE rebound.  So, I remain hopeful.  'Believe,' has become my single daily word.  

Lessons: Have a great vet, have a great trainer, and if your horse isn't right - he's telling you something, so stop watch and listen.  In addition, tenacity, which is my forte, comes in handy - especially dovetailed seamlessly with belief.  Never stop believing.

Bourbon's WHOA Walking-On eNewsletter
ad.  Thanks to Savannah Hoffman for the
riding shot of B that you captured!

With HALO sidelined, my focus for 2015 has turned full-on to Diva and Bourbon.  Perhaps, that is where the mysterious ways part comes in.  Putting my focus at home, in my backyard, has brought new rewards.  First, Bourbon and I have definitely found our sweet spot.  We're communicating and working well with each other.  He's shaking and going extremely well.  Scott says we're better than he's ever seen us ride before.  I think it is mostly due to me feeling confident - since we are riding 4-5 times a week, and through that process, we make mistakes, learn, apply and improve.  In the end, we are on the same page and communicating.  In addition, I have begun to apply what I have learned through Hannah and Bourbon... to Diva.  She's getting more off the bit, which has lead to her dropping more in back and raising her head.  Perhaps we're only progressing in baby steps, but I can feel a huge difference with his mare from the saddle.  She may never be as light in the reins as B - but, she's learning to carry herself more and I think she's happier too.  Maybe she likes the learning.  I certainly do.  

Lessons:  Apply yourself and never stop learning and trying.  Communicate and be consistent and find what works for you as the horse and team.  Sweet spots exist for every horse and rider.

A few other wonderful events include new, unexpected actions of others.  First, I've been riding with Mary and Miranda, two youth riders who live near me.  I've been fortunate to be invited by Annette and Mike to ride with their grand daughters which has been fun for me to help them become better riders too.   It has also given me a chance to see riding from the ground - not just the saddle - and in the end, I'm learning too.  Plus, sharing rides on B, D and Fash with these girls just makes me smile when they smile and think its "awesome."  Secondly, I'm over the moon about the number of Wisconsin Walking Horse Associations members who are going to be making the pilgrimage to the WHOA International this year in Tennessee!   Last year Gale and Eileen joined me to compete in Tennessee.  This year there is a whole entourage!  Myself, Gale and Eileen - plus Margaret and a number of youth - Tehya, Cordie, Alexis, and Owen!   Plus, Mary is coming to sing the National Anthem with Mike and Annette.  All in all, with riders, husbands, grooms, grandparents, singers and cheerleaders, we'll have more than a dozen Wisconsinites and 8 horses!  We've reserved a full row of stalls and have Wisconsin signage and drapes ready to decorate.   Many kudos goes to Gale, who has rallied the troops at her barn and is making it possible for so many of her clients and youth to go.  I hope my experience being shared through this blog has put the opportunity out there for others and hopefully in some small way inspired them to give it a try.  Much like hearing the stories from Terre, or seeing the success by Kim Leonard (others from Wisconsin who have competed in the TN circuit) has done to inspire me.    

Lessons:  Share.  Everyone can inspire someone else.  In some cases you may not even realize who or how you are inspiring.  But by sharing, you enable it to possibly happen.  Then continue to share in what you inspire - and be re-inspired yourself by enjoying everyone else's excitement and enjoyment!  

So, now the countdown begins.  In just three weeks, I'll be loading up and heading again to Murfreesboro, TN - to spend a week of hot competition.  2015 will mark my 5th year competing at the WHOA International.  By far, it is the best week of the year.  And, this year will certainly bring new and different experiences.  I think, perhaps it may be the BEST year yet.  Just knowing that we will have the company of a great group of people from Wisconsin has put new momentum and excitement into this trip.  It certainly will bring a unique and energetic support structure - and will sure to be a fun and exciting adventure!   

To everyone getting ready for International: You are about to have the best experience of your lifetime!  I can't wait to enjoy it all with you!  Good luck and remember to have fun-fun-fun!        

Meanwhile Back in Wisconsin

My blogging has traditionally focused on my experiences with my horse competition down south - but many of you have asked me about my showing in Wisconsin.  So, I wanted to add a post about my northern exploits.   This is actually a good year to include this - as it was my first year keeping Bourbon at home and showing him, along with Diva, here as AOT for the season.  Plus, yesterday was our last show of the season, so the timing is good too.  Here is where my blog post enters.

The buzzer went off at 5:30am, and I rolled over.  Too early.  So, I waited for Scott to hit the snooze, and snuggled in for 10 more minutes.  We got a cold front a day ago, putting us down in the 40s, so I didn't want to face that yet.  It had been cold washing horses last night - and I had blanketed them to ward off the shivering.  Poor things.  But by the time I had tucked them in for the night at 9pm, they were mostly dry and very toasty under their blankets.  The buzzer went off again, and I flung my legs over the edge of the bed and stretched.  Okay - let's go.

