My weekend with Maxine was much different than in years past. She'd cut her leg in a food-grabbing stunt the month before, and I just wasn't sure that she'd be ready for the show.Playing it safe, I entered her in the In-Hand class only. This turned out to be a wise decision. By the weekend of the show, she was doing well on her own, but I didn't yet want to put my weight on her--especially over those steep hills and drop-downs.
On the first day we entered the ring and made our way through the course. Always the trooper, Maxine explored the trail with ease. We ended the first day in first place!
Our second day didn't go quite as well. On one particular obstacle we were required to cross a ditch. Unfortunately, the ditch wasn't a long one and, convinced it was safer to take the flatter, safer route, she didn't cross the ditch cleanly. Still we forged ahead. We didn't finish in first place that day, but we remained near the top of the pack.
On the third day, I was convinced that we'd tumbled to the bottom of the standings. I thought that Maxine was pushy and rushed over the obstacles. Of course, I always think this and I'm glad to say I'm often wrong. At the end of the day, I found out that I was in the top five. I'd have to wait until the next morning's award ceremony to find out my final standing.
The next morning, I was a wee bit nervous. Before the ceremony, I sang the National Anthem for the crowd. Then I headed down to take Maxine into the ring to await the results. It was a long wait, but they finally got to my class. Mark, the announcer, said that the top three placings were separated by a mere three points. Maxine and I placed third! The horses that placed first and second are stellar In-Hand animals and I was happy to place with such good competition.
Personal observation: However, I can't honestly say that I wasn't disappointed. This was the first year that buckles were handed out at the show. I've never won a buckle and I'm dying to do so. I know there's always next time, but dang it. If I hadn't let Maxine blow that ditch, (we got a six for that obstacle) we would've placed first. I know what I'll be doing this winter--digging a ditch so we can practice, practice, practice.
Of course, no matter what we place, I'm very proud of my girl--we always get a lot of praise from judges, fellow competitors, and spectators alike. I am so happy to be part of a show where nearly everyone is friendly, thoughtful of one another, and genuinely supportive and pleased when other competitors do well. Their support encourages me to continually improve my skills so that I continue to rise to the top in my classes. I always compete with a smile on my face because I truly enjoy these competitions.
Photo: Maxine and I compete in the In-Hand Open class at the Mountain Trail Competition.
