May
2009 — View as PDF
IT’S MUCH MORE THAN A TRAILER
RACE...
After years of plunking around on my old Arab, it was
decided you could get your own
horse. “Mom, I want a horse that can jump and do
barrels.” At 8 years old you were certain
of the requirements. You had just begun riding lessons
with Laura Verink. “What kind of
horse can do that at a show?” I asked. Laura immediately
replied, “You need a POA.” “A
PO what?” I said.
We arrived at the Richmond house in Michigan. As you
stepped out of the car, one
hairy, chubby, ear backed pony whined and galloped across
the pasture to greet you.
Debbie later told me at that moment her heart sank, Sabey
had picked his girl.
Being a less experienced POA family, we have heard
over and over again the value of
showing a POA. Sarah, I’m taking this opportunity to remind you of a few
lessons you’ve
learned this past year.
Believe in yourself. In 2007 you received your first
National Standing at the
Convention. On the way home you asked me if you could
try for a few more certificates your last year in 9-12.
Of course
I said yes.
Consistency has its rewards. You are not always first,
but you are consistent. Not all of us are rocket scientists;
some
of us show up for work, keep showing up, and keep getting
the job done. After all yellow is my favorite color.
Always be prepared for bad weather. After six tornadoes,
countless thunderstorms, and one snowstorm, we learned
the
safest place in Allegan is the bathroom; dogs are allowed
in rest area buildings during an emergency and that annoying
beep, beep, beep from the radio isn’t always a
test.
Stick to your studies. As long as you’re on the
honor roll, yes you can get out of school early on Friday
to go to a horse show. When you play all weekend, yes
you still have to go to school on Monday.
Looks aren’t everything. Your new pony Cash will
never be a beauty, but just like Sabey you felt an instant
connection to him. Yes he has a big head, but I know
his heart and trot are even
bigger.
Time with your family is priceless. Mid summer diesel
was 5.09 in the Chicago area. We had the gas and mileage discussion.
After 28 miles you
realized I had just spent 10.00 dollars and we had 200
miles left. I turned
up the radio and we began talking of something else.
Always remember your manners. A special thanks to your
Grandma
and Grandpa for their support. Thanks Cole Richmond for
sharing your
beloved Sabey and Ken Brooks for approving of the match.
Laura Verink
thanks for all the lessons. Kelly and Clay Cannon thanks
for helping us at
the shows from patterns to
grooming. Cody and Austin we
love showing with you and welcome Sydney! Nancy and Duane
Strunk thanks for
reminding me why I do this just when I needed it most!
At home, SAP thanks for
the rides to the barn (your always welcome for dinner)
and Janna for being a great
friend and neighbor. Thank you Joey for supporting Sarah
and we’ll be there
for
you at the McClay.
I’ll always be proud of you. A year full of winnings,
fun and hard work we had.
I’m proud of all your accomplishments. You’re
the best navigator and traveling
buddy ever. I’m proud of you whether in the ring
or not, bathing your pony or
packing the trailer, whether winning or losing, or just
helping me do the laundry
so we can take to the road to attend yet another POA
show.
Good luck to you and all POA members in 2009.
As Nancy Strunk says in Illinois, First place and Congratulations
goes to
number 309 Sarah Boxer and Sabres Lil Dust of Luck for
9-12 Showmanship, 9-12 Bareback, 9-12 English Equation,
9-12 Western Horsemanship, Trail, Western
and English Pleasure Ridden by a Girl, 9-12 Equation
Traveling Trophy; Second
Place Reining; Third Place Western Riding, Senior Western
and English Pleasure
and Large Geldings; 7th Overall in the Nation.
Love,
Mom
|
Pony Of The Americas Club, Inc.