Make up, jeans, WWHA sweatshirt, and a latte later - I was lacing up my riding boots and heading for the barn in the dark.  I flipped on the light switch and saw Diva blink off the assault of first light and she nickered at me.  I think she was saying what I was thinking - TOO EARLY!   But, B & D needed show ribbons and their legs wrapped so we could get loaded and outta here.  It was after 7:30 by the time I was completely loaded-up and rolling down the drive with the trailer rocking behind me.  Darn, I won't get there until almost 9am.  Our show starts at 11am.  And, I like to take my time with unloading, setting up and getting them all warmed up.  My goal is to be onsite by 8am so its a relaxing start to the day - versus a frenzy.  Oh, well, not this time.  I'll be fine.  As I drove the hour and 20 minutes to the show, I started to relax.  The dark sky started to lighten and blue, and the clouds went from dark and stormy, to white and fluffy.  The drive includes a ride through a wind-turbine farm - and with the beautiful skies and green rolling farm fields as a backdrop to those huge rotating blades - it was actually a very striking and awesome view!  How pretty our Wisconsin countryside is - I thought.  A pretty start to a pretty day!

In Wisconsin we have 5 one-day shows hosted by the Wisconsin Walking Horse Association (WWHA) that is associated with WHOA.  Our membership is about 50-60 families, and we've been seeing a rebound of entries at our shows the past few years - with more than 20 horses per show.  This is up from a few years ago - where we were in the low teens if we were lucky.  However much like the rest of the industry low - we're still a far cry from having 100+ family memberships and classes that had over 20 horses in a single class that had to be split - that was maybe 12-15 years ago.  In 2014, the blessing that we have been sent is a HUGE up-tick in our youth riders.  The youth classes for the first time are the largest of our shows - seeing as many as 6-7 entries!  As long as I've been a member - we never had that many youth all at the same time.  So, the club is all-a-flutter about this fresh interest of new riders and new families - its good news for the future of our club!

As I pulled up with the trailer, many folks were already setting up and many YOUTH were also there!  Members installing water buckets in stalls, tossing hay, warming up horses, arranging tack, and the normal activities of pre-show activity.  In the arena, there were a few people bringing in the sound system and setting up the center ring.  And I spotted, our mainstay, Carol Olp, our 'most excellent' of show managers, who was busy lovingly setting up the awards table with ribbons, trophies and all kinds of gifts she has hand-selected for the 1st place horses.  I saw a stack of blue 2-gallon water buckets and thought what a nice prize.  Carol always picks out things you can use. I yelled good morning to Carol and asked where my stalls were located.  She pointed down the row - and said names were on the stalls.  Okay - good!

The next 2 hours were spent unloading, setting up, warming up and filling out entry forms.  For me it was 2 classes for Bourbon - Trail Pleasure - one English, one Western.  And 2 classes for Diva - Trail Pleasure English - a Ladies and an AOT class.  I turned around twice, and the announcer came on with 10 minute 'til showtime warning, and the DQP station opened.  I ran back to my trailer, and put on my Saddleseat suit and derby.  I decided the black wool suit was the way to go today - to stay warm on this cool Fall day that may only reach the low 60s.  (Ah, yes, Fall has come to Wisconsin.)  Then I ran to my horse stalls, grabbed my number and hooked it on my back, and grabbed Diva's bridle.  I walked into her stall, and put her bridle on.  Her ears were back, and I looked at her.  OMG - Diva is NOT my first ride this morning - I guess that was why her ears were back.  I laughed at myself.  See I need more time in the morning!  So I pulled her bridle off, pulled the number off my back, and exchanged it for Bourbon's.  Rewind and redo - ok, let's try this again.  Bourbon greeted me at the door and leaned forward to help me get his bridle on - as if he knew he had to help me more than usual this morning too. LOL.   Then off to DQP and then to put B's english saddle on.   By the time I buckled the girth, they were calling my class….and I literally swung my leg over and rode into the ring.  

B didn't seem to mind the order of business - as he hates the wait more than anything - so I think he was happy to get riding right away. In Wisconsin the rings are sand, and the sand is often deep.  Not the best footing for walkers, so you have to drive them a bit more than footing in Tennessee rings.  I never really paid much attention to this, until I started experiencing the footing in TN.  But we don't have the luxury of those made-for-purpose rings in WI - and most of our arenas are designed for quarter horse and western reining.  So, we make due.  I knew from my warm-up that B would struggle in the sand - he's so big and sinks in even more.  But, he surprised me - or maybe he wanted to 'show off" today - and started to shake and drive - all on a loose rein.  I've been working on "trusting" and "letting go" more on the reins - and that practice was being put to work in the show ring.  My hope is always that B doesn't trip - LOL.  Trust trust trust.  He delivered a good clean ride and I could feel he was up in the chest and rolling in the shoulders.   I pulled into the lineup along with Amanda and Gale - and we all smiled at each other.  The honorable judge Joe Cambell asked us each to back and then turned in his card. #366 was called to the blue - Watchin For The Storm.  I rode over to get the ribbon, a blue bucket (yeah) :), and to get a photo taken.

