What amazing strides we made as a group! Our main focus in going to the Middleton show was to get Jack out into the show circuit and see how he managed. He was absolutely fantastic. He most certainly lived up to his show name "Poetry In Motion." Although he did not pin (due to missing a jump in both classes - it's okay Sara we forgive you) he was awesome. I truly don't believe we could have asked for better. We now know that he will stand tall when it comes to Hunter classes where he truly belongs! Then there was Badger. We all know the many quirks we have had to overcome with him. He walked on the trailer the first try, and did not even back out! Jenn was amazed! In fact she was so NOT ready for that, that nobody was standing close by to snap the butt bar closed! Come show time, he was a very patient horse. He waited for a very long time, and did a great job, but when it came time for him to show, he got a little impatient! He went out there and did his thing. He refused one jump, but looked absolutely fantastic in the 2' 6" class. We decided that because he was rather impatient that we would scratch him from the 2' 9" and the 3' classes and be happy with what we had accomplished. Sara was sick on top of things, so we didn't really want to push her either. As we were leaving, Kelly and I heard Sara's name being mentioned, and Badgers show name. Oh my gosh, we were pleasantly surprised to hear that they had placed 3rd in the 2' 6" class. So not only did we accomplish so much with Badger, and Jack, we also brought home a lovely yellow ribbon. Way to go Sara, she was completely taken by surprise! Bailey..... huge kudos to you for taking care of Badger the Beast most of the evening. You know I certainly wasn't going to hold him ~ not after having my jaw re-adjusted! I really, really, really appreciate you being so kind and helpful!!!!
Gia was excellent on J.P. She placed 4th and 5th respectively in both classes, which was really awesome, as this is the first time she has ridden him in a show. She was extra cautious, but let loose come timing time! She felt good ~ she had a fun time ~ there was no pressure, just lots and lots of fun and praise! What a pair together. I am sure they will do awesome at future shows. As a team, they can only improve!
Also we have to say a HUGE thank you to our ever patient trainer JENNIFER! She made sure to take the day off and be with us to help us out. Thank goodness she was there. And for extra support she brought her Mother all the way from Kentucky and her two adorable little black dogs! We know that Jenn knows that without her, a lot of this would not be possible. Everything ran very smoothly, and she knew when it was time to call it a night with the horses. WE LOVE YOU JENN!
I would like to thank DENISE, SCOTT, NANCY and JULIE for coming out to support us. It was great to see them all showing how much they care. We also had a wonderful surprise visit from our ever supportive Stable Owner JENNY S.! She had so much on her agenda Friday night, but showed us how important her girls are to her ~ she raced all the way to Middleton to watch her "babies" (Jack and J.P.) get back into the showing circuit. Sara and Gia were so happy to know how much it meant to Jenny to see them ride her boys. Thanks Jenny, they are model citizens of the horse world thanks to you!
Pictures will be posted by the end of this week, as it was a little too dark by the time we were finished.
