Took the family up to Woodland last night, as my Daughter needed to be there (Yolo County FairGrounds) at 0800 today for her first horseshow in 4 or 5 months, shee needed one more show to gather enough points to get into the "Show of Champions" in Santa Rosa in October.

So, in her first class of the day (13 and younger) she won frist place, pretty cool as she was so nervous since it had been such a long time since her last show.

After that, she was in all 17 and younger classes (she's 12), herself and her riding mate from the same place who is either 9 or 10, were the only "kids" in these 17 and younger classes, all the rest were 15/16 and 17 year olds...so what's really cool, in she ribboned in all the classes a couple of 3rds, a few 4rths and a 5th...I think one 6th place too...but being so young and in with 8-10 riders that have 3 to 5 years on her, was a blast to see her come away with smehing.

Now the best part, is at the last minute she got a wild hair, and wanted to enmter a jumping class where they do the normal walk/trot/canter thing around the arean, then all line up for these double 2 foot jumps.

This class also was a 17 and younger...her being the yougest as her riding mate wasn't allowed to participate, and she won the Blue!

Also, I have to mention that it was well into triple digits this afternoon in an open arena, I spent 40 bucks, no kidding 40 bucks on 1 dollar bottles of 16 ounce waters, shade was at a premium, and not much of it for us spectators...and no where in sight for the competitors-who were a black helmet, dark jackets..not sure if I feel worse for them, or the poor horse running around in the heat.

Anyway, I just had to share/gloat/boast/etc...

 

YAY!
dad better be celebrating with her by at least taking her out for her favorite meal!

 

Well deserved too! She is a great little girl, and a credit to her mother.

Did you take any pictures?

 

Most excellent! Congratulations to your daughter. After all, you only provided some money!

 

Thanks guys,

Yeah, but our digital camera went on the fritz, so we picked up a disposable and also a disposable digital camera at Rite Aid on the way down...have to take them down in the AM to get a CD made and the other pics.

BTW, don't ask my tight-azz why after the cost of the disposables, I didn't just by a 100 dollar digital camera and be done with it...Grrr...

 

And now you know why she hasn't been to any shows the past few months If you knew what this Equestrian riding cost, you'd think I was insane to continue....

Champagne taste and a Beer budget just don't get along.

 

Well...uh, I'm hoping Wendy's is now her favorite

 

I've owned a few horses during the last 20 years. I know, jeez I know. I could be retired by now.

 

lol, I'm just thiking of all the '40 Fords I've passed up over the last 4 years....

 

Congrats to your daughter and family! You all should be proud, especially your daughter.

 

Way to go, dad...and congrats to the little nipper! (Not that you had anything to do with it...)

 

I know how that goes. My wife also rides dressage and man let me tell you I look at this big animal and wonder why am I paying $800 dollars a month for her to go run around in circles? That is a lot of money that could be put into my PSD.

 

Yea, when I was farming we would sell feed to the horse people. It was OK grass hay, and I was the only one around who would deliver it in small loads. I set the bailer to make as small a bale as I could - easier for me, and the horse owner to handle by hand. Plus lots of time I sold it by the bale instead of by the ton!

I did own a cutting horse, but traded my work in off seasons for her keep and training at the stables. Unfortunately, I never was much good as a rider, and preferred motorcycles for moving cows. I sold her to an oil guy who could afford the training fees and keep. We both were happy.

Even back then, about 3 months of feed cost what the average horse was worth!

 

My wife has always asked "when are you going to start riding?" and I respond with as soon as the start coming with gas and brake pedals.....a diesel would be nice too!

 

Congratulations to your daughter. She must be pretty darn good to beat people 4 and 5 years older than her.