Heidi was the belle of the ball by opening the kiddo events with the lead line. The judge asked questions and Heidi trotted, walked, and halted while on the lead line. Not too shabby for a 4 year old! Holly got to be a ribbon presenter to her sister and Heidi beamed! She is poised and determined. She has such a connection to animals and being on top of her buddy is a perfect setting for her in and out of the competition ring. I can't wait to see what this year brings for her equestrian growth.
Heidi being asked questions by a judge.
Heidi and Ms. Erica finishing the lead line event
Heidi getting a blue ribbon presented by Holly
Holly's Kindergarten Class has a motto, "We CAN do hard things!" and that is exactly what Holly displayed today and days past training for this moment. She just floors us by her determination and and enthusiasm for the sport. She has been "dumped", "dropped" and fallen off close to a half of a dozen time and just jumps back into the saddle and presses on with no coaxing from anyone. She and Itsy Bitsy have a special relationship and you can see that when they are in the ring together. For a little 6 year old, she stays calm and collected when things don't go her way, like she experienced today when her partner in crime had to stop and take a bathroom break in the middle of an event (apparently judges don't think ponies should go potty during working hours).
The next event Holly and Itsy Bitsy made up for the impromptu potty break and came in at 3rd place! She was youngest by at least a year in her 4 events and cleaned up with two 6th place slots (judging on her polished ride) and two 3rd place slots (judging on how well her and her pony worked together) -not bad for a kiddo that was up against 7,8,9, and up year olds!
Holly in Walk- Trot
Sixth Place!
Getting the scoop on Walk/Trot Polls with Ms. Erica before heading to the event.
Walk/trot polls
click the link for a video of Holly in the poll event where she took 3rd
