Thursday, December 4, 2014

Throwback Thursday: My first horse show

Me, my trainer Miss Julie, and her pony Ginger.

Way, way back in 1996, I went to my first horse show: the Maury County 4-H Horse Show. It was a big deal. My instructor, Miss Julie, had entered me on her pony Ginger in the novice walk-trot hunt seat equitation class. 

Ginger and I won the class. I like to joke that it's been all downhill since then, but that's not totally true. I've had other shows where I've won, but more importantly, I've had other shows where I felt like I won- even if I didn't get first place.

I still have that ribbon, with my mother's neat handwriting on the back noting the date, the class, and the judge's name. It marks the beginning of my competitive equestrian life. Two years later, I would join Pony Club and take up eventing. Nearly twenty years later, I'm still riding and showing- and I couldn't be happier.

13 comments:

KateRose said...

Great pic! :) Ginger is too cute :)

SheMovedtoTexas said...

You look so happy!

Stephanie said...

She was DARLING and remarkably well behaved for a pony!

Stephanie said...

I was THRILLED! It was a big class and I was sure I hadn't won anything because I didn't hear my name called for fifth or fourth or third or second.

I still look pretty much like that when I win anything, except now I have a more flattering helmet.

emma said...

what a wonderful picture + memory!!

Alicia said...

Ginger is flipping adorable.

Anonymous said...

What a great memory!! Plus super cute pony.

Aoife said...

Woop, love me some flashback photos and happy memories ☺

Stephanie said...

It makes me happy every time I look at it!

Stephanie said...

She was SUPER SUPER cute! Ah, the glory days of my horse career, when I could win on cuteness alone.

Stephanie said...

I have rarely seen a pony as cute and well behaved. I learned to canter on that pony!

Stephanie said...

I always have fun digging old photos out!

Laura @ Bit by Bit said...

Great picture! You look like you are having so much fun. :-)

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