What a Ride!

 

Janice Wood Schoonover of Gold Creek deserves center stage this morning. 

She's a World Champion. 

I think her daughter Danielle may not be far behind after their recent success in Fort Worth, Tex.  

The two took their horses to compete in their first ever "bright-lights, big-stage" horse show. 

It's called the Appaloosa Worlds, and when they rolled into their home at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch yesterday, a World Champion trophy came with them. 

Riding her colorful gelding Ned aka Get Smart on Friday, Janice won her championship in Novice Non-pro Ranch Rail Pleasure.

 She also took a first place the Appaloosa Ranch Horse Association first-place novice non-pro Ranch rail pleasure sweepstakes.

Danielle, riding Fawn aka Palis Little Smarty,  won a couple of Top Ten Ribbons and earned finalist status in two classes. 

Together, with husband and dad Roley, the mother and daughter set off for Texas two weeks ago in hopes of fulfilling a dream but never dreaming that they would come home with a World Champion status. 

Well, dreams do come true, and, along with them horse show loot, new fancy engraved jackets and a whole bunch of hugs and cheers from friends and family at trip's end. 

Janice, Danielle and Roley returned yesterday to a quickly organized welcoming committee. 

Turns out they pulled in to Danielle's home before the cheering committee got organized on Gold Creek Road, but that was okay.

It was still fun greeting them as they brought the truck, the trailer and all the loot back to the lodge. 

I'm sure they slept well last night, and that there will be many sweet dreams and memories to savor in future years about this monumental experience. 

Congrats to all. 

                                                  ----Courtesy Photo from the Show

The champ and her family and friends. 

Seated:  Danielle Schoonover Otis and Janice Wood Schoonover.  Janice's granddaughter Emily Otis, right. 

Standing:  Sherry DeRosier, Landon Otis, Amy Peterson, Barb Rhodes, Roley Schoonover, Kim Dana, Zeke Schoonover, Isaac Schoonover, Laurie Tibbs, Barbara Tibbs and Gabe Otis. 

Libby Schoonover was not in the photo because she was off doing some filming for a movie.  

Danielle and her hubby Landon. 

Janice's grandson Zeke rides horses and bikes. 

Always a proud and patient Roley. 

The Wood family brand on the barn at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. 

Chit chat among the fans. 

Two babies. 

Some of the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch horse herd in a large field below the Lodge amidst November color.