I am a little behind, but late is better then never. Right?
We, that is the Judson College Equestrian Team, traveled to Dahlonega Georgia for our first Western IHSA show of the year. The show was hosted by North Georgia’s Equestrian team and was held at EpiphanyFarm.
We had a great weekend. We left Judson at 8 a.m. so that we would arrive in Dahlonega in plenty of time to relax and have a little bit of fun. We arrived at our hotel around 3 that afternoon. Once the van was unloaded and everyone was settled into their rooms, a group of us went to the outlets located directly behind our hotel. It was great to just hang out with some of the other girls on the team and, of course, shop. No one bought TOO MUCH, but we did find some really good sales. After a couple of hours, I decided enough damage had been done to my bank account, so I returned to the hotel and relaxed, watching TV with the other girls in my room who had not gone shopping. Later that evening once everyone had recovered from the drive and the shopping trip we went and had dinner and then made a Wal-Mart run for any last minute items we had forgotten to bring.
When we returned we busily got ready for the show the next day. It was not only the first show of the year, but the first show ever for some of us, so we were more than a little nervous. To make things worse the weather forecast for the day of the show was rain and I don’t just mean a light shower here and there, no I mean torrential downpours. So at 9 o’clock at night, three of the girls and I go walking out of our hotel, chaps in hand, so that we can spray them with Scotch Guard. If anyone looked out of their hotel window I am sure they would have been wondering why in the world there were four pairs of chaps spread out on the side walk beside the parking lot. Fortunately for us, the rain stayed at bay until the show was over.
The show was a great success! I was nervous that morning, but by the time my class went in the ring I had calmed down and was ready to ride for a first place blue ribbon. I didn’t quite make it, but I did come in second and received a red ribbon. Everyone on Judson’s team did an amazing job! There were two shows held that day, back to back, and all seven of our team members placed in both of the shows. We came in third place overall as a team and all agreed that we had a very successful weekend.
Our next show will be held at Berry College in Rome, Ga. on October 24 and 25. That show will include a western show Saturday morning and a hunt seat show Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.
