Fall Shows 2010

We showed for five weeks this fall. It was a wonderful whirl-wind in life, a time I would love to re-live. Welcome, Susie, and I did more winning, and had more success overall, than I think I have ever had in my life. Each day was full of friendship, support, learning, and BLUE RIBBONS!

It was not only an exciting time because Welcome and I were winning. It was also Gigi's first show. She was pretty nervous, and only did two classes, but it was a joy to see her on the show grounds and have the opportunity to see her in action.
She has grown so much and is learning at an ever increasing speed. I can't wait to see what she is capable of once she figures out where her feet are and adjusts to the chaos of show life.

My favorite time spent with my dad is time spent at a horse show. He is my biggest fan and my key supporter. We had some fun moments together this season and I think he finally realized I have a great horse"picker" and he should trust me more!

Welcome looks so beautiful all turned out and ready to show. We received many, many compliments, and he definitely has a fan base after all of his championships.

Now, instead of knowing my name, everyone knows me as "Welcome's owner." I got a lot of comments like, "Aren't you the girl who owns Welcome?" and "I sure have been hearing Welcome's name a lot."

Susie did a fantastic job riding Welcome to many wins in the Pre-Green division, the USHJA $2,500 Hunter Classic, the $1,000 Pre-Green Classic, and the $5,000 Hunter Derby.

Prior to the start of any large class, professionals, amateurs, and juniors can be seen sporting their shadbellies and discussing the course. Here they are talking about the course for the $5,000 Derby.

Susie's opening circle for the $5,000 Derby.

One of her many near-perfect jumps...

and our winning photo.

Between all his winning, Welcome got plenty of rest.

I won several championships in the Adult Amateur Hunter Division and won two $1,000 Carleton Classics.

My favorite win this season was our win in the AHJA Adult Medal Finals.

After the first round we were fourth and after the written test we were second.

Our last jumping round sealed the deal and we won. It was a good day for all.

My dad was happy.

Susie was happy.

Even Eddie and Armando were happy.

Frankenstein guarded my ribbon for the rest of the show.

The last week, Welcome and I were the Grand Champions in the Adult Amateur Hunter Division, which means we earned more points than any other Adult Amateur Hunter. Evan, our groom that week, said he liked Welcome because "he wins so many blue ribbons!"

I believe Susie was proud of all of her students because each of us did amazingly well in our divisions.

The ribbons belong to all of us.

The coolers, bridal, and Miss America ribbon are all mine though!

I am so very thankful to everyone who has ever helped me in my passion for horses. The past five weeks were only possible because I have had so many amazing teachers, grooms, horses, and the best dad ever. I can't wait until the Winter shows begin!