 September 2006
Libbey Richardson
I can’t believe
it’s over. It’s hard to put into words, everything
that I feel about my time spent in the Pony Of the Americas
Club. Whether riding or watching, ponies turned out to
be a huge part of my life. My first memories of the POA shows were not of
ponies at all. In fact, I’m not sure I even saw the ponies all around me.
Rather, I could be found running along horse trails and playing with Maddie and
Kenzie Daniels and Ashley Fisher. The four of us would disappear during games
until we could hear the announcer (usually Jan Daniels) say, “Maddie and
Kenzie, you’re in big trouble if you miss your class again.” We did
have lots of fun! After 11 anti-pony years, I finally decided to
join my big sisters, Amanda and Laura, in the show ring. In the fall of 1997,
my mom, my sister, Tom Walmsley and Tammie Incarnato went to the sale in Des
Moines to find me a pony. I only tried out one pony at the sale. His name was “Crusaders
Prince.” Thank you Tammy for increasing the bid to make sure my mom made
the purchase. I went home with my first pony “Prince.” My first lessons with Tom and Cathy Harner were
pretty scary. Tom was telling me to lope. I thought he must be crazy! Then Cathy
thought there was no time like the present to see if he would jump. Even if he
would, I wasn’t sure I could. That winter was busy trying to get Prince
and I caught up to all the other kids my age. Prince was gentle and took very
good care of me. We were quite a pair. During my last year in 9-12 it became
obvious to everyone but me that I was quickly outgrowing Prince. By the end of
my three short years with Prince, I was hooked on POAs. My last summer with Prince was spent searching
for a larger pony. I dreaded every moment of it. While I was at the Midwest Regional,
Tom convinced me to try out a big white gelding named JN Gold Image. I was less
than thrilled at the idea of showing a pony other than Prince, and what happened
next did little to ease my mind. While I was riding him a huge storm rolled in
and he reared and I decided he was not for me. Later in the summer we were at
the Wisconsin International where I rode several more ponies, including Image,
who we gave another chance. Against my advice, my parents bought this pony who
had me scared to death. In the fall I watched Shingletons leave with my beloved “Prince.” I
was upset to see him go because I was sure he was the “one and only” pony
for me. Luckily, Mitch Shingleton and his family gave Prince a wonderful home,
and I began to cope with my loss. Now I had to begin a new partnership with the
pony my sister was calling “white lightning.” At first, I didn’t
like Image, but after a few months, how could I not like him? He turned out to
be a bomb-proof six-year-old gelding with a heart of Gold. By show season, I
was in love. Image had become the next “only pony for me.” Ever since,
Image and I have been as close as a horse and rider can be. Image is truly my
best friend, even more, he is a part of my family. I love you Image, you are
truly a once in a lifetime pony. This brings me to thanking EVERYONE who has given
me so much in the past nine years: I would first like to thank my mom and dad.
I can’t even comprehend everything you two have given up to allow us girls
to show for nineteen years. I cannot imagine even going to nineteen years of
horse shows! Thank you both so much and I love you dearly. To all my sisters,
thank you for all of your support. Amanda and Laura, I never would have decided
to ride if I hadn’t looked up to you two so much. Amanda, thanks for always
calling and asking how the horse shows are going (and trash talking the people
who are beating me). You always make me laugh when I need it. Laura, thank you
for fighting with me and ten minutes later giving me a piggy back ride like nothing
ever happened. Most of the POA club must think we hate each other from how much
we’ve fought, but nothing could be farther from the truth. And Melissa,
even though you never showed, you were always lending a hand at the shows and
I really appreciate all you do. Maddie, I am so lucky to have met you and you
will always be my best friend. POAs have bonded us in a way that can never be
separated. Kenzie, you are also one of my closest friends and I wish you and
Maddie all of the luck in the world in your final years as youth riders. Remember
to always appreciate your family and ponies because this is all over faster than
you realize. Thank you to the Shingletons for giving the pony I would never get
over a wonderful home. Kenny, you have always helped me so much with everything
I have every asked you for and even more than that. Thank you for all you do.
Thank you to the Daniels family who really is a second family to me, on the road
and at home. Thank you to Cathy Harner for turning Image into
a jumping machine and making me more than just a dope on a rope (lounge line).
I know I have been quite a challenge at times, and I appreciate all your help,
your cheering and your faith in me. That leaves me with only one person left
to thank. Tommy Wammy, thank you for being the best trainer
I could ask for. You were always there to tell me that a ride was good, even
if I didn’t place. And most of the time I even believed you. I know we
had our fair share of fights, but no matter what we say to each other, I know
we will make up in the end. You are an amazing trainer and friend. I can’t
believe I won’t ever be riding in a truck to another far away show with
you. Thank you for finding the two perfect ponies for me. If you had done a little
worse on picking Image out, maybe it wouldn’t be so hard to give him up.
But even after that, you are still one of my closest friends. Whether playing in the dirt while my sisters showed,
or competing in the arena on the perfect pony, the POA organization has given
me a childhood that dreams are made of. Once in a lifetime does some one get
to have the perfect parents, sisters, best friends, trainers and ponies. God
has truly blessed me.
Hoping you enjoy every minute,
Libbey Richardson |
Pony Of The Americas Club, Inc.