Simple Pleasures

In times such as these, it is so easy to get caught up in negativity. We worry about the economy or we worry about school or friends or finances. If you need to escape the worry for a little while, please take a moment to read the story below. It will remind you of why we all have horses in our lives. "Simple Freedom" was written by 13 year old Lauren Hickey who is taking riding lessons with Erin. Her usual mount is World Grand Champion Barb's Stormy Knight owned by Don and Nancy Copland. Lauren went home after a particularly enjoyable lesson and wrote her story in about 10 minutes. She is a strong competitor in the show ring and an excellent student. Enjoy . . .

Simple Freedom
By: Lauren Hickey

The breeze weaved through my hair and flowed around my face. A small expanse of fenced in blue grass stretched before me and my friend. I could hear his breathing as he tasted the air. There were no rules; we were allowed to roam the small pasture. Sensing his new freedom, my companion started into a brisk walk. I clutched the reins a bit tighter, but he knew this wasn’t a show ring. Soon, he sped up to a gait. Faster and faster he started to transform. I let him do as he pleased yet tried to stay in control. The longer we gaited around the small enclosed expanse of grass, the freer he felt. I could feel it too. I could feel the barely controlled excitement. I soaked in the sun and wind and forgot the worries of school and the world. All I knew, all we knew, all we cared about, was the perfect day. I slowed him down a bit, but he hated it. His instincts took over and all he wanted was to leap through the grass and race the wind. But years of training and being under the lead of humans became a shadow in his mind. Slowly, he transformed, right under the saddle. He hopped a bit, switching between the taught gait and a more natural canter. He battled for control. He strained against the bit, trying to become what he truly is; and I became the barrier he fought. I didn’t want that, and I let go a bit. He needed no more incentive. He gaited faster and faster, becoming stronger and stronger. We shared control now. No longer was he the focused, gentle show horse everyone knew. Instead, he became a creature of wind and ocean waves. He could barely be contained, even by his own body. The sweet breeze and warm sun opened a heavily locked door inside him and awoke something ancient. He awoke something that humans attempted to breed out of his race. He became his name, he became a storm. I became a simple passenger, no longer in control. Then, he cantered, not for long just a few seconds. For those few seconds, we lifted into the sky with eagle wings. We raced the wind and mocked the birds. He remembered the days when horses ran free with only the falcon to match their speed. He remembered everything he forgot while under the saddle. He embodied the spirit of the horse, beauty, speed, and power. For a few seconds, humans did not dominate his life. And I rode the storm and enjoyed every second of it.

KMSHA International Grand Championships

The KMSHA International Grand Championships began on Thursday, October 8th. Robert, Charlie, Mike, Cesario, and Roberto were joined by Nancy and Marcia to get the ball rolling. Tim and Don joined us later in the weekend. There were several special awards planned this year as well as a trainer's challenge. Unfortunately, if you were showing horses, participation in the trainer's challenge wasn't possible becuase of the class schedule. The Futurity was held Thursday morning. Our classes, however, began with the conformation classes Thursday afternoon. Our horses showed well and most placed in their conformation classes. Our under saddle classes began Thursday evening. Congratulations to Mojo (Blue's Magical Charm) with Mike in the irons for his first place win! With the show condensed to three days this year, it was a challenge to get all the classes in. Tabulations were on the slow side so most classes took about 20 to 25 minutes. It made for a very late night. Classes were over about 1 AM. The rain really hampered exhibitors getting horses to the ring. There was also a lot of construction due to the upcoming World Equestrian Games that made staying clean quite a challenge. Thank goodness for the indoor arena! Several horses showed Friday. FR Derby Blue made his show ring debut and did an excellent job. He wasn't at all anxious even with the construction equipment and all the new and scary sights and sounds of the show ring. We were really proud of him. The weather started turning colder. It was actually down in the 40's toward evening. Versatility and youth classes were held on Saturday. Congratulations to SRF's Silver Sundown on his first place win in Trail Obstacle. He won at the UMH World Show, the RMH International, and at the KMSHA International Woo Hoo! He was awesome. Tim Spencer also made a great show in Trail Obstacle with Barb's Stormy Knight placing 3rd and Nugget placed 4th. Way to go SRF team! Nugget, just like Silver, won all the driving classes at the UMH World, RMH and KMSHA International shows. They are such awesome horses. We really enjoyed watching JoEllen Yarber show Half-Cocked in the park classes this weekend. She won both qualifying classes and won the Park Championship as well. It was great! Our congratulations to Clinton Jones 1st place and to Tim Scarberry 2nd place for their accomplishments in the trainer's challenge. They had to brave the elements to work with their geldings out in the weather since the arena was being used for the show. Non the less, their horses worked really well. We had such a good time with everyone over the course of the long weekend. It is hard to believe that show season, for us, has come to a close. We'll have to think up some opportunities to get together over the course of the fall season. We have too much fun to have to wait until spring. Let us know if there are clinics or other activities that you'd like for us to host. With the arena, we won't have to worry so much about the rain or the cold (until it gets to be January).

Don't forget the the UMH banquet has been scheduled for December 12th. You don't have to be winning a high point award to come. We'll have a blast regardless. Thanks everyone for all the great times . . . .