So I'll walk you through what I now know about horse shows. First, you spend the entired week before stalking the weather channel apps on your phones and texting back and forth about who will do which anti-rain dance. Then on the Friday before, you send celebratory texts for doing such good dances because what was predicted to be a washout Saturday has blessedly turned into a 70 degree partly sunny day with rain in the late afternoon and evening. YEH!!
Then you get up early Saturday morning while your husband (Mark) rushes you out the door barefooted and forgetting half the things you intended to take (including a hundred coozies we still need to sell). But you are on your way to Bamberg. Upon arrival you greet family and horses, thanking everyone including the 4-legged creatures for their help. At least I did. All the participants, horses, friends, and family begin showing up. Since I am not a horse show expert, my job here was to mainly sit back and look pretty --Check! Many thanks to all the friends who brought their kids out and enjoyed a beautiful morning and afternoon.
First up was the exhibition where the riders all took their turns on the barrel races, trying to get the best times. If I remember correctly the best time was 16.02 seconds. The second best time was 16.05 seconds, that's how close it was! But this went on for a few hours. During this time, the real riders (the kids) got to do pony rides on Thunder, the coolest little pony, and just run and play. It was such a nice time!!
After that, the PeeWee Class started. That's where Mark's beautiful cousins led 30 kids around the barrels. The kids all got ribbons and goodie bags, including bubbles.
Then the youth class. By this time, the clouds were rolling in and the rain was threatening. The decision was made to cancel the last class and get things cleaned up. In the meantime there was a heated silent auction for some tasty cakes and pies. I assume they were tasty, but the winners, who included my brother-in-law and an uncle quickly took their winnings and left.
We got the areas cleaned, the stuff all packed up, and returned home. It was a long day, but so much fun and I'm sure successful. Totals not in yet, but in my mind, the effort and enjoyment were enough, so any funds raised are just icing on the cake!
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| At the end of a great show! |
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| Uncle Tater and Ry sharing some horsey thoughts |
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| The Mixon Men - I love this pic!! It's Mark's dad, brother, himself, Uncle Leonard, and Roland |
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| Brooks and Thunder! |
