Looking Back: Tulsa Time

 

It won't be long, and those gorgeous aspen will be naked for several months. 

For now, they're still providing some glorious scenes, even with the rain.

When I think of how dusty and blah the scenes around here were just a couple of months ago, I'm thankful to see rain rejuvenating the fields and washing off the dust so we can enjoy fall color at its best. 

Many have commented on what a beautiful autumn we've had, and I would agree. It's been breath-taking pretty  for some time. 

In other news, this morning I've already been watching a horse show in Tulsa.  Barbara has ridden in the finals of Western Trail Amateur Owner to Ride. 

As I write, she sits in second place.  

So, for the next several minutes, we're all in "fingers crossed" mode.  More horses will be going through the pattern, but maybe we'll know the results before I publish.

And, since you're learning this news in real time, I'll report that she just got bumped out of second place.

  A Top Ten ribbon at Nationals carries with it significant pride. Plus, it's a beautiful ribbon to display on the exhibitor's stall front.  Barbara has already earned one of those in Tulsa, and it's looking very much like maybe she'll have a second one. 

In the meantime, my sisters and Roxzene have benefitted visually from a photographer moving about the horse show taking candid shots. 

Pretty neat scenes in the horse show photos below.

  I'm guessing that the photo of Barbara, Laurie and Dusty occurred either before or after the showmanship class Friday night where Barbara earned a Top Ten.

 

Now, as I publish, it's official!

Let me note that  in these classes precision is paramount in every move made from the moment the contestant begins the pattern.  

The most insignificant wavering of perfection in following the pattern and executing each means a deduction on the score. 

The work and time devoted toward perfection, especially between human and horse never ends.

 Often in these national classes what looks to the untrained eye as "pretty good" can be a completely different story to the critical eye of a judge. 

At nationals, five judges evaluate the performance.  The high and low scores are thrown out, and the rest are averaged for the final score.

Therefore, riders can be assured that their performance has been thoroughly evaluated. 

Barbara's composite score for two rides was 417 for 

 Barbara, Laurie and Roxzene have several more classes over the next few days, so lots more fun to come as they spend their "Tulsa Time" living out their dreams.

Good luck, ladies.      

Barbara, Laurie and Dusty. 

Barbara riding Dusty.

Roxzene riding Eddy. 

Laurie and Kevin's horse Siri.
 

When it's pouring rain, Elton Anderson's horses know where to hang out. 

The trees in the field west of our former home on Great Northern Road have grown up over the past 15 years, blocking views of the yard. 

This trail used to be our driveway to our home on Great Northern Road. 

Below:  my 2021 pumpkin crop.  It wasn't very impressive, but it is what it is, and the pumpkins will be ready, along with the primrose, for Halloween visitors.

Speaking of pumpkins, I think I'll make my annual visit to Hickey Farms today where there will be pumpkins galore, as well as a whole lot of other family-oriented fun. 

Happy Sunday.