We vetted out (different ballgame again...not the same way we do things at
home and I was scared to death I was going to screw it up) and then stood for BC
at one hour. Dr. Schmitt is awesome....I was sort of scared of him. I just
didn't know him. He was impressed with Malik and very thorough in his
inspection. He liked what he saw. But I never did think in a million years that
I might really win Best Condition. It was an emotional and spell binding moment
as Tommy counted backwards naming the BC scores. With friends and family, old
and new, I hope I was able to convey to them all how much their congratulations
and support and appreciation mean to me. I simply have no words.
I wish to also mention that Jenny and Max finished FOURTH. Very few minutes
separated those first few horses. Max stood for BC and placed 4th...we are very
proud of both of them. I know she was disappointed not to win BC...what a coup
that would have been...mother and daughter BCs!!! :) But we have a lifetime of
rides to complete and awards and goals to achieve. Not all of them will be BC.
Her time will come.
As an Egyptian Arabian, Malik and I also had the privilege and opportunity to
be presented to the crowd after the halter championships. Nelson is still
talking about it and playing the video over and over. My wild Arab stallion
stood outside while these classes were finishing and as the mares came out,
sleek and groomed to perfection, he gazed adoringly at the endurance mares near
him with paint stick on their butts and mud on their feet. When the stallions
came out and screamed a challenge at him, he looked at them as if to say
....well, use your imagination. Try something about where to go and where to put
it and eating wussies for lunch and spitting them out and you've got it! Never
even answered them back!!!
When we made our victory lap in the arena, he was calm and collected. Most of
the other Egyptian horses presented had other antics in mind. I was the only
rider who did not have to dismount to accept my award and have our photo taken.
:) Some may think he was tired. Those of you who know us understand that he is
just that kind of a stallion. I was so proud of him!!! I only wish the crowd
could have known that he was a stallion.
All in all, the Pyramid Challenge is not an event I will soon forget. Nor do
I wish to.