Then, off with B's saddle, back through DQP check, and then a quick exchange of B for D and back to DQP with Diva.  I'm here alone - so its me, myself and I, and a charitable WWHA member or two, who offers to hold a horse for me while I'm tacking, or to untie a tail I forgot to untie before I jumped into my saddle.   Oh, believe me, there have been more than one ride with a knotted tail.  Showing two horses alone can be a frenzy - but a girl's gotta do, what a girl's gotta do.  And I want to show, so that's what this girl's gotta do.  Due to the fact that we have small classes, cancelled classes and a schedule with only a few classes in between - things can get a little crazy once the show starts.  

Next up is Diva - she wins the blue in the Ladies, her first class of the day.  And, that makes me realize that class #13 could mean a full season in Wisconsin where Diva goes all year undefeated.  I don't believe I've ever had that happen before - and so as I check her through DQP for her last class of the season, I think, why is it class 13.  Really?  13!  Okay - don't freak yourself out.  LOL.  As I saddle her up, I gave her a pat and whispered to her to do a good job - and that this was the last time she'd be shown this year - so let's go for it. ;)   She looked at me and I think she understood - or maybe she just figured she'd indulge me a little with those sweet eyes.   Diva is so much fun to ride - she's smooth, she

Diva has been #972 since I got her
and started showing her as a 2 year old.

shakes and you get a view of all that beautiful black mane flying all over the place, and she hits this consistent and beautiful rhythm. Today she didn't disappoint - and she went in and did her job.  And, because it was our last ride of the season - despite the "undefeated" being on the line - I went in and completely enjoyed my ride on her.  I love this mare - and this was one of those rides, where you have heightened awareness, and swear you'll remember every step for a long time afterwards.  When Bob Rodenkirk announced #972 to the win - I smiled.  What a cherry on top of this season - for this fabulously loved mare.  We went over to collect our blue and get a photo taken - I don't think Diva put her ears forward - darn - but I look forward to getting that special moment photo anyways.  

As I untacked Diva for the DQP recheck - a gentleman from one of the new families come over and said that he had pointed to my horse and told his daughter, that's the kind of walking horse you want to have someday.  I smiled and told him, with this win, she was undefeated for the season - and he congratulated me.  I'm so proud of her.  She is a likable horse and does have many fans.  For me, she is one of those lifetime horses people talk about having.  And I cherish my relationship with her - the blue ribbons are the icing on top.  

At this point of the day, I get to relax - as I have no classes between 13 and 32.  So, I spent time chatting with folks, watching the other classes - especially those great YOUTH classes, and checking on B & D for water and such.   We have a great group of members - and I have to say its been so much fun to meet new folks who are just getting started and sharing information.  Many folks asked about Halo - and the Celebration.  Many talked to me about my blog and thanked me for doing it.   So, here I am - doing more of it.  :)

Class 32 is right after a 20-minute break - so I headed for the trailer to get my Western on during the break.  By the time I was heading to get B - they were already starting the 1st class after the break.  Whoops - time flies!   There is only this class and one more before mine, and I'm not through DQP.  So, I rush to bridle up B and scoot to the DQP.  Once again, by the time I get the saddle pad and blanket situated right, and the saddle on…the class before mine is in the line-up.  Yikes!  I grab the breast collar and have to make a split-second decision to put it on or not - ON!  This is my last class - we are going all the way - no skimping.   The other class is coming out - and I have yet to get into the saddle.  I check the blanked, the saddle and breast collar and all is in order…and walk over to the mounting block.  OMG - I need to get my chaps zipped too.  The Donze's come to my rescue!  THANK-YOU!!!!  And, they not only put my chaps down - ziiiip, ziiiip - but also ask if they should untie B's tail.  DUH!  YES!  THANK-YOU.  

I look up and Gale is through the gate and on the rail.  I reach back to make sure I have my number on, I tap down my hat, and arrange my reins in one hand.  By the time Gale has reached the far side of the ring, I have slipped through the gate and picked up B.  Now, B likes western - he likes going 1-handed. Me, not as much - as I'm still getting use to this level of "trust." But, Bourbon is bringing me along, and I keep leaning back on all the historical guidance I've been given when I use to have him down with Hannah Pulvers.  So, I put my hand down on his neck, and I squeeze him up - and he jumps into it.  And, once he starts rolling with his shoulders, and shaking in B's way of going…I breath relief that he'll do okay once again in this sand.  Other than getting surprised with a 'halt' both ways of the ring by the judge - we have a good ride and I line up happy that B did well.  No trips - and he was moving well the entire time - despite that sand depth.  I wave over to Gale in the lineup - who is a ridiculous 20-25' away. LOL.  The two of us might as well use the whole ring.  So, judge Cambell had to walk between us to ask us to back.  When the cards are in, B gets the blue - and I end my day with a full-house of blue ribbons.  Very proud of my babies.

