By Kristin Praly
Being a relatively new member to District 9 I feel compelled to give a fresh view of the August 25th and 26th 2 day Buckle Show event held on the Graham Hill Showgrounds. THANK YOU SCOTTS VALLEY FEED FOR PROVIDING THE BEAUTIFUL HIGH POINT BUCKLES!!
This last precious weekend before school started sported some very nice weather, atmosphere, and serious fun for myself and my 9 year old daughter.
These types of events are times to remember when we're older. As my daughter, Rusty the pony, and I pulled up to the grounds on a bright and apparently not so early 8:00 AM; I saw little kids running around politely giving loves to any and all horses within their reach; parents smiling and pitching tents, getting ready for the campout after the show; more kids cleaning their stalls to perfection while talking about nothing other than horses, ponies, and "Oh That is SUCH a CUTE bridle!." Non-riding siblings were seen a safe distance away riding bikes, checking out trees, and running off the week's pent up energy. All good healthy outdoor fun.
First let me just say that as a mom I love the family atmosphere I have found in this district. I love how everyone pitches in to help out. I enjoy how everyone cheers-on every rider competing whether for their first time or for their personal best time. "Leg, leg, LOOK!"
I hold a special place in my heart for Paulette's cheering section. For once, Paulette got to ride and have fun in events she's has spent endless time and energy teaching her kids. Now was her turn to have some fun and her kids were determined to cheer her and faithful partner Peppy on. "Leg, Leg LOOK!"
Fun rivalries to watch consisted of two moms and their kids: Rebekah Crill vs. her daughter, Rachel and Marietta Sullivan vs. her daughter, Bonnie. Hint hint: Caitlin Sullivan and her Ginger went away with the High Point. Girls! You have to watch that 3rd Sullivan!
Stiff competition for High Point took place in the pony division. Points mattered. The deciding moment which defined the competition happened when Rusty thought the flag bucket must be the afternoon snack bucket. Katelyn drew him near, exchanged flags, and was on her way to the finish line when Rusty decided to take on last glance at the bucket. Thinking the bucket was holding out on him he nosed it off the barrel just to be sure there wasn't grain hidden under the sand.
"Sorry Katelyn, That was a No Time." At least Rusty was absolutely sure he wasn't missing out on some grain!
Congrats Emily for convincing Oakie to concentrate on the courses instead of dessert, and earn a High Point in the Open Pony Division!
Alex Rice had a similar moment to Katelyn's when her mount Sparrow thought the name of the game was Bowling and that knocking over the barrel earned him a High Score.
Not be outdone, Kaylee' s mount Sunshine thought it was time to kick up the heels for some fun. Kaylee showed true horsekidship by sticking like glue to her little mount who was busy crossing the finish line in "Gettin' Jiggie with it" style. Way to hang in there kiddo!
Besides the cute and funny moments, good clean communication was taking place during the weekend.
For instance, Maureen Kipling riding Nifty for her second show came away with FC 11 and Over High Point . Way to go! Look who's talkin' now!
Edee Wildman took her English mount Bo Jangles through the courses with style, grace, and great leg yields earning her own A Division High Point.
Welcome back Jillian Thompson, Blush and Doc! High 5 Hoofin' to these two horses that took special care of Jillian (wearing a neck brace) while bringing home the AAA High Point.
Congrats Leilani and your new horse Emmy!! Nothing like winning the FC 10 and Under High Point to start your first Gymkhana together as a family!
Kudos to our reserve High Point winners as well. Walking away with the mini silver buckles were Bonnie Sullivan, Marietta Sullivan, Robin Brandon, Sara Castagnetto, Sheri Benkosky, and Katelyn Praly,
As for our Gymkhana's backbone: Fun loving moms, dads, and siblings make their weekends about supporting family and friends in their endeavors to communicate with their athletic equine partners around courses designed to make both horse and rider think as one.
Thank you Christina Castagnetto, Rebekah Crill, and Jacqui Rice, for sitting with me to run timers, write times, announce, and having a great attitude all weekend. (Hey Leslie Crill, your now spoiled mom seriously MISSED you this weekend. I guess you have become an indispensable computer expert! Why would you want to be at the beach when you could be inputting times???? )
Super kudos go to Jan Brandon for supplying seriously yummy doughnuts, pizza, tacos and a cooler full of fresh COLD things to drink; and for designing such beautiful ribbons complete with event labels to hand out!
More Thanks to Bill who always shows up to Judge, come heat or come rain.
Dads are not be forgotten. They are our gate keepers and all around managers of anything else that needs getting done like hauling barrels around, grilling dinner, cooking breakfast, and supplying the much needed coffee and water. Thank you Dads! Let's not forget our Super Accountant Bob Fultz for keeping the district balanced! Now about that Ranch I wanted to buy..
Are these shows worth getting up, hooking up the trailer during time that could be spent sleeping or riding trails? Definitely. Can anyone participate? Absolutely. Talk to any number of English Hunter, Jumper and Dressage riders (hope you had fun, Rayanna!) entering these events who ride away with High Points, any number of leadliners and beginners who can't stop smiling when they finish the course, any number of moms and dads who decide to give Gymkhana a whirl because the courses present an interesting new way to keep working on concepts with their horses.
As I close I just want to say how much I enjoy experiencing the camaraderie everyone brings to these events. Thank you everyone for caring, sharing, and being ready to have some fun. I am glad to know all of you and consider you all an important part of my extended horsey family.