We started planning for our two day show with trepidation. The weatherman said “hot”. In Boulder Creek, “hot” means really, really hot!! But the week stayed cool with overcast mornings and pleasant afternoons and we were blessed with two absolutely wonderful days. Good thing too, because I think our guests from District 1 would have melted if we had experienced our usual June weather. Actually, I think all of us would have melted! As I write this on July 10, we are experiencing several days of incredible heat and I’m sure glad our next show isn’t until July 20th. Our lone tree trunk is still standing giving just enough shade for a skinny judge. Maybe it will make it through the season and next year we can plant a telephone pole for our judge’s shade!
35 riders on Saturday was huge for our little ole’ district, but with the help of some talented gate people, our riders kept the show moving well with “one in, one out.” This method shaved hours off of our day and we thank you! Keep it up. Thanks to all our arena and booth help (especially Jan Brandon who keeps coming out with snacks!) Sunday’s ridership was down a little at 29 riders, but still a huge success for our “always financially strapped” district. The raffle brought in a goodly amount, thanks to Ms. Praly and with a special thanks to Mindy Sullivan up from San Juan Bautista who donated a 8 X 10 photo for you and your horse as well as a weekend at her cabin in Pine Mountain. And thank you to all our riders who are bringing awesome raffle prizes. You are the reason we are doing so well with the raffle.
A big welcome goes out to Sarah and Becky Hambly and of course, their parents, Dave and Sue who drove all the way down from District 45 in Novato. They get the prize for the longest drive (and the most challenging trip, negotiating 19th Avenue through San Francisco with their horse trailer!!) Another big “howdy” out to Mindy’s gang from District 1 in San Juan Bautista which included Caitlin Cole, Dennis Cole, Kayla Raitz, Dymond Wafler, and of course, Mindy Sullivan and her daughter Christal. Also riding his first show was the Lacy girls’ grandfather - Way to Ride!, Frank. And our biggest success of the weekend was our new rider, Becky Rosen on her horse Mohave. I think they conquered some trust issues and are ready to show us all how it’s done. Great Hurry Scurry, Becky!
More “newbies” and “oldies” made the trek down from Pleasant Valley Horse Club. Thanks Michelle, for coming back and bringing your students up to “burn up the ground” at D9. Maddie Scott, Mason Scott, Greyson LeClair (2 years old!!!) all riding in their first CGA show! Also coming with Michelle was Alex Brunskill, Alex Lawrence and Shelly Stickles, A big D9 welcome to ya’ll!!
Marietta Sullivan took care of a “once every five years” fall, but bounced up and kept riding. You’re good for another five now, Marietta!! (I bet she was a little sore, though.) Janie kept wowing us all with her determination! Excellent Flags, Janie! You inspire us all! And of course, Becky Rosen, who wasn’t sure about this whole “gymkhana thing” or her horse staying calm. Great job – I think Mohave enjoyed himself and I hope Becky did too! And thank you to Katelyn Praly who schooled Ayla’s pony Ivory in all the events! Ivory was so tired she was lying down at the fence waiting for her trailer to leave! See all our show pics on http://www.flickr.com/photos/26257970@N02/ . There were just too many “highs” this weekend to write them all down. Remember, riders, if you want to contribute to the newsletter, you are more than welcome to do so!!
Head N Home Hats (headnhome.com) survived the Trabing Fire in Watsonville (barely) to bring us our high points of the weekend, beautiful hand sewn cowboy hats. (By the way, they make custom hats as well as the ones you saw this weekend. If you have a special design or color - they can make it!) We heard that Gary and Merrylee were putting out fires in their pasture. (The three properties around them burned. - pics of the fire on their website, www.headnhome.com) By God’s grace, their property was spared and all their horses were saved. We are sure glad for you all, Watrous Family. (We like you for more than just your hats!!!)
After almost announcing the wrong high point winners, and then really announcing the wrong winners, I finally got the real winners. (Thanks for everyone’s patience and good humor). Taking home those hats were:
AAA: Sarah Hambly
AA: Bonnie Sullivan
A: Sue Duggan
FC 10 & Under: Amanda McDonald
FC 11 & Over: Marsha Rugg
Open Pony: Katelyn Praly
And our reserve conchos (when I find them hiding in my moving stuff) will go to:
AAA Reserve: Rachel Crill
AA Reserve: Marietta Sullivan
A Reserve: Sara Castagnetto
FC 10 & Under Reserve: Caitlyn Cole
FC 11 & Over: Shelly Hart
Our BBQ on Saturday night was a big success with pool time and play time for all. Thanks to everyone to came and contributed food.
By the time you get this newsletter, we should be at State Show!!! Most of our district riders will be entering the Grand Entry as buckle winners from last year! Congratulations to Rachel, Rebekah, Marietta, Caitlyn, Sara and Robin for all coming home from last year’s state show with buckles. Oh, and speaking of buckles, everyone should set August 30 & 30st for our annual buckle show. Buckles this year are sponsored by Summit Veterinary Hospital and Scotts Valley Feed. Thanks Marietta, Mike & Chris!! They are beautiful!! Check out the website for pictures! www cgadistrict9.com.
See ya’ll soon!