Once the show wraps up the membership breaks out the food for a pot-luck.  We have been having pot luck dinners after all our shows thanks to Terre Huebner, who has been a diligent organizer and communicator for all of us to bring a dish to pass.  Its a great time to relax and get to know new members, and catch up with members who I've known for years.  Our DQP and judge join us - which gives us all an opportunity to thank them for making the trip from Tennessee to Wisconsin - an extra thanks is in order, since we treated their long commute with our cool 60 degree weather!  THANKS again to judge Joe Cambell, and DQP Lonnie Messick.     

So, that's the season wrap up - and a bit about WWHA and our Wisconsin shows.  I'm feeling a little melancholy about it - the last show is always bittersweet.  Now, all that's left is cleaning out the trailer, packing up the tack and show clothes for the winter - and scoring and submitting points for the year-end awards banquet.   Thanks to those who have worked so hard all year behind the scenes to make the show season possible - Carol Olp, Lynn Beres, Bob Rodenkirk, Wally Huebner, Donell Schetter, Charlotte McMahon  - as well as the show committee.  And, I know by naming some folks - I've risked missing someone - so you too!  :)   And thanks to everyone who worked so hard all year to ready and bring your horses to show!  I've enjoyed the whole year of fun, laughter and competition.  We are lucky to be part of the wonderful walking horses we all love.    

What are you trying to do?

Spending time with these lovely ladies is a huge "win".

Before I headed down to Tennessee this week for the Celebration, my husband had asked me why?  Why are you going?  What are you trying to accomplish?  I think the question stemmed from the fact that Halo wasn't really "ready."  And by "ready," I specifically mean ready to win the blue ribbon - to be extremely competitive.  But, no one knows what may happen in the ring, or who else will show up to compete.  And, while anyone who enters could win a class, its pretty absolute that you definitely cannot win if you don't go into the ring.  But Halo was certainly behind due to the fracture, and other two year olds more than likely had been worked all summer versus standing in a stall on the mend.  So, I had to think about that question. REALLY think about that question  What exactly was I trying to do?  Why was I doing this?  Scott offered me some choices. Do you want to win?  Just ride in the show?  Be with other people and socialize?  Or dress up in all your pretty outfits and ride on a pretty horse?

As I started to think about it, I guess at some level it was a little bit of all those choices - and a few more reasons too. But I took the question to heart and tried to do a little soul searching about it during my trip. I also took the trip as an opportunity to discover why other people are doing this too; going to the extreme of competing at the highest level at the Celebration.  It's not cheap. It's not easy. It's also not always productive....in fact as far as ribbons or more precisely BLUE ribbons or floral rings are concerned, there aren't many of them. In fact, per class there is a 1 in 10 chance that you will get a first place ribbon - and the stat goes down if there are more than 10 horses in your class.  And then there is politics and other dynamics, real, imaginary or otherwise.

Rachel puts a WC title on Eye on the Title
with proud dad here!  EOTT goes on to win
WGC with Krysta later in the week.

So, as my Celebration wrap up I'm going to share some things I observed and learned this week related to this topic. Spoiler alert, I'm not sure I've completely answered this question on a personal basis. However I found the exploration and thought process mesmerizing.

During the week I met many faces of competition. There is the cool, calm and confident. The one who is fairly strategic and has a master plan on how to win. How to pick and put the best horse(s) in the ring. Is connected, is knowledgable and has the resources and network to make it all happen. This really could be the most enviable position.  It seems so purposeful and for the most part very productive when it comes to blue ribbons and victory laps.

The opposite of this is the hopeful.  Many times it is someone new to the game. The type that is happy to be there, is learning, and believes anything could happen. Being part of it just may be more important than the win.  Each experience is exciting and brings the accomplishment of another goal or may mean another 'bucket list' item can be tick marked.

In between, you'll find the appreciative, the surprised, the happy go lucky, the just in it for fun, the I'm not playing, the hard worker, the in it for the love of the horse, the supporter, the frustrated, the disappointed, and so many more faces.

But that doesn't really answer the question of 'why.'  For why, we have to dig deeper, look for it more, and listen harder.  Here is a compilation of what I heard and learned as I searched for answers.

Katie "wins" the challenge
of carrying our entire dinner
order back herself!

