At the Horse Show

 

It was the fulfillment of a dream.

Throughout our lives come moments where our long-awaited dreams come true.  

That often happens with horses---with an emphasis on the "long-awaited."  

Yesterday, almost four years after the fact, I knew there was a reason I had caught a chance glimpse of that little bay baby with the four white stockings, snoozing in a stall at Ravenwood Arabians in Ronan, Mont. 

I always told people, after purchasing CB, that I didn't know why I bought him, cuz I sure didn't need another horse. 

There's been no regret, though, cuz the little baby grew up and turned into a full-fledged horse.  Along the way he has offered a special charm to pretty much everyone he's met----even other horses. 

Yesterday, however, brought the dream into reality. As usual, it takes a village for these young'uns to work toward their potential.  

For CB, who's named for a rather amazing, charismatic football coach Cazzie Brown who left us much too soon,  mentoring has come from a team of family members, farriers and a gifted, determined trainer and teacher named Mary Marienau.

The results:  a second place ribbon in his first horse show class ever along with the absolute thrill that this young horse has the temperament, the looks and the training to continue on the road to becoming a beautiful saddle horse. 

The pure enjoyment already derived from CB with his laid-back but showman-oriented personality has been ongoing, but yesterday's proof of the pudding in his training and his potential made for a very happy day. 

Thanks to all who love, teach and believe in CB.  My heart and longtime love for beautiful horses beat with joy yesterday. 

It was a fun day at the show watching my sisters' horses do well in their classes along with horses belonging to other friends. 

Today, more fun comes with CB and with family involvement.  

Today is Annie's day to return to the horse show arena after at least 25 years, riding Lily.

 And, with luck, I'll make it through the "old-people's" class on my beloved Appaloosa mare. 

Barbara and Laurie also will be riding in several classes throughout the day. 

One more little snippet.  Our mother died eight years ago during the Spots of Fun Horse Show weekend.  We always think of Mother and my stepfather Harold during this show, and we sponsor a special award in Harold's memory. 

I kinda thought about divine intervention yesterday after CB's first class when I opened my phone to text Bill and a picture popped up on the screen from seemingly nowhere. 

There's probably a plausible explanation, but I'll stick with the divine intervention theory.  

I remember the time the picture was taken, but I don't even recall ever seeing this photo before. 

It was my mother!

As always, she's keeping track of the family horse activity, and I think she may be quite pleased. 

Happy Sunday.  Enjoy the photos.   

Mary's very capable and quiet assistant, her husband Donny.