Making The Cut



My first Championships!



So I will be leaving for Kentucky within the next couple of hours (still packing!!!  GAH!), but as I was making my final sock selections (15 pairs are making the trip to Kentucky from my collection of ~250), I realized that my process of selecting my socks was a bit like a qualifying rally.

"Hmmm...No...wore those at last Champs."

"Eh...don't have a polo shirt that really goes with those."

"Halloween theme in July?  Nah."

and the most frequent one...

"Just...not...bright enough."

So even though I have a lot of socks from which to choose, only a few get to come with me to "the big show."  Now, the fact of the matter is, unless I make multiple costume changes during Champs, you will only see about half of those socks.  Add to that the fact that I will be modeling the new Pony Club knee socks during Champs, and even though 15 pairs of socks were deemed "awesome" enough to make it into my suitcase, half won't see the light of day at the Horse Park.  Thank goodness socks don't have feelings! (or do they?)

Okay, I know, this is a weird story about socks, but I have a point.  You've all gotten over a HUGE hurdle by qualifying for Champs.  You get to represent your region and strut your stuff at the Kentucky Horse Park.  Some of you will have the rides of your life, while others may just be meh.  Of course everyone wants to go to Kentucky and do well, and if it goes your way - WOW!  Icing on the cake!  But don't get so wrapped up in the competition that you forget to enjoy yourself.  Have fun with your teammates and trade pins with competitors from other regions.  Make new friends.  Take a moment to just sit on your horse and remember that you are riding and competing at one of the most famous venues in the world.

Believe me, you've already won.

See you in Kentucky!


Festival 1992



Festival 1995  - I'm on the right!