Winning is an obvious reason. Who doesn't want to have the top horse?  I heard many stories. You get to pull out of the line up and go to the winners circle. You get the blue ribbon, the floral ring, or the trophy and all the accolades and honor that goes with it. Photos are taken and you ride the victory lap. Everyone notices the first place horse. Applause applause applause.  (Channeling Lady Gaga here…) But there is more than what we see on the surface of winning. It is the payoff for months, years or decades of hard work.  It means for many the accomplishment of specific goals.  There is pride that what you personally believe is a good horse with lots of talent, is a belief validated by others - judges, the audience, trainers, family, friends or foes. There is also a personal feeling of accomplishment of having a good ride or being a good rider.  Communicating well with your mount and being in harmony during your ride.  Or of being a good trainer. One so good that the horse performs flawlessly and delivers a max performance, and makes your amateur rider look good and feel good with the winning.  This week I looked into the eyes of a winner. She glowed. She smiled. She floated around for hours and days afterwards. She was in disbelief and said it wasn't real yet and hadn't sunk in.  A whirlwind.  A dream. Yes, it feels good to win. It can tickle you pink. Make you yell, scream, run, hug, cry, or throw a party.  If you expect it or are totally surprised by the wonderful turn of events that got you the top spot, it is

Mary is the "boss" of carrying
back her dinner too!

exhilarating. And you don't have to be the one handling or riding, I saw the delight by owners whose trainers were the ones in the ring and collected the blue.  And by trainers who celebrated the success of their clients. Pride and smiles of grooms who never even saw the ride.  In fact it reminded me again that it is a team that wins - owners, riders, trainers, grooms, parents, a whole bunch of supporters.  A whole group celebrates and jumps into the winners circle to get their photos taken or to pile on the congratulations on Facebook.

Now, while winning feels good is seems it comes with baggage. I heard winners lament. Huh?  Yep it seems there is a downside to being the winner. Fear of staying there and not losing that spot. Pressure to do not just good but exceptional - not to let anyone else down (that whole team is counting on you - you are counting on you.). Expectations and pressure to keep it up.  Defend your title, keep the tradition, don't let the competition catch up.   In some cases it means you lose something, like your novice status. One person shared a secret desire for second place. Then they keep their novice status and can continue to compete  little longer with riders more at their level than the higher level group. Winning can also mean a fear of going back into the ring. As a return means a chance you don't win again - that maybe that win was lucky - but won't stick.   So holding onto the glory of the win as long as possible can motivate decisions of when to show again. Winning can also be expensive - there is pressure to advertise, to invest in another horse to stay in that spot, to keep up with the Joneses. Or it can have an uglier side - where competitors rally head to head, or go in to beat someone else specifically.  Even feelings of being the "target" was mentioned - everyone is out to beat you.  Well of course - YOU'RE the one to beat!  The bar that has been set for all - even for yourself.

Carlan and Lil' Wayne win their class and step into
the Winners Circle with Bobby and Emily.

So winning is definitely a reason for "why"people do this.  But it was interesting to see so many angles and definitions of winning. And, what I think I learned most - is that everyone pretty universally has fears and insecurities and hopes and dreams as they go into the ring, send someone into the ring, watch a loved one from the stands, or view it from whatever their perspective is on the "team."  And, many expressed that the most healthy attitude was to do their best, and let the (judges) cards fall where they may.  Personal goals and objectives seems to be the best, healthiest approach to winning.  Each person has to find success from within - by making winning self defined.   Winning can take many forms, besides a blue ribbon.  A move up the ribbons, a safe ride or staying in the saddle, no mistakes, doing a ride never done before - such as riding at the Celebration or in the big oval for the first time, or just getting in the ring to ride and overcome the fear of doing it in the first place.  So, you can get the lowest ribbon or no ribbon and still win?  Yep, apparently so - and it is true for so many I spoke to this past week. 

Jean!  Her dream is to ride until she
is 100!  What a win that will be.

So, besides winning (blue ribbons), other popular reasons of "why" that I encountered fell into these general categories:
- Love of horses and specifically the walking horse
- Overcoming fears (like speaking in public)
- Fun - as in enjoyment, happiness, laughter, doing something you LOVE to do
- Excitement - like getting a high…like jumping out of a plane
- People - meeting new people, making new (lifelong) friends, seeing old friends, socializing
- Learning - how to be a better rider, trainer, person - learning about the TWH, skills/techniques
- Challenging yourself - raising the bar, pushing yourself, upping the game
- Bling - yep, dressing up, shopping - all the encroutements and turning out perfectly in the ring or in the audience or as a ribbon bearer
- Belonging - feeling part of a bigger something, and being with others who like the same thing
- Making a living - from trainers/vendors, a job you love means never having to work a day in your life

For me, I think the topic is absolutely fascinating - and I would love to hear from you, what is your reason for showing - and most specifically for doing a big show like the Celebration?  What is your purpose, motivation and/or desires.    Feel free to email me, text me, or stop and chat with me about it the next time you see me.  

My take away is that maybe it IS all about "winning."  But, HOW you DEFINE winning is what matters.  Anything on the list above can be a win - from a blue ribbon, to doing what you love, to meeting people, to making a difference.   What's your definition?  

