Monday, September 21, 2009

Horse Show


We are proud of our horse riding girls!!




Allee competed in her first all-around (meaning she did most all events) show this Saturday and Anastasiya competed in one novice class (see the other blog for more on her show). They both did incredibly well!!!


I was blown away by how much Allee has grown and matured in the past two years. Two years ago she was doing her first novice classes at this show and seemed so small and uncertain. This year she went in there and confidently rode her very best in over 10 classes. She rode all day and did a great job of staying focused and not giving up. She placed 3rd out of 12 in showmanship, 2nd out of 10 in two English pleasure classes, and continued to place in every other class as well. She did pattern classes, western pleasure, western discipline, halter, and I think some others too. About six months ago, my mom and sister found a great deal on this horse up in Minnesota. He sounded perfect for Allee to really start showing on. Her little pony just wasn't ready for showing.

But when Rue first arrived it was very intimidating for Allee. She was going from a little pony whom she could easily direct to a large horse who understood far more of the subtleties of riding. Rue is 15 years old and has lots of training and experience. But Allee had to learn how to communicate to him what he already knew. And that she has. She one day turned around from feeling discouraged and not trying, to giving it her all to learn to ride this new horse well. And she is certainly accomplishing that goal. They are quite the team now. They looked so great out there, and she rode Rue against other riders far more experienced and older and still managed to place high in every event!
This was one proud mom as I watched my little girl control that big horse with confidence and skill and remembering how far she has come through hard work and effort even when it was tough.

Way to go sweet girl!!

It was a fun fifteen hour show with my girls, my sis (aka horse trainer), and my mom as well as Zach and the boys popping in and out. You know boys of any age can't sit still too long - especially when Aggie football games are waiting to be listened to.

We are ever so grateful that we are able to ride and show like. What a blessing.

2 comments:

jeri said...

well, welcome to horse world stephanee. you are now a true horseshow mom. just one of many many shows in your future. i am so proud of allee and nastya. it made me remember when ashley just started shows on sly. having a horse that will take care of them in the ring is such a blessing. horses like rue and sly just steal my heart as they listen to these little girls and take cues from them. God gave these creatures such big hearts and a love for us that seems so strange to me. why they listen to us and ride us around when they would rather just be grazing around with their buddies in the field is beyond me. but instead they come willingly and do as we ask. the love between a horse and girl-----truly a memory to be cherished a lifetime for them. mommie

ashley said...

way to go nastya and allee! what a long way allee has come. she is truly turning into a wonderful horseman. it is amazing at how much she has learned in the last few months. she has gone from a good rider to a GREAT rider.
I am so proud of nastya, going out there and showing against all those that have been doing this far longer. She did such an amazing job, and made me so proud!
i cant wait to see what all this show season brings! what a way to start things off!