07/26/2021
I can relate to the young girl the story is about as I am sure so many of you can to. I’m currently starting a new to me discipline. We may not be the fanciest but we are working hard to learn and do our best and just have fun.
I judged a show today, I had one exhibitor that gave me a reminder of where I started and why I still have horses.
Sometimes all the chores and running from work to the barn, driving to and from shows to do chores so the crew can show, makes me grumpy and clouds my perspective.
A young girl shows a Haflinger pony, clearly with some age on her.
She wasn't fancy, she was safe and not necessarily show horse broke. But she sure tried to do everything that kid asked.
The young girl, wore skinny jeans tucked into boots, a felt hat that had seen better days, and a zip up show shirt from a few years back.
That kid tried so hard and genuinely smiled every step of the way. Not a single person coached her, she was all DIY.
I found myself trying to Will her to do a pattern, that could score high enough to be in the placings.
I found myself being disappointed for her, until I realized.
She wasn't there for that.
In egg and spoon, she didn't place but I had a second to ask her if she had a good day.She smiled , while patting that mares neck she said.
All of the days with the mare were good.
As I drove home , just down the road from the show grounds.That young lady was riding her pony home.In that hat , shirt and pants tucked in her boots.Carrying her water bucket and empty hay net.She was completely content, without ribbons, fancy clothes or horse trailer.That kid is living her dream.
post credit: Melissa Gordon
