05/15/2017
First off: Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there! I would not be able to do my jobs without the amazing support I get from all my barn moms on a daily basis.
Second: It took me time to reflect on the crazy busy 4h area f show we had and to think of the right words to say. Not sure words can express how I truly feel, but here it goes...
I want to congratulate my students and heavenly horses 4h members on a fantastic job at the 2017 area f horse show! For months we coach, yell, pull our hair out, sometimes scream, laugh, get frustrated, and watch as our students try, progress, learn, process information and grow into great equestrians. We preach for months on the importance of practice and creating a partnership between horse and rider.
I had the opportunity to observe as students studied their patterns, worked with each other to understand the patterns, reviewed their schedules, prepare their horses for the show, older 4h kids assisting younger 4h kids, everyone working as a team. For the first time at a show I wasn't running around like a chicken with my head cut off! I couldn't help but think about 4 years ago and some of the same kids attending area f for the first time as my students. They were so small, unaware of what to expect, beginners in the 4h world. Out of 5 students that first year, 1 qualified for state. Lots of different horses, practice and hard work over the next few years, I now have 7 out of 8 qualifying for the state championship horse show! Including Kalyn MacGibbon receiving the high point award on riverwalk!
Many of my students only started working with some of their horses over the last few weeks. None were given horses that were school masters, many are the horses that others throw away and write off as a piece of garbage. My kids put work time and lots of effort into polishing those ponies and make them shine again into the superstars they truly are. Regardless of any ribbons earned there was lots of success in the show ring this weekend, even if it was just getting the horse to not speed around the ring or throw out any stubborn kicks. I had students that just started jumping full courses over 2'3" and faced with a 4 stride to a 1 stride, taking it all in stride and not complaining and putting their best foot forward. I watched as older students guided young horses around the ring over some questionable courses, and supporting their horse with confidence and a quiet and calm demeanor.
Needless to say i feel happy, proud and sad. I feel saddened as I start to realize that some of these kids that have been with me from the start are now to the age of graduating and going to college. Now students always come and go, but these kids are everything to me and have been loyal from the beginning and have grown into some amazing young riders. I feel happy knowing I have help sculpt not only some great riders, but great horseman, which the world needs a lot more of good horseman out there. Lastly I am incredibly proud to be your coach, mentor, trainer, etc. congrats to my kids and horses on a fantastic job! I am proud of not only your riding, but the true quality horsemen you all have become! Your hard work and dedication is awesome!
Congrats on a fantastic job kalyn, Hannah Alker, Lily Gumbinner, mel, Leah, lil hannah, Danielle Williams, Emily and Aubrey! And for those attending state..... Lets Go Get 'Em!!!!!
