LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 102...Amazing Opportunity

Yesterday I began my new endeavor as an OFFICIAL WRITER!!!  I got up a little later than I meant to get up and began to get ready for my new job.  I had not been to the Tennessee Miller Colliseum aka TMC in years.  I couldn't even remember how to get there.  Pulling in between the two long rows of white fence it was coming back to me.  I found a place to park where I would be out of the way and began to walk around to get reacquainted with the facility.  Once I checked in with the show office I had full permission to go anywhere.  After I realized the fun event was the night before and the more interesting events wouldn't begin until later in the afternoon, I made my way to my second assignment.
I headed down the road towards a facility I had never heard of before and found myself in Thompson Station, TN.  This facility is easily the nicest facility I have ever stepped into during my entire career of being around horses.  This barn had the largest stalls I have ever seen.  It also had a gift shop...not even kidding, that is where I had to check in for the day.
I was greeted with great enthusiasm and welcomed.  I conducted my interview with Ralph Hill.  Now, I won't deny I didn't know this gentleman, and ran some questions by him which would give me a basis on his methods.  Apparently since I knew the lingo and must have spoken like I knew what I was talking about (ahhhh...20 years of equestrian experience and my equine science degree is paying off) he connected with me.  This lead to a few extra minutes of his time and what began to seem a bit of mutual respect.
Since I have done jumping myself I understand the travel pattern of jumping.  I also understand very well where that horse will go if things do not go well.  This gave me an advantage of where to stand to obtain the best photos for the day for the article.
I stayed longer than I wanted so I could obtain the photos I was really after - the warm up portion was good, but this was a jumping clinic.  Therefore, I wanted some horses going over those fences. 
After I got what I needed I headed back to the first arena.  I lucked out and the trail class was in progress.  No offense to anyone out there who shows halter horses, but it is about as exciting as watching paint dry.  The trail class was in progress and I was able to get pretty up close and personal to these horses and riders as they competed.  I had seen the practice of the pattern earlier, so I knew which way the horses would be going. 
I got my shots and I wrapped it up for the day.
Once back in Nashville, and back at the house, I felt a need to check my tires.  What a surprise to see my back passenger tire had become so worn down small little meal pieces were beginning to show through.  By the grace of God I had been kept safe so I could get to those arenas and back.  This truly justified that God is at work here making something quiet amazing happen for me with my writing.

Riding arena in Thompson Station, TN