The Maiden Voyage

Introducing Halo.

Zzzzt, Zzzzt, Zzzzt.  Wednesday morning arrived before I knew it, and I jumped out of bed on the search for my iPhone alarm.   Boy, I hate that sound.  But this morning it was a bit more welcomed, as I knew in just a few hours I'd be entering the show ring for the very first time aboard Halo.  Our maiden voyage into the show ring!  I got out of bed and slipped quietly through the room to the bathroom, trying not to wake Tami.  "Good morning," a smiling Tami greeted me.  She always has a smile.  Well, so much for being sneaky.   I washed up, carefully applied my makeup and then pulled my hair back into a show twist.  I pinned in the bow and tucked in my hair.  Then Tami helped ensure every little frizzy was sprayed or tucked in or pinned down.  With every hair and eyelash attended to perfection, I set about double checking my necessary apparel - show shirt, chaps, boots and hat.   I decided since I was in class #2, I would wear my western show pants and a t-shirt, I even put on my new Swarovski winged necklace  (in honor of Halo) so I'd have a few less items to pack and carry.

I loaded my show items into my car and double checked that I had everything again.  This time, I also tested my bluetooth ear piece, as well as buckled my spurs onto my western boots.  Even the concho on my white western show pad was double checked and tightened.  Yep, I think everything is here, everything is ready to rock.  I slammed the trunk, jumped into the drivers seat, and headed towards Shelbyville's downtown square for my morning latte fix.  As I ordered the large latte, I did wonder if caffeine was a good idea.  Maybe a Miller or shot of Jack would have been better choices in order to calm my nerves.  But I have to say, that latte was the best ever…smooth, yummy and frothy. Maybe nerves peak taste buds - but I quickly decided, this latte was the perfect choice.  And I enjoyed every sip, as I drove through town and up through the gates that lead onto the show grounds.  I waved at the security guards as I passed through the gates - and they tipped their hats and saluted as I passed through.  The same two guys who had been there all week - and so they start to recognize you after multiple days.  I guess I'm starting to be a regular.  Although it never hurts to stop to chat and offer a smile or two.  (Okay, I flirted with the gate guards…but at least they smile and wave and let me through each day! What else would you expect from me?)

Hannah's barn is 20 and 21 right inside the entry gates and across from the grassy area where the day-trailers park.  She has two full rows of stalls - that faced each other.  So, it is convenient to see all the way down the row to all the horses.  We parked our cars all along the edge of the stalls, keeping the center open for vehicles to still pass through as necessary.  As I pulled in, Halo was already in the cross ties and waiting for me.  My heart beat a few extra fast beats and I got excited again.  I parked and jumped out, and grabbed all my show garb.  I noticed one of the golf carts was getting loaded to go up to the warmup - and I hung my shirt bag, laid my show pad on the cart and tucked my boots and makeup on the cart seat.  I put my bluetooth in my hat box and tucked my iPhone in there too.  Okay - please - I hope I remembered EVERYTHING.  I then set about making sure my saddle and girth were put on the cart too.  While that seems like an easy task - when you look into Hannah's tack room you realize there are a dozen or more black saddle bags that all look the same.  I tried to get smart by tying a blue bow on my bags - and that has turned out to be a grand idea - and I can immediately see my saddle and bridle bag among the rest. (Besides the blue is my reminder to go for the blue ribbon - just in case I forget…LOL.)

So, with everything loaded on the golf cart, and with Halo already on the move towards the DQP under the hand of Bub - I jump into the passenger seat of the golf cart and got a ride up to the warm up with Van Barnes hanging off the back holding saddles while we drove.  We parked at the entrance, and proceed to move everything up the long dirt aisle and into the warmup.   When I walked into the warmup, I noticed that they had things set up differently than the last few years.  The DQP was set up on the far end of the warmup - so the horses had to be led across the entire area to that far end.  At first that seemed strange, but then I thought, it actually was a better place, and more out of the way than the near side.  Once Halo was through DQP and back to the area where Hannah had her tack set up along the wall - I watched as all his tack was put on and fit.  I have a new saddle and tack - I used it for the first time at the International on B and D.  But today it would be placed on my little boy for his first show ring appearance.  And, I must say - he looked so dapper!  What a pretty boy to start with - and then decked out to the max in this gorgeous tack - well - oh my my.  If nothing - he is going to be one the best looking in the ring. :)  Even Hannah said that I did an awesome job selecting the tack - that it was the prettiest she'd ever seen.  And she wasn't the only one who mentioned that about his saddle and bridle set.  I  looked so long for that exact set - and couldn't believe I got such a good deal and was able to have the bridle, reins and breast collar made to match by Dale Chavez.  Thanks honey for indulging me and making this little girl's dream come true once again.

