Getting there is half the fun!
Our first competition with horses and riders from The Monting Block is over. Four riders and four horses plus a friend from a neighboring barn went to Rolelu. Everyone I spoke to said they had a good time. I am proud to say there were ribbons won but I am even more proud of the way each rider prepped for the competition, asked me if equipment could be borrowed and returned it to its proper place when they came back. However long the day is when horse and rider compete,the time it takes to get ready is ever so much longer. The practicing, the clipping, the bathing, the packing and more important the loading and hauling make any ribbon extra special. Some do all the work and come home with nothing but the opportunity to show everyone- this is who I am and what I can do at this moment. It's like a photogragh that 's only good for a minute or two. The hope is that the horse/rider combination is headed in the right direction with enough humility to take faults and criticism and enough time to make it better . Showing is a process; you must build on what you did before. I am thankful for the safe return of our riders. I am proud of their ribbons but I have to say I am more thrilled by the experience each of them has come away with. They are better horsepeople because of today.
JJ
