Pony of the Americas Club, Inc.

February 2007

Melissa Waterman

My journey began at the age of three, with my first pony, candy. At eight I started riding my first P.O. A.; Gypsy’s Dandy Doll (Lottie) and took her to my first world show in 1999. In 2001 I began showing Holliday Skid Boots, in 2003 we chased points all over the northwest, it’s definitely the year that allowed me to realize my potential; I was awarded with numerous year ends including; pony of the year, 13-18 all around, and sportsmanship. In 2004 I rode with the Burtons for a summer and came home with TXS an Obvious Chip (Jack); he was the horse that pushed me to become a better, more consistent rider and a harder worker. In 2006 I had the opportunity to show TNE Real Dynamite (Dino), I rode him for the first time at the Fort Worth Stock show then brought him home and began the work that then led me to earning six international titles; which included first place under all three judges in the 13-18 western pleasure. I would like to thank Erin Brown and Jayme & Dwayne Senkel for the opportunity to ride Dino. This is my last year as a youth, but definitely not the end of my journey. I will be showing Dino again this year and hope to go out with a bang. I know that I wouldn’t be where I am now without the help and endless support that I have received from those around me. Pat Burton has been incredible these last few years; the things that he has shared with me are irreplaceable. Pat will always be in my heart just as I know he will always be there for me. Kristen Fears has become a good friend and will always be an important person in my life; thanks for everything. My family has been the most important on this journey; without their endless support and encouragement it’s obvious that I would not be where I am today. My mother and I have spent hundreds of hours together driving across the states to make sure that I was showing; she always put me in front of all the things she may have wanted to do. I have recently realized that my show career and accomplishments often came as sacrifices by the rest of the family, thank you. My dads support is unlike any other; when he couldn’t come with us on the road he would call throughout the trip to see how I was doing, and always made sure that I had everything needed to go to town. Of all the accomplishments I’ve had, they don’t even compare to the smile my mom gets and the pride that shines from my dad. To know that they stand behind me, that they believe in me and that they will always be there is the greatest feeling that a young woman can ever have. My time as a youth in this organization is irreplaceable; the people that I have met, the horses that I have had the opportunity to ride and the accomplishments that I have earned will be with me forever.

Melissa Waterman