09/09/2024
Carnie and I took home reserve champion for the novice driver division at the Villa Louis Carriage Classic. This is the largest pleasure driving show in the country. To be awarded this title is beyond belief. My goals for the weekend were to have consistent rail classes and brave all of the scary props on the “games courses”. We accomplished all of it. I am beyond grateful for that little homely pony. Never in a million years would I have expected to be so smitten over a grade, blue eyed, Medicine Hat, gelding pony, but here I am, ugly crying with happy tears.
The class I am most proud of his performance this weekend was the cross country. Our show director has a reputation for creating some insanely scary obstacles to overcome on an over 2 kilometer route across bridges, water hazards, through skunk spray, giant animal cutouts, barking dogs, flags, pool noodles, and oversized pool floaties of various animal species. The winner must come in closest to ideal time with the least amount of faults. A young pony’s (and even mature horse’s) nightmare come to life. Even though we were eliminated due to a few refusals, Carnie ultimately braved the horror. Even with the refusals and setbacks throughout the course, we still crossed that finish line 10 seconds off ideal. As a trainer, these are the moments I am most proud of. To know I have instilled a level of trust and a solid foundation with such a young pony to brave the treacherous route is a gratifying experience.
Another big highlight of the weekend was our first place in the “working” class. This class is judged similar to that of a ridden pleasure class. Consistency is the goal and Carnie did not disappoint. To say I was shocked when we were called would be an understatement.
A huge shout out to all of my fellow competitors, the judges, volunteers, and new friends made. Chad, Myrna, and their son Kyle gave so much love, support, and guidance. I could not have done it without you. Your dedication to this amazing sport is astounding, refreshing, and contagious.
