Final show

So the final show of the year has come and gone.  It's taken this long to recover and I apologize for the delay.

We had a fantastic show.  Lucy was amazing and the best horse that I've ever taken to a show.  We showed hard for 3 days and she only pushed back once, and it consisted of throwing her head up in the air at the lope when she was getting tired and pissed off.  I pushed her though it, and she was better the next class.  She has spoiled me, I'll never be able to take another horse to a show without thinking about her.

We did everything from showmanship, reining, trail, western pleasure, horsemanship, equitation, english pleasure and western pleasure.   

We took home A LOT of third place ribbons!  We ended up 3rd over all in the western pleasure stake, and won halter mares!  We also hit a goal I've had for a long time.  A local embroidery company sponsors the Jr and Sr horsemanship's and gives out GREAT prizes.  There is usually a trophy and Jacket for the winner, sweatshirts, and t-shirts for the lower ribbons.  The jackets come with big bragging rights and I've always wanted to win one.

And this year I did.  Lucy and I won the Sr (over 18) western horsemanship.  I was so excited!  And thanks to my weight loss this past year the jacket even fits!  I had been having a hard day and was really feeling sore and tired by the time the class came around but Lucy pulled though and listened to me the best she could and figured out what I wanted and nailed down a solid pattern.  This was my first ever 'trophy jacket' and I'm still excited about it a week later!

The next day after a long day of showing, all of the top two equitation or horsemanship riders from all age divisions met up for the grand champion equitation class.  I was happy just to make the finals.  After a tough rail portion (but no pattern which was weird) I got called out in reserve!!  The girl that won is the kid I had riding Lucas for me in the videos when we were trying to sell him.  A very talented rider, 1/2 my age and has fully functioning joints :)

Lucy was amazing, I'm very sad that this year with her is over.  I got her broke to show one handed, and shes honestly one of the most broke horses I've had a part in transitioning to a curb.  I feel good in knowing that I was able to do that this summer, and that we were able to meet so many goals together.  I am thankful however that she's staying around and I will get to ride her a bit this fall, it just won't be the same.

Walking around the show grounds

Western pleasure class

Our show group and the ribbons, Lucy is the chestnut on the left.

Trophy and Jacket

Winnings!