Where to start? That's a tough question this year. Do I start with the oldest or with placing? Hmmm... I think this time, I'll change it up a bit and start with placing. Not because that's most important but because it's not what I typically do.
This year was hard (mostly for me) because they did not have a youth division, which meant they were competing against each other. Sherrod had such a rough year last year. It was a real learning experience for her, though. Unfortunately, she came off so many times that she was really lacking in confidence going into this year. And after coming in last in 2017, I was really hoping for a better experience for her this year. I have told my children more than once that I think it's really good for character to lose big and to win big. She's definitely done both and handled it all with grace!
This year she had Harvey Two-Face. She absolutely fell in love with him! He really helped her overcome much of her confidence issues and made her into an even better horsewoman! I think we all love this horse! The most important thing to her going into the competition was to be able to adopt him at the auction and bring him home with her, which she did! Yay! His new name is Traveller. 😍
They did great on competition day. I knew they would, if Sherrod didn't let her nerves get her. Last year she had an incident with her horse just before they called her into the arena and we were standing at the gate with her crying right before entry! Talk about nerve-wracking! I knew she had to go in so I did the only thing I could think of...I wrapped her in a hug and started praying for her! But this year was much different. She didn't need me at all. Boy, that's a weird feeling as a mother! Happy and sad, all at the same time. It's absolutely what we raise them for, yet so hard to let go...
Their routine was beautiful. He got away from her in the trailer and I was on pins and needles, wondering how she would respond. They have such a great relationship, I felt fairly certain he would be chill, but with nerves flying high I wasn't absolutely sure of how either of them would do. She was beautifully calm and walked over to him, shrugged her shoulders, laughed, caught him, and finished her routine. Even afterward, she blew it off completely and wasn't upset about it in the least. She was just all, "It is what it is..."
And they placed first! Because they didn't have a youth division they gave a $500 award to the youth winner, so she ended up with BOTH prize checks! And, of course, brought Traveller home! Thank you so much to everyone who helped with the FB fundraiser and who offered to help her at the auction table. Every time she was outbid, someone came up to one of us to see if they needed to add to the pot! So very sweet and we are incredibly grateful!
Speaking of persevering...it's time to talk about Abby. This girl is a beast! 😂 She is unshakeable!
She got a bit discouraged because of Dreamer's lack of progress and began seeking help. A dear friend who is incredibly knowledgeable looked Dreamer over and felt she should be tested for EPM (Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis), which is a rare disease that affects the central nervous system. If left untreated, the effects are devastating. Abby took Dreamer back to Blaze's for testing and Dreamer tested in the 89th percentile. Abby was discouraged, but still determined to help Dreamer. She brought her back home and began treating her. The good news is that 60-70% of EPM cases aggressively treated show significant or complete reversal of symptoms. Many horses are able to return to normal activity. She has already seen some great changes in Dreamer. She is hoping to showcase her next year and help her find her forever family.
But all that aside, she was still able to find Finn's niche and give him work he loves! And they did a great job! He's a great little horse with a wonderful mind! I'm so glad he got adopted to a home that's going to use him!
Abby is fun to watch! Smooth, graceful, and soft...
Finn and Abby placed third! One of the judges wrote a comment that Abby could win on a donkey, so the big joke is that next year everyone wants to see Abby on a donkey. Hahaha! People have been sending her donkey pictures, right and left! 😂
I love this picture of the two of them waiting together for the placings... Waiting is so nerve-wracking!
I am so very proud of Abby. She's really an incredible young woman! This is where it gets a little tricky for me because I would love to gush about how wonderful she is and all of the wonderful things she's done for others throughout this particular Challenge, but she is also such a private person and I try really hard to respect that. I will say that it is so freeing as a mother to watch your children take what you've taught them and make it their own, add zeal to it, and make it even better. I love watching the 4 adult girls minister to others! When they were little, it was me with the ideas and I included them in the joy of the work. Now they are taking on those things themselves and the ideas are all their own and they still enjoy the work and the pleasure of ministering to others! Praise the Lord!
I think this might be my favorite picture from the whole day, though. It really epitomizes the Challenge and the trainers. I love how they cheer each other on and even help each other. I really love how the trainers who have been in it for a long time are so welcoming and supportive.
Don't forget to check out Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue if you're looking for a good horse. They can also give you a list of trainers if you need some help. http://www.blazesequinerescue.com
Speaking of adult children growing up and adding zeal to ideas, I helped move Sarah to her new part-time place yesterday. I can't even tell you how hard that was for me. I could not have done it if I wasn't absolutely sure it was the right thing to do. She is interning for a campaign and will be living near headquarters 4 days out of the week. Can you even believe it?
At least she's only an hour away. Abby's summer internship is a whole state away! Ugh! While there's a huge part of me that would love to keep them little forever, there's also a great joy in watching them take flight. They are strong arrows and I couldn't be more proud of them all!
"As arrows in the hands of a mighty warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:4-5