Hannah began to warm him up - but in short order, she was back to the team, and instructing his bit to be changed. So the search for the bit she wanted, and for screwdrivers to get the job done ensued.  With the bridle being new, the conchos were a bit tight and it took a bit of extra work to get the reins and bridle off and the new bit refit and the screws all tightened back up.   Hannah warmed him up more afterwards for a bit more and then I was directed up into the saddle.  The HP team set about getting my chaps zipped down, shoes wiped, Halo's mane, tail and face sprayed with Peppy - and our number put on.  It was like a busy bee-hive - and I was not the only horse going into class #2 from the barn.  So Hannah was busy warming up other horses and the team was busy putting the final touches on other riders.  Me, I pulled out into the warm up and took a test ride on Halo.  We had good sections and difficult corners - and I struggled a bit to get him to take a clean curve around the poles to make the oval.  Of course other horses were riding - and stopping and starting and oh my gosh - BUMPER CARS.   But, I pull over and out of the way of two riders, and get serious about getting a feel for this boy.  Would we have the bad ride, or the good ride. We are 50/50 this week so far - and I'm hoping this is the good variety today.  It has to be the good variety - I have to make it the good variety - my head has to be in this game - my hands have to do the right thing - my butt has to feel him, his steps, and I need to make the correction or know when to let him go.  I want so badly to make a good ride - to show off this pretty horse and all the work Hannah has put into him - put into bringing him back from his injury.  He's not where he should be yet - he's behind, but he's in a good place - and things could be so much worse.  From fracture to Celebration in just weeks.  Its a miracle.  And there sure is an angel watching over this little Halo - and her name is Hannah Pulvers.

Halo in his first show class EVER!  Check out his
pretty saddle and tack!  Pretty boy - Love.  XXOOXX.

Hannah is calling my name and signaling that I should turn on my bluetooth and we'd connect.  My phone rings, I reach up to click on the earpiece - and say "Hello, can you hear me".  "Yep" "Yep" - "Okay get him back out and let's see you go for a lap."  And, I pull back out, and ride him around the bumper ring - "Okay, slow down, that looks good, check him, slow, okay - don't worry it'll be much better once you get out there in the ring and you can ride forward without this crowd. Okay, come on back in, we'll get you ready to go - we're just a few minutes they are in the lineup now for the first class."   I pull back in and the busy bees are checking me over - a wipe, an spray and lots of well wishes and smiles.  I straighten my hat and someone notices my number isn't on - I reach back and feel it under my shirt - so I unzip, pull it out and rehang it on the outside of my shirt this time.  Jana rolls her eyes at me and smiles.  I know - right!?  I even roll my eyes at myself.  Breath.  Breath.  Try to relax so you can remember the ride - its our first.

Then the flurry of excitement comes over you - as you hear Hannah call your name and wave you over.  I step up by her and she grabs Halo and we walk in.  "Now remember to have FUN - this is all supposed to be fun!  I'll be right on the line with you the whole time," she says to me.  "Okay - go…".  I step up the steep ramp into Calsonic arena and head out into the ring. The 5 judges are all lined up facing the entrance and watch you as you enter and take the rail.  You can see their eyes follow you and turn to watch as you ride by.  He's doing great - a little check, but he feels like he is walking and moving forward nicely.  Yeah!   The footing is softer than I had expected it to be, and I can feel him dig in just a little as he goes along.  This footing can be very very hard - so this is welcoming.  And probably because its only class #2 - and class #1 was weaning in-hand - so the rail is all fresh uncharted footing.  Hannah comes back on - and compliments us on our entrance pass.  15 or so horses are in this class (I think - or roughly in the low teens) - and we stop along the far straight-away to allow the remaining horses to come in.  As they close the gate and start the class - the judges all walk to their appointed section of the arena - and the horses begin to move as the announcer asks for us to take the flat walk.  Hannah comes back online and coaches me through - check him, good, slower, good, good, you're doing it!  I'm so proud of you." - hey, I notice its all pretty positive - and to be honest, I feel a smile come across my face.  Yes, my serious riding face, cracked a smile.  I am doing it - and we are working and riding as a team.  Its more the good variety of us riding this week - and none of the bad variety.  Yeah!   I am on the rail, I have a pretty good spot - once or twice I have a horse pass me, but in spots that are not right in front of the judge.  But, more than anything - I'm so comfortable with this horse - I never feel as if he is scared or would do anything like shy or bolt - and it never crosses my mind that this little 2 year old - who's never been in a show ring ever before - is now riding in the biggest show of the year - and is being a perfect little angel.  I don't think our ride was flawless - but we had a clean ride - a good solid ride for a 2 year old - and I'm still IN the saddle. Oh, and I even smiled.

