A Year Out of the Show Ring!!

     My last post was about finding more time, well it seems like I have found everything but MORE time. Between 13 hour shifts at the hospital, a full school schedule, housesitting, horses, and taking care of other chores, I have been one busy girl. Not that I'm complaining, I am grateful for everything I have in my life and realize that no great things are just handed to you without hard work.

    Anyways, since Nov.1st is only a hop,skip, and a jump away, I wanted to take some time and reflect on what this year has been like for me!

                                                    It has been a GOOD year!!
                                  

                                            I got to bring in 2012 with my mom in Orlando, FL

One of my good friends brought a beautiful, healthy baby boy into this world!

 

 

I got to watch my best friend marry the man of her dreams in one of the most beautiful and special weddings I have ever been to after spending 10 days in the most wonderful lake house in TN!

 

 

I celebrated my Nana's 90th birthday with her!!

 

I retired one of the greatest horses I have ever or will ever own!



 

I learned how to drive

 

 I have met some great new friends!

 

 

And I have had the chance to spend time with my NY family who I haven't seen in 6 years!

I have had the chance to catch up with my school work

The time to plan trips to KY and NY

And the advantage to put a little extra cash into my savings!! ;)

 

All in all, it has been a good year, however, I spent this entire year out of the show ring. A year without pre-show nerves, victory passes, ribbons, dressing in coats, pants, and hats in 100 degree weather. A Year without buns, hair nets,  number pins, black electrical tape, and the thrill of hearing your number being called from the announcer.

All the things that I love.  

For all my non horse show friends, I know it seems silly to  pay thousands of dollars for essentially 15 minutes of fame, but it's a part of who I am, a part of what makes me excited about life. And it's what I have known for a huge chunk of my life. It's what I have been doing consistently for the past 10 years.  And it's something that i have put all my time and energy into and will never give up. 

Like I said, this year has been filled with a lot of amazing things, but a piece of myself has been missing. Not being able to compete with these amazing animals, has truly made me miss the sport.

As great as this year has  been I have never been more ready for a new chapter.

As plans are in FULL swing for a new road pony and silk colors are in discussion, I can NOT wait for the 2013 show season to start.

This is something brand new, something I have never done before, something I am super excited about!