The first horse I showed is Peptos Red Spark, “Pinky” owned by Susan Scott of Bidwell Ohio.  Together we were World Champion in the Open Ranch Riding and was Reserve in the Open Ranch Rail.   Pinky has been in and out of my barn for 9 years.  He thought he was retired, but I felt he was a good contender for a Roan Horse Title.  He is a 2005 Gelding by Peptos Playboy, out of Corolla Kay, raised by Lapke Quarter Horses in Iowa.  Pinky truly is the definition of a ranch horse that lives in the field 90% of the time.  He literally just comes to the shows where we get what I get from him; the good news he knows his job!  Susan says that Pinky loves me and knows I am one of his biggest fans so that is why he gives me 100% most of the time.

 

Pinky gave us his all at this horse show, not only did he do well for me, but Cathy showed him in the Amateur classes and was World Champion in both Ranch Riding and Ranch Rail.  Pinky and I were bonused for a great show by winning the Ranch Horse Title.   He did not like the presentation of the winner’s check- even a ranch horse has their spooky moments.   He even stressed about the picture at the Photo Booth.  Thankfully they were patient and finally got one.

 

Susan does spoil her boy, and he was rewarded his Pop-tarts upon returning to his stall.  He knew he did well for the week and was excited to get his reward.  Thank you, Susan, for sending them along since you nor your family could attend this year.

 

My other honor came from riding VS Security Code “Frankie”.  VS Security Code is a 2011 Gelding by VS Code Red, out of Strutnontheopenrange; he was raised by Shirly Roth of Ocala Florida. This horse is owned by Chris Hammett from Pomeroy Ohio.  This victory brought a tear to my eye because it was more than a pleasure to ride Frankie and help give to a good friend.  Chris and her husband Will are very much like family and recently Chris has had health issues that has restricted her own time in the saddle.  She and her other trainer, Rick Baker bought Frankie earlier this year.  Rick has allowed me to take Frankie and try to help Chris find time in the pen.  Chris lives within 40 minutes off us and can frequent more than Rick who is in TN.  Rick could have easily shown Frankie at this show but allowed me the opportunity!  

 

Chris was unfortunately hospitalized while we were in Murfreesboro; so, she had to watch me win on the online app.  Our goal is to get Chris back in the pen and hopefully show the Congress this fall.  I know a lot of people at the show were hoping that Chris would be able to show at this show including the staff at ARHA.  I want to thank them for generously gifting her a beautiful sweatshirt and other goodies.  She was so honored to receive the gift and was touched by the outgoing love and support she has felt by the equine industry.  Keep sending love and prayers her way; she is a very good person and I personally want to see her keep showing!

 

In closing, I thought this was such a nice show I want to encourage others to attend.  Both organizations went above and beyond to make the show a success.  The location alone was amazing- a nice place to show, good stalls and convenient to hotels and restaurants.  Some might say the numbers were small, but they are growing.  ARHA should be very happy with their show, the beautiful/amazing awards, and the quality of the exhibitor(s).  In my opinion, though the classes were not huge, the wins were also not easy!!!  In both of my winning classes, any of the entries could have won and been the example of what we want in the industry, each of these horses had received their own title in a class earlier at the show.  So, kudos to everyone that I competed against, its an honor when you show against good horses!

 

Keep Riding and Always Smile,