This past weekend we took a crew to the third in the series at MEC in Winona. We love these shows with their family friendly atmosphere, yet they are organized and well run with fun prizes. Each weekend has its very own set of memories that are made and each is special in their very own way. This weekend was special in that Sophie got to join us for the first time.
After the Appaloosa show, Sophie commented that she wanted to show with us at the next MEC weekend. She was bummed to hear that her sister started the series on Peach so she wouldn't be able to show her. She knew we were getting Cutie back but there were a lot of obstacles in the way to her and Cutie being able to show.
1. Cutie hadn't been in a show ring for several years.
2. Cutie hadn't even been ridden for almost a year.
3. Cutie would have to ride one handed in a shank bit which she had never done.
4. We have a 3 horse trailer and Cutie makes 4.
5. Sophie had borrowed tack and clothes from her sister in order to show Peach, she wouldn't be able to borrow for this show.
Despite all that, once we picked up Cutie, Sophie rode her every day and was determined to bring Cutie back into show shape. She knew she wouldn't be able to show her, but wanted to be ready for the first chance a show came along. She worked her tail off around the farm and did every chore I left on her to do list each day. She really deserved to get to show a pony, I just didn't know how to make it happen. But horse people being who they are, they set out to make it happen for her. Privately I started messaging people to see if we could throw this together on the day we were set to leave for the show.
First my friend Lynelle stepped up to offer a ride for Cutie to and from the show. Then the show manager managed to get us a stall and when I said we didn't know if we could do English, she just happened to have some English clothes we could borrow AND knew where we could borrow some English boots. We were getting closer! Gabby lent us gloves and a bridle. We borrowed an English saddle from our friends Dawn and Greg and her sister agreed to help her put a western outfit together and loaded what western tack we did have. Sophie was with me at work and we both had to work late so were rushing when we got home. I wanted to get our horses loaded and be on the road before Lynelle got there to get Cutie. We left Libby behind, saying she would follow in the car with a few things.
It was so hard not to say something as Sophie complained about her sister on the way to the show. First saying her sister was mean and told her she couldn't even ride Peach in the warm up because it was her turn to show Peach. Then complaining that her sister was a no show and was slacking because she didn't follow us right away and we had to unload all of our stuff by our selves. Finally Lynelle arrived at the show and I told Sophie that we needed to go help her unload her horses. We came out of the barn and Soph walked up to the back of the trailer. As I popped open the door she was being silly and saying, "oh look at the ponies" but when she recognized the spotted blanket butt in the back stall she immediately looked at me in shock. She started crying as she said "you brought her!" and hugged both her sister and I and got us almost crying too. It was a long Friday night of getting four ponies ready for the show the next day but it was great to have both my girls in the ring with me again together.
The next day was a tough first day back for Cutie and Sophie. She didn't have big expectations, but was hoping for one ribbon. We were very proud of Cutie though. She handled so much that she either had never done (ride one handed) or hadn't done in so many years. Never got nervous, never jumped, just acted like an old seasoned show pony out for another weekend. She is such a gem that one. I cannot believe how great a good pony truly is. And she's a great one. Sunday was a much better day. Almost too good in that Sophie and Cutie placed above Joker and Libby in two classes; English pleasure and English equitation. Even taking a second in the equitation. They also placed in western pleasure. After years off, throwing new things at them and only a couple days together. These two are the team to watch!
Libby and Peach also had a fantastic weekend. They were only two points away from a reserve championship in intermediate judged events. Of course my favorite is always watching them in that egg and spoon class. I wish I could unwrap how Libby does it. It's definitely a very special skill that she has. They also had beautiful patterns. Peach is really turning into the pattern machine and I am so proud of how she is maturing and learning this season. She is turning into the kind of dead quiet, dead broke pony that we had dreamed she would be.
Libby and Joker really knocked it out of the park this weekend and took home the first of many awards in these duos future. They were reserve champions in the walk/trot junior division for the weekend. This is a deep group of very talented kids on strong horses. Not something to shake a stick at. So excited for their future.
Lastly it was China and I going for the buckle again. We fell a little short this trip and took home a reserve championship. I'm so proud of her. I'm most proud of our clean sweep in the English classes. Now to work on my equitation and work on components of her pattern work. If I could just hold up my end of the bargain, she will be unbeatable. Our goal for the rest of the season is showmanship. I am going to get over this phobia, this anxiety and this hatred of showmanship if it is the last thing I do. I know that if I knew what I was doing and had confidence in what China would do, it would be a whole different ball game for both of us. So we are going to practice and get lessons and learn, learn, learn until I can stand at that cone with some confidence.
Oh and PS - I placed in egg and spoon! Both days. Yay me!
Thank you to all of our show friends and family. Thanks to those who made Sophie's weekend with her surprise. Thanks to all who told me how much they love China, who helped with tack, forgotten items, checking on our ponies, you name it. Horse people rock!
No comments:
Post a Comment