Hey Kids, Let’s Put On A Show, ASHAA Fun Show

Awareness of the outside world. ANA: National Nurses Week History

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ASHAA Derby Day Fun Show
Stepping Stone Farm
Chelsea AL
Saturday 4 May 2024

Optimus. Thank you to The Bearden & Gray families.
10 Academy Driving – 1st of 1
40 Academy Showmanship Adult WTC – 1st of 2
41 Academy Equitation Adult WTC – 2nd of 2

The barn busted out with Kentucky Derby costumes & decor.

Hats for all. Skittles shows his Derby style. Photo by Courtney Huguley.

The Classes – First

Apparently I have bad habits that only come out at shows. How to fix?

Coach Courtney, from the sidelines: SADDLE SEAT!

Me: Oh. Right. (Back of saddle, hands up, knees in, etc. etc. etc.)

The Classes – Second

Optimus spooked. Twice!

Optimus: Eeek! A person! In a swirly dress!

Me: Seems legit. It’s a place where people usually aren’t. How about we cut off the end of the ring next time around?

Later.

Optimus: Egad! A tent!

Me: No. You’ve seen tents all morning. You are just looking for an excuse.

The Plan

I said I wouldn’t. “Will I do this again in 2024 for the 2025 banquet? That is not the plan. Twice is enough. Time to move on. Grow. Try new things.” [Achievement Unlocked]

Let’s be real. We all knew I was gonna cave.

The particular manner of caving came about because there is a show later in the year that Coach Courtney thinks is fun. If I only do one show, I should do that one. Well, If I do one show, I only need one more to qualify for the year-end awards.

This show popped up. A big show canceled. Stepping Stone decide to put on a local show as a replacement. Not only a one-day fun show, but at home. This show & the one later in the year would be my two shows for riding.

I was going to stick a toe out of my comfort zone and ride another horse. Bubba? Maybe? I mean, even if it all went pear shaped and we lost all our canters, if we at least made it to the line up, the show would count, right? Then, some off-blog stuff came up and I ran out of spoons, frogginess, pick your metaphor. I meekly asked if I might ride Optimus, please, thank you.

Likelihood that I will do a third show to qualify for driving year-end? Yeah, pretty high.

Onwards!
Katherine