This morning I woke up and got myself ready to head to Bowling Green, KY. A short trip of 45 minutes as it is not that far from the border when you cross into Kentucky from Tennessee.
Imagine my surprise after being there an hour or so taking photos of the different classes, when I was greeted with warmth and kindness. Erica had left to run an errand, and one of the show staff kindly arranged for me to speak to one of their trainers competing this week. While waiting on him to arrive I began talking to a young competitor who was attending her first World Show.
The one thing I noticed about this horse show is its focus on the horse and its well being. Second comes the kindness to strangers and the welcoming feeling you get just by displaying an interest in their event. I was fortunate to observe something I have never seen at a horse show before. A young girl, very tiny little pumpkin head, was riding her horse in the trail class. She was little, but determined to do her best. You could see the expression of "I'm gonna do this" on her face. When she rode into the panels and turned her horse to side step to the gate, her little legs fought and fought to get this horse to step. The horse was trying to understand its small rider, and after much effort the horse began to get closer and closer to the gate. Unfortunately the regulation whistle blew, she had taken too much time. One of the female judges jumped up and said, "wait, this is a learning opportunity" and dashed over to the young girl. This woman helped this young rider work through the pattern, opened the gate for her so she could ride through, then encouraged her to finish the pattern. I put the camera down and watched in amazement and joined in with those who were left in applauding her effort. Once outside the arena I made my way to her and said, "good job in there, you didn't give up, that is what matters". She may never remember the stranger in boots, jeans and a camera who said that to her, however, she will remember to never give up.
There is something special about the American Ranch Horse Association. There is definitely a different approach to competition and attitude towards your fellow rider. The trainer I spoke to today, who was from Indiana, told me, "I have seen where someone's horse has come up lame, and a competitor will speak up saying, 'Go get my horse out of the stall, you are gonna ride my horse'".
With focus on the love of the animal, enjoyment of competition and family values I think they are on to something here. Considering the growth of this organization has doubled in the past three years alone, this 11 year old organization shows no signs of stopping.
It is weird for me to walk the show grounds of these shows while I am out getting a story. I once walked various show grounds as a young girl admiring the horses, to someone who was showing, training and then on the business side of the events. Now, I walk the familiar barns, smell the familiar odor of straw, shavings, horses, show sheen, on a different side. The side of someone who is trying to find an angle to cover the show in written form. I guess God's plan for me is to be involved with horses once again. Apparently His work was not done with me in the equestrian world. I am incredibly grateful I have been blessed with this opportunity so I can utilize my experience, knowledge, and degree in horses in my writing.
It has been a dream of mine to travel with my writing and photography. I may only be covering Middle Tennessee and now Kentucky in my work, but I will gladly take it! Thank you God for this blessing!! Please know I am thankful and grateful!
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