Crazy horses and consolation prizes

Another stable dad and I were watching our daughters compete and noted that there was one school horse in particular that was just not down with the whole showing thing that day. His rider struggled to just get the horse into the ring, to do the courtesy circle, to walk the course - let alone trot.

I commented that it seemed like a keg of dynamite with four legs and a mane. On a side note, laughing out loud while someone is riding is apparently frowned upon . . .

Anyway, this little girl persevered and ultimately got through it, but was clearly out of the running for a ribbon.

There ought to be a consolation prize for rides like that. That kid worked 10 times harder that day (she rides at our stable and is a decent rider), but that horse just didn't be a part of it.

Maybe they should hand out coupons for milkshakes, or something. Hopefully her parents got her a happy meal. She deserved it.

My Little Champion

Saturday was Kendall's second horse show ever and the first travel show. Granted, it was just down the road in Mufreesboro but for her, riding in an arena other than her home stable was a big deal.

The 6am wake up call came fast after a restless night, but I didn't have any trouble getting her out of bed. Before I could barely take a second sip of very strong coffee, K was already on the couch asking me to help with her boots (she can tack up a 1,200 lb horse but struggles to zip up her own riding boots. Go figure.)

If you ride, you know - once you're at the show, it's hurry up and wait. K got signed in and then we went over the classes she was in and what was expected of her. It was then that I got the sense that I needed to just go find a seat. I think they call it "hovering," and I was probably doing it, cramping her style. Whatever.

First test, a simple walk/trot over cross rails. Considering she's already doing 2' verticals during training, I had high hopes. She didn't let me down. Coming out in her new duds we'd scored at a consignment sale the night prior, she looked absolutely amazing. And on Hoss, you could just tell she was "on."

Following the first class, they started announcing the results. As they counted down from 6th place, I kept thinking "well, she's at least 5th;" "well, she's at least 4th." When they announced 2nd, I knew she'd won it. Hearing her name over the loudspeaker was a joyous moment. She said she shrieked back in the warm up arena and startled several of the horses around her.

Solid performances in her other two classes netted two thirds, a solid day of showing. We packed up, said goodbye to friends, and headed out for lunch.

But the best was yet to come.

Fast forward a couple hours later and her trainer called. Turns out, Kendall won the overall championship for her division by a very slim two point margin. Seeing her jump around, giving me high fives and generally freaking out made me forget - if for a moment - all the hours, miles, and dollars that go into letting her pursue her passion.

Way to go, K. Dad's proud.