 July
2007
Laurel White
It’s hard to imagine what life would’ve
been like if there hadn’t been ponies. I’ve
found that, now that I’m away at college, I can’t
experience much of anything without some sort of pony-comparison.
I’m seeing everything through a lens of 11 years
of spring-training, summer-showing, winter-missing pony
experience. I can’t look at things the way others
do…There will never be another long distance trip
that isn’t compared to trips to the International
in Tulsa or the Stock Horse Show. Heat advisories, wind
chills, and tornadoes are nothing when I don’t
have a pony by my side. And all-nighters studying simply
can’t compare to showing Senior English Pleasure
at 1:15 in the morning at Gordyville. What I’m
saying, I suppose, is that ponies have instilled within
in me not just obvious things - work ethic, self esteem… -
but a pretty unique sense of adventure. Those sleepy,
sore moments are some of my life’s fondest and
most wonderful memories. I’ve been through quite
a lot with my family, friends, and ponies…and
I can’t imagine building a life any other way.
All
That Jazz was the first, arriving when I was eight years
old. Jazz, pretty simply, taught me how to eat a little
dirt and, eventually, how to stick. Jack Straw was my
first junior pony; we fought the battles of bosals and
learning equitation patterns together (sometimes as enemies,
sometimes friends). JBJ’s
Snow Angel, my brother Dave’s hand-me-down, was an absolute angel, a complete
pleasure to own and show (she was an English and Showmanship machine!) Ebony
Straw was, and still is, my hero. Silver Slam filled Eddy’s incalculably
big shoes like the champion he is. Each pony was my friend and partner through
a new phase in life, I have many fond memories of dusty lessons at Tom’s,
Fourth of July’s at home in Danvers, and relaxing between classes with
each of them; they are the best teachers I’ve ever had, and am lucky to
have had each one of them.
The people along the way have made this journey incredibly
special. I’d
like to thank any family who ever sold me a pony…that’d be Pelligrini’s,
Carlson’s, Foster’s, Quigley’s, and Jacobs’. Illinois
families…you are a hard-working group constantly pursuing excellence,
thank you for providing such a competitive and professional environment to show
in. Bannings – Jamie, thanks for being such a good friend and a tireless
role-model. Musselmans – it’s been an absolute pleasure to witness
you guys join and flourish in the POA family. Everyone – see my friend
Meg to breed to this little stud called The Silver Kid. I hear he has nice babies… J
To Tom Walmsley and Cathy Harner…you guys took me from a chubby little
girl on a chubby little pony racing around the ring to someone who can (usually)
look like more than a sack of potatoes. Thanks for withstanding the hot summer
sun and freezing winters to teach me how to post, jump, collect, and make nice,
round, circles. You’ve never failed to believe in me, dust me off, or challenge
me to grow. To Kenny O’Hara – thanks for
the boot polishings, tail-brushings and for taking such
wonderful care of my ponies at Rocky Lane Farm.
I am
incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful family. To
my grandparents, Dale and Maxine, thank you for sharing
the experience with us. To my brother, Dave, thanks for
accompanying me for the first few years of this pony
extravaganza, for tightening the girths, riding the ponies
when I got dropped in the dirt, and for reminding me,
as always, you’re the cool one.
I’m not sure how to thank you, Mom and Dad. I don’t think I’ll
ever be able to express how much these eleven years have meant to me. You’ve
sacrificed your sleep, your money, and your vacations so I could play with ponies
and try to be good at it. You are incredibly selfless, so generous, and the most
supportive, caring people I know. Dad – thanks for learning how to drive
a gooseneck, for being the steady and reliable transport (and emotional support),
and for taping everything, even though you weren’t exactly sure about leads,
diagonals, and all that crazy stuff. Mom – thank
you for being my trainer, my groom, my personal assistant,
my (impeccable) pony-picker and my motivation, you care
for these ponies with all of your heart, they and I have
flourished because of you.
I know that the memories I’ve made in this crazy
journey will never fade, and for that I’m truly
thankful. I hope to come back again someday for more.
Until then, enjoy the dirt, the mud, the bumps, bruises,
ribbons and Vaseline pony-kisses on your clean Showmanship
jackets. J I’ll see you soon.
Love,
Laurel
Cover Photo by Photography by Lee www.photographybylee.com |
Pony Of The Americas Club, Inc.