Pony of the Americas Club, Inc.

October 2007

Shalene’s POA Years

Wow, it’s hard to believe that my final year of showing as a youth has come. It seems like just yesterday that I brought home my first POA back in 1995. Her name was WSF Tough Chick aka Toughie. She got me started in 8 & under and through my first two years of showing. We went to the World Show in 1996 where we placed 10th in Handy Horse. I was so excited. Then we bought Mr. QT Cash. He was the cutest little halter pony but just wasn’t going to work for me as an all around pony so Mitch, who was doing lead-line at the time, took over the reins. Those two made a good match. We searched for a new mount for me and finally came upon Bobby Sox Plaudit. I don’t think I need to do any explaining as to how wonderful he is. He taught me how to love showmanship, jumping, and patterns. Together we learned how to game. Bob and I along with my gaming pony at the time Hershey went to our first International in 2000 and we cam home with our first International High Point. We won the High Point Rider award and a saddle. We never looked back after that show.  We showed everybody that you can teach an old dog new tricks. Martha Josey said Bob would never run, well we proved her wrong. Bob is one of those POA’s that only comes around once in a lifetime. Bob I don’t know how to thank you enough for everything you have taught. Even in your last performance of your life u gave it all you had. It was hard for me to stand in the arena and watch as you were in pain. We made it through that together and we are finally on the road to recovery. Hershey I know many people don’t remember you but you were always a blast to run. You have some big shoes to fill at the last Indiana show, as I will be gaming him as one last hurrah since Bob will not be able to compete. I hope Bob and Hershey will enjoy their retirement along with Crusaders Prince.

I want to thank everyone who has made my POA experience a wonderful one. Thank you to The McKenzie’s for allowing me to show RBR Gynormous Buns aka Moose. He has been a pleasure to show this year. Also I would like to thank the Dykstra’s for allowing me to show RY Major Equity two years in a row with great success. He is truly a pleasure to ride. Thank you to Ron and Nancy Meyer for allowing us to purchase Loud MacCloud from you at the 2004 Sale. Thanks to Sarai Banister for coaching me through my Equitation patterns this year. Thanks for hauling me to the Mid-America Regional and returning to the International to help us try to pack up after you heard what had happened to Bob. Thank you to John, Jackie, and Jamie Carr for showing my mom what POA’s were without you guys I would never have been introduced to such a wonderful breed. As I ride my way to the end of my youth years, but not the end of my POA career, I would like to thank everyone who gave me these wonderful memories that I will cherish forever. Look for me in JPFC with The Stars and Spots Kid aka Nemo and Boston’s Cowboy Cadillac.

Shalene Shingleton