[18thTomorrow]

Almost exactly a year ago today, my sisters and I went to a WMAHA All-Arabian Unrated Show to watch our neighbors Rachel & Micah compete. We stayed almost the whole day and had a blast. At that point I didn't own a horse and was just beginning my riding lessons. I eagerly watched a saddleseat class, and resolved, right then and there, that next year I would compete in that very class on my own horse. Back then I was blissfully naive to how difficult riding and showing is and how much work is involved and how much it costs. I had no idea that months and even years of training went into producing show horses, and how much preparation and work was necessary come show day. I had no idea. I just had a dream. A niave, ambitious, perhaps quite foolhardy dream. But it was my dream. And I went with it. And today I lived it.

This morning show day began rainy and early--6:38 AM, to be exact. I had to bring some final things out to the trailer, eat breakfast, do my hair, and bathe Jezebelle. We were ready to go by 8, and our timetable was looking excellent. Of course, Jezzie decided to tell us what she thought of our timetable...and our trailer, too. She would not go in. Just wouldn't. Front feet yes, back feet, no. It took Dad and I an hour and 45 minutes of pacing and coaxing and telling and whipping and creative thinking. In the end we set up two corral panels in a V shape, right behind her. I led her in and Dad brought the panels closer and closer until she had no choice. So we got on the road at 9:45--behind schedule but still in good shape. My trainer and groom met us at the show grounds, they already registered me and had my number. We began bathing, hoof polishing, all that show prep stuff. Everyone told me not to be nervous.

I wasn't at all, until I put my coat on. My custom-made saddlesuit coat has been hanging in the closet for months now and I've been itching to wear it. The coat is just so elegant and I feel like a million bucks in it (which is good, seeing as it seems like it cost almost that much). Somehow, putting the coat on was the moment it became real.


Soon we went to the warmup pen. Jezzie was in rare form, very perky and responding well. I felt good. We were going to rock out.

And then it was prime time--English Pleasure Jr. Horse. Our class went really well. Jezzie was quiet but alert, (she didn't spook ONCE today!) up in the bridle and working solid. We won 3rd place.





There were 3 horses in the class. And yes, I placed 3rd, which in this case could also be known as "last". Pathetic? Nope. We most definitely WON 3rd place, and we have the ribbon to prove it. We won it with months of hard work and blood, sweat, and tears. (Jezzie bled sometimes, we both sweated like pigs, and I did enough crying for the both of us.) Everyone I talked to said that we were definitely the best pair in the class, and I know it's the truth. But if that's so, then why didn't we win? Well, when the judge called a canter, we took up the wrong lead and I didn't notice. So we ended up with yellow instead of blue. It's hard to be disappointed (although I might be, just a tiny bit) when I consider all that we were up against. Green horse. Greener rider. A mere 5 months of solid training. First show. Yellow is nothing to be ashamed of. We were there, and that's what counts. Next month, we will be back on again. Same time, same place, same classes. Maybe next time, we'll get blue. But if we don't, that's ok too.

Perhaps my favorite moment of the show was when I was across the fairgrounds and I heard a whinny from the direction of the trailers and I knew, *knew* without a doubt, it was my Jezzie. 200 other horses were on the grounds, but it was unmistakably her. It was just...heartwarming.

[CowGirlUp1833]

Congrats! You should be very proud of both you and your horse! Good job!!

[PonyCrazyGal]

Congratulations! Thats so wonderful that you did so well!

[canadianlover]

that is just heartwarming! you both look beautiful- congratulations for pursuing your dream- and you definatly WON 3rd- and you rocked it girl!!! I think most people would quit there go gett'er attitude when it takes that much effort to get your horse in the trailer! but not you man- you ROCK! im like so excited right now! CONGRATULATIONS! man im just about crying happy tears for you two right now!!!

[aBreeze]

Congratulations! You both look fabulous and have definitely put me in the mood for my first saddleseat lesson in a year! So thanks for that!

[jumpthemoon]

You have a really great attitude. Congrats on the yellow ribbon!

[tbtrainer]

Beautiful pictures, your hard work and dedication really shine!

[doublebarr]

What an accomplishment. All in just one year!!! And your smile in the first picture says it all.

And I love your Mare. You two look divine!

[Thunder4Bree]

Congrats... it's really cool that you were able to live your dream!!! Your horse is absolutly beautiful!!

[riding_reaper]

oh congratulations!!! That was such a heart warming story of you and your horse. You should be so proud!