I recently had the privilege of attending Ms. Gayle Lampe's saddle seat riding clinic. Though I grew up riding saddle seat, in my recent adult life most of my riding has been dressage or western, specifically vaquero, and it’s been shamefully long since I’ve had any exposure to the saddle seat world.
Just a few short weeks ago 27 horses entered the ring for the Academy WTC 11 and Older Championship at the North Carolina State Championship Horse Show. Yes, you read that correctly…27 horses in academy. No splits here, and everyone came out happy, healthy, and exhilarated.
And just like that, one more Louisville, World's, or World's Championship Horse Show, is in the books! The most thrilling, crazy, stressful, emotional week with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, all in an 8-day span of time.
I have been a Barn Mom for 8 years now. It is the coolest group to be a part of because Barn Moms are somewhat like MacGyver armed with a Caboodle, imagination and the ability to tolerate almost anything.
Leg wraps, tails up, raincoats, and mud. Hearing any of these might provoke the thought, “The Lexington Experience.” On the other hand, Red Mile sunsets, long straightaways, Fennels Tack Shop, and 81 years of tradition might also give you the same thought.