We do the flat walk, the running walk - and the reverse is called.  Back to the flat walk, the running

In Class #2 at the Celebration.
 Yes, I am smiling!
Halo looks like he's having fun too.

walk.  But, as soon as we begin the running walk, the announcer calls for a halt.  A halt?  Okay, so I stop.  "Go at ease - rider has asked to be excused," says the announcer.  And, I look up for the first time and look behind me to see a rider off her horse and the gate being opened.   I coo'd to Halo, and tell him he's a good boy.  And he just stands there and looks around as if this is all part of a normal day.  I smile.  Yeah - I have a calm one!  Then the announcer starts the class again - calling for the flat walk, running walk and flat walk again.  And all too soon, our class is over and we are called to the line-up.  Hannah had been taking to me the entire time - and in her parting words she says - "Okay, go find yourself a good place in the line-up and ready him early when you see the judges coming for the back…so you get a head start at that."  And with a click, she's gone.  Which of course leaves me wondering - hmmm, where exactly is the "good" place in the line up?  I make a split second decision - and decide its the middle.  So I pick that center destination - the half way point in the curve and head Halo to that location.  And then I realize, I don't think I have tried to back him before.  I'm sure this will be interesting.  LOL.   As the judges come down the lineup, I pick up my reins and say a quick prayer as they are backing the horse two horses away from me.  Halo's ears flick back towards me - good, he's listening for my instruction.  By the time the judges get to me, I pull and attempt a back - and tug a few more times….to which Halo amiably backs a step.  I ask him 2 more times, even though the judges are past me and moving down the line up - and then I step him back into the line.

As I exhale for probably the first time - I realize I'm soaked to the skin - and I can feel sweat trickle down the back of my knee and a few other unmentionable places.  I look over to my left and the rider next to me says what I'm thinking - its HOT and I'm sweating!  I smile and we make a little small talk.  I really hadn't noticed how hot it was until that very second.  And then it seemed to be unbearably hot.  And the wait for the results unbearably long.  But soon the announcer comes on - names all the ribbon and trophy sponsors - and provides instructions on who should go where when the winning numbers are called.  The winning horse was the girl to my left who I had been chatting with - and as she pulled out, I thought to myself - I guess THAT was the "good" place on the line-up - I was off by one slot. LOL.   Then the 2nd place was the women to my right.  I guess THAT wasn't too bad of a spot on the line-up either - again, off by 1 slot. LOL.  The ribbons kept being called, and after 6 and 7, I thought perhaps our ride wasn't as good as I had thought it felt.  But then #341, Jose's Halo for the 8th ribbon was called, and I pulled out of the line up and to the left.  Well, let me correct that, I asked for Halo to pull out - but he kinda just liked it there, so I squeezed, and he took a step - but really didn't care if he stayed or went.  So, I gave him another little kick and and he started to move forward.  But truly, I may think back one day and wish to have this moment back.  The one where the horse doesn't bolt for the exit.  He just didn't even know that we were leaving.  and he could care less.  So, I coaxed him most of the way - and eventually, he moved forward to the ribbon person to get our ribbon (with no issues), and then out the door.

Me, I was so happy we got recognized.  It was a big class - and just like our spot in the line-up - we were right about in the middle.  More than anything - we got in that ring, we had a good ride, and we got a Celebration ribbon - woot woot!   For a 2 year old - we can chalk it up to a perfect ride with no shying or other misbehaving.   Later that day I checked the judges cards - and one judge had even placed him 5th - which was nice validation.   He's a good horse - he's busting with potential.  And, I'm so pleased with his performance - and our performance as a team on our maiden voyage in the show ring.

Now that my class is over - (actually, my Celebration is over - as I'm 1-and-done - as I only had this 1 class that I'll ride in this year).  It is kind of like the little firework that they shoot up into the sky - the little one that signals that the fireworks are going to begin.  My Celebration is that first little firework.  But for me - there aren't anymore fireworks that follow.  Just that one little one - right at the start.  :)   AND, we got a ribbon.  I walked back and gave Halo a hug and a pretty yellow apple from the big bowl Hannah had out in her client suite.  He didn't know what to make of that at first - but after I bit into it, and offered him a little piece, the sweetness won him over, and he took little bites until it was gone.  I'll probably wish for this day back too - when he's gentle and takes little bites of apples as opposed to grabbing it out of my hand.  The more time I spend with this boy, the more I'm falling for him.  He's really sweet, so pretty and so likable in every way.  I really think we'll make a great team.  And once he's back and strong and we get everything behind us from his summer fracture….I can't wait to see what he's capable of accomplishing - especially under Hannah's tutelage.  For now, I just can't resist giving him a hug.  And, he even leans in and takes that like a champ too.

I spent the rest of the morning watching the other classes, cheering on other riders from HP stables, as well as Carlan and Emily.  In fact Emily wore one of my show tops - and she made it look so good!  There are such great horses at the Celebration - amazing horses - I swear every year they get so much better and more talented. If that is even possible!   So, watching in the warm-up, and in the show ring is just an experience in learning.

I'll share more in my wrap-up blog next.