It is in times of national crisis like this that life and the purpose of why we all come together in any association far outweighs other isssues at hand. So, today we focus not on a horse show, a trophy, any fundraiser, or future event. We are focused on you, our TQHYA members in the eye of Hurricane Harvey.

Don’t let the absence of a globe define your youth experience. Five, 10, 20 years from now, no one is going to remember who got the globes and who didn’t, but you will remember the people, the fun you had, the lessons you learned, and the shared experiences of these awesome opportunities.

Today is the day that I’ve been hoping for since we purchased my horse at the 2016 Congress. I will show in the Level 3 Pleasure finals, and I’m a bundle of excitement and nerves. This will be the first class I’ve ever made the finals in, so it’s extra special to me.

“My 87 1/2-year-old Grandpa Billy drove himself six hours in his own truck just to see me ride at the year’s biggest show. He and my Grandma rarely missed any horse shows, and this show was no different.”

Chandler was just crowned the Level 2 Working Hunter Champion with She Lukes Starstruck along with making the Level 3 Working Hunter and Hunter Hack Finals! Caroline placed fifth in the Level 2 Working Hunter with her horse, Whatmadeusaythat, along with grabbing the bronze in Level 2 Equitation Over Fences!

Since I don’t show the Western Riding, I spent most of my day busy preparing for the Level 3 Western Pleasure prelims on Monday. All the exhibitors are in show mode and working hard to perfect their patterns. The day ended with the Ride the Pattern Horsemanship clinic, hosted by AQHA Professional Horseman Brent Tincher and the Ride the Pattern Showmanship clinic presented by AQHA Professional Horsewoman Jackie Krshka.

This morning is going to be some kind of showdown. You don’t want to miss this one. Be at the Jim Norick by 9:30. You will not want to miss a second of these awesome 17 goes.