The 2017 show season has officially commenced, but I wanted to share a little bit about our 2016 successes.
We had a good year within our state association and ended the year as the Reserve Champion Novice Amateur All-Around. For those non-horse people out there, this basically means that we didn't suck too bad! :)
To finish up the 2016 season, we loaded up to compete at the American Paint Horse Association World Show in Fort Worth, Texas. Yes, Texas. For inquiring minds, that's a 15 hour drive with a truck and trailer, four people and Horse Show Haddie. It was a LOOONGG trip, but so worth it!
Quick recap: We left Thursday night. Hauled through the night. Pulled into Fort Worth at lunch time Friday. Settled in and rode. Ate amazing Mexican food. Slept. Rode Saturday morning. Eat some steak. Practiced Showmanship. Washed, banded and prepped for our class. Practiced again. Slept. Woke up at the butt crack of dawn. Showed Sunday. Made the Finals!! Placed SEVENTH at the World Show! Took pictures. Loaded up and were leaving at 11:30am Sunday.
Quick trip, eh? But it was so worth it!!
While we were in Ft. Worth I'd met a reporter for the APHA Journal and she mentioned that our 'story' might be in the World Show issue of the magazine. I eagerly waited for the issue to hit the western store in town!
As I flipped through the issue that water works really started...
Last season was pretty remarkable, but I've set some big goals for this year too! I made the decision to 'level up' my riding and show full time with a the trainer that helped me prepare for the World Show. She is really helping my riding and I'm already noticing a difference in just two shows. It's a long season and I'm very excited to see just what Louie and I can accomplish together this year!