Another eventful day in Smartie’s world.

It all started off pretty well, with me and Smartie both in a great mood. Smartie was especially happy because we got to graze her for a really long time. Since her middle name tends to be “Piggy,” she was very happy with her clover-filled breakfast.

As the day went on, I began to get very excited. This made for a very long time of excitement since our class did not even start until 10 o’clock at night, but that didn’t stop me at all. My excitement just continued to grow. I had this feeling Smartie was going to be amazing, things were going to go perfectly.

Well, our time finally came, and the show started. First up from our team was Jonathan, and he had a good solid ride that was great to start us off. I could not have been happier. Next on the Southeast team was Michael. He also had an awesome ride, and so far we were leading the scores. It was up to me, and that didn’t phase me one bit. All I needed was a clean, solid run, and that was my plan.

As my turn came up, the guy before marked the new high score. That made me all the more excited to get out there and let Smartie do what she does best—show.

I walked to the center of the pen with full confidence in my mare. She was great in the warm-up, and she was completely focused on me. We spun left first, and she went faster than she has gone in months—and left is her bad way! Her right spin seemed to double in speed , and Smartie stopped dead on the marker, PERFECT.

I talk to my horse a lot and especially when I show, so by this time we have had a full conversation. “Alright, Smartie, let’s rock and roll.”

We had the right circles first, one big fast, one small slow, and another big fast. Smartie was hanging it out there for everyone, showing off a side of herself that comes out rarely. She was fearless. She came back to me in the slow circle very well and completely relaxed. Another killer big fast circle, and a great lead change too! Ahh, she was doing so good.

When I got to the top of the circle something spooked her, which has never happened. I nearly fell off, and was fighting to keep her in check. I made her circle up tightly, and we continued nervously on. No score for me, and I did not know what to do.

I heard someone yell, “Come on, you can do it! Keep her going.” Then everyone chimed in. So away we went, even though our run was out for a score.

I had one more big circle to run, and again she spooked. But this time I was ready for it. So, we finished our pattern a little bit rattled, but we finished.

This show means a lot to me, so I was trying really hard to keep it together, but when Daddy yelled out “I love you, baby” the tears definitely came. I kept them dialed down, but everyone knew they were there. The bit judge was very nice and gave me a sweet smile, then suggested maybe Smartie should sleep with a few ferns in her stall tonight. It’s probably not a bad idea, but I know ‘Ms. Piggy’ would eat them first.

My team was very supportive and assured me that it was not my fault, but I can’t help but to think what I could have done different to get a score. Even a low score would have put us on the podium, or at least close to it. My team did so well.

When we got back to the stalls, the entire Mexico team came and spoke to me. They were so very nice, and it definitely made me feel better. Even one of their parents came and gave me a hug and told me I did very well. Several of the other competitors came and found me too. It’s part of what I love about the reining world—we are really just one big family. Everyone wants you to do well, and that’s encouraging.

As for the rest of our crew, we are all taking bets on what she spooked at. So far, we have come up with the ferns, a big black sign, and a photographer that was rather close to the rail. I am going with the sign because it was eye level, and whatever it was felt about that height.

Even though our day didn’t go as we had hoped, there are still some positive things. Smartie never favored her ankle or even swelled up, which is awesome! And we made progress on her spins and her right circles. So the day definitely had its high points, and I am happy. I still love my Smartiepants.

I think the best part of it all though, was when I brought Smartie back from the wash rack. My little dog, Peaches, just happened to be sitting in a chair next to the fan, and Smartie found her quite interesting. So as Smartie goes to ‘check Peaches out,’ my dog lays a big wet kiss on Smartie. She wasn’t sure what to do at first, but it wasn’t long before Smartie stuck her head down low for Peaches to lick. It was pretty sweet, and the whole thing is on video.

Well, it was another happy ending to a good long day. Tomorrows training session will be full of desensitizing Smartie to the arena. How exciting!!