I have finally made it home from Lexington, and I am surely glad to be in my own bed!

My last few days at the NAJYRC were definitely better than the first few. Things started happening like we had hoped for me and Smartie.

We started off Saturday with our schooling session at 6 A.M. She and I practically camped out by the big , black, reflective sign. She never once shied away from it, so I had a bit of confidence for my ride. My trainer said he felt good about the way she was acting for me, and that gave me all the confidence I needed.

Because of our score of zero, Smartie and I were draw 1 for Saturday’s individual competition.

After our glitch in the team competition, I felt like I had nothing to lose with this ride. I had a game plan, and that was to set the bar as high as I possibly could so that someone would have to work hard to beat me. And apparently that was on Smartie’s mind too!

The pattern was a run in, and we came barreling in. I said ‘whoa’ just past the center marker, and she slid for days! It was such a great feeling.

Next were my spins each direction. I had been fretting to my mother about them because she stopped so perfectly in my spins on my first ride, and I just didn’t know that I could do it again. But once again, Smartie was there for me, spinning a hole in the ground and stopping on a dime.

We then did our right set of circles, great lead change and into the infamous left circles. I could feel how tense I got when I noticed my right hand clenched into a fist. I made my circles slightly smaller, too. Smartie gave the wall a quick look and kept on truckin. “That a girl!” We continued the circles, and into our stops we went. She ran down the pen and stopped with such ease, sliding for what seemed like forever. We rolled back and again we went.

Two stops later, and a big grin on my face, I gave my horse lots of love. She gave me everything she had, and I was beyond happy with her.

As I walked to the bit judge, she could see how excited I was.

“That was a lot more fun than last time, huh?”

Oh yes it was. As I walked Smartie away, I knew my score would be good, but I wasn’t sure how good.

Annddd thhhee scooreeee for Laura Sumrall and Einsteins Fancy Pine, a 217.5!

That is the highest I have ever marked at a big show, and I just could not hold it in. I definitely did a double fist-pump and a sort of jig all the way out of the arena.

My dad (who I have only see tear up maybe twice) cried, my mom was ecstatic, and my trainer came over with a big bear hug that just made my day.

If someone beats me today, then I just will get beat, but at least they will have to work for it.

About 12 rides later, Shelbie Friesen, from Canada tied my score. I headed back to the barn to attempt to dry my just-washed horse, because I knew there would be a ride-off.

My tension was still a bit high though. Will Letner had the highest score in the team competition, and I knew he would be coming for me. Will and I compete together quite often, and it is always a fight to see who comes out on top. He and his horse have been doing exceptionally well lately, and he put on a great show. He beat me by one point, but he fully deserved the medal. If I had to be beaten by someone, I am sure glad it was him.

Next, Shelbie and I had the ride I off. I went first, and Smartie gave me another fantastic ride, scoring a 215.5. Once again, I could not have been any happier. Shelbie came in right after me. Her horse started off well, but became too tired after only having a short break between runs. She softly pulled him down and exited the arena.

So the day ended pretty well for me. Will got the gold and I got silver.

Saturday night was pretty fun too. I begged most of the reiners to go to the exhibitor party with me since my team had already left. I made good friends with the Saskatchewan group and the team from Mexico. We had a blast dancing and just talking about all the different things.

Sunday came, and we all went to the Closing Ceremonies. The whole thing was pretty great, a little bittersweet since my team could have had that team gold, but it was still good. I got one award I definitely was not expecting. I got the Style Award for the Reiners. This is given to the reiner who “shows style throughout the competition, not only when mounted, but also in the form of manners and overall demeanor.”

The rest of the afternoon was filled with goodbyes to my new friends that I will keep in touch with and hopefully see here next year.

Then we packed up and headed south.

Now I am finally home and already awaiting next year!
 

Photo One: Laura on Smartie and her trainer Randy Schaffhauser.

Photo Two: Laura and Will Letner.

Photo Three: Laura receiving her individual silver medal at the Closing Ceremonies.