hmmmm. Sadly, we went to this show SIX months ago. I am so far behind it is quite pitiful. But, I am catching up this week!!! My memory stinks, but I usually save Sierra's show sheet with the results. Of course, that is the only show where I can't find the paper for. I'll have to rely on my memory.
The Forth Worth Stock Show is a higher level of competition than our local P.O.A. shows. I think people that travel to out of state shows are usually pretty good. Otherwise, they wouldn't waste their time or money.
At this point, Sierra had owned Buster for about four months. We didn't think she was at this level yet, but her teacher thought it would be a good experience for her. It would be good to see the girls that ride how Sierra should ride... in time. I told Sierra going into it to expect that, but I think deep down one just naturally hopes to do better.
So, Sierra and I went to Fort Worth, TX. It was a very humbling experience for her. The classes are usually larger in size at these bigger shows, but for some reason the turnout was very small this year. That fact helped Sierra out in the end!
On the first day, the western classes were held. There were five girls in Sierra's age group. Now this is where my memory fades on the details. Overall, Sierra placed last in most classes...but since there were only 5, she got 5th place, which still earned her "points". She did have some classes where she did better. It seems like trail was 2nd or 3rd...which was GREAT because it was the FIRST time she ever competed in the class EVER. I can't remember much more. Overall, she was one sad little girl.... many tears. She was so frustrated. But, her teacher calmly told her to "watch" the other girls and pointed out what she needed to learn to do.
The second day were english classes and gaming. Pretty much the same thing happened. Although in jumping, I believe only her and one other girl jumped the course. So, she earned second (remember that gets her more points). The same thing happened in the english classes - mostly 5th, but occasionally she earned a 2nd or 3rd for which we were very pleases considering the competition.
When it came to gaming, she was the ONLY one in her age group. Can I say cuz she is gutsy! She may still need to work on the showing classes on holding her hands and legs "quiet", but she is an awesome rider when she is just out there having fun, gaming, racing, trail riding, etc. Her balance is wonderful. Well, or course, she earned FIRST place in all five gaming classes ...which gave her more "points". And, since we keep track of her times, we knew she also bettered her times in a couple of classes. So, that was a high note for the trip. Buster's former owners were there also. It was great to see them and they had some helpful tips as well.
At the end of the show, points are totaled. Sierra won the High Point Belt Buckle for her age division... because she tried/competed in all the classes she could. She was thrilled. It made the whole trip worthwhile and she felt better about all those 5th places. Overall, she did learn a lot. And since I am actually writing this 6 mos. after the show, I can tell you now she has become a much better rider since then. Her teacher really thinks it made a difference when she watcher those other, higher level riders. We'll see at her next big, out-of-state show!
Sierra and the belt buckle that made the trip worthwhile:).
Sierra and Cindy (Buster's former owner and one of the sweetest ladies around)
Sierra with the three older girls that came to compete from AZ (Lindsay, Katie, and April) along with Diana, the teacher/trainer.
Sierra and her love:)
Since it was a stock show, we also got to walk around to other areas where other types of animals were being judged. Sierra was determined to find a way to get this little guy home with us.
There was a carnival in the evening, so one night we went on a few rides together. It was a fun mother-daughter trip.
We don't get up to the ski slopes often enough. Twice is pretty lucky. We only made it up there once this past winter but we had a great time overall. Todd and I took the older three up toe Snowbowl in Flagstaff for a day of skiing. I think it was about their 4th time going (for Sierra and Zane. Lance has gone more with friends) Sierra was a little frustrated when we took her up to the top the first time, so we decided to get off in the middle the rest of the day. I think they improved. Of course, a fav. of the trip is the Hot Chocolate:). Poor Wes got left behind, but I know he had a lot of fun at his cousins.
