Off on a Whim to Navasota, Texas

We were looking for months, yes MONTHS, to find the perfect pony for Sierra. As she has gotten into showing more, we decided to buy a more competitive pony. Pepper was also getting too small for her. So, we started looking...and looking...and looking. Sierra's teacher and her daughter, Diana and Lindsey, spent a lot of time helping us. But, we were being picky. We wanted a big pony that was an all around pony, meaning that he could show western pleasure, but also do english, and jumping, and gaming, and still trail with us. Everytime we thought we found one, there was something not so perfect whether it was the way it moved, an injury, or the temperament of the pony. And, so we kept looking. When talking about how long we looked, Diana gave Sierra quite the compliment when she told me that she was being extra picky for Sierra because she sees a lot of potential in her.

Well, I showed up one Thursday morning to my lesson and Diana was all excited about an ad for a pony for sale that came in the mail the day before. She knew the pony. She knew the family. She loved the way they train their ponies. I was excited to see Diana so excited. As soon as I got home I called the owner. I talked to Cindy for about an hour. Buster sounded perfect. Within 24 hours, we were making plans to go pick up this special pony. (Yes, we are a little spontaneous.) We thought it was only going to be a 12 hour ride so we made plans to go there one day and come home the next. Unfortunately, it ended up being a much longer drive but Buster is sooooo worth it.

At first, Todd said I couldn't take a picture because he didn't want me to blog about it for the whole world to see:). I guess he thought he lost his mancard. You see...we ran out of gas at one point. Todd was a little embarrassed to say the least. But, we found out that it was a 110 mile scretch with no gas services. There was no sign stating that. When a man came froma local company to deliver us 5 gallons of gas, he proceeded to tell us that they deliver gas to people in that area THREE times a day...sometimes even FIVE!!! Maybe they are the ones who took down the sign:). jk I guess that made Todd feel more human and that it was okay he ran out of gas. Yes, Todd, you still have your mancard. Shoot. You earned an extra card just for driving us all the way to Navasota, TX (ended up being 18 hours there and 21 back).
We arrived in Navasota about 3 am. Todd got three hours of sleep because we woke up at 6:30 to meet the new pony at 7. I think we went to heaven to find him. Isn't this place gorgeous?! Acres and acres of green grass and big trees. LOVED IT.

Sierra was definitely in heaven.

Meet Buster - aka Shameless Tough Bounce. A seven year old Buckskin POA that is perfect. He does it all. He is so easy going. He's beautiful. Since I am so behind in posting, we have actually had him for about three weeks. LOVE HIM!

Meet the Farringtons - Rod, Cindy, Joel and Jason. They are a wonderful family with a beautiful home. And, like Diana told me, the boys know how to train ponies. We were lucky that they were willing to sell us Buster. Sierra will be able to go far on him. Thanks to the Farringtons for letting us buy him.
After feeding us a very yummy breakfast (what wonderful Texas hospitality, huh?!), Joel started out riding Buster and showing Sierra how to cue him. Then, he walked around with her, coaching her, as she gave it a try. (Sierra needs to learn to ride him as he is a much different pony than Pepper. And, she will be competing in classes that she has never done before. It will be a good challenge for her.)
I think it looks like a match made in heaven...especially considering the place we picked him up from:).
Buster has not competed since the 2008 Internationals so he needs to get back in shape, but he sure looks great to me.

Here a whip is being cracked right by his head, as he continues to do his job. We are excited to have Buster. We are excited for the future that lies ahead for Sierra. She is aiming for the 2010 Internationals next summer! Good luck Sierra and Thanks again to the Farringtons!