POSTED AS AN AREA SERVICE BY GADABOUT-BLOGALOT
Another Great Show!!!!
If you couldn’t make it out to the Special Olympics Equestrian Area 5 Competition…you missed a GREAT time my friend! Good food…and good-er folks.
Lonnie and Pattie Wright did a wonderful service to the community by donating their arena for this event. These special athletes were allowed an exceptional experience in the comfort of an indoor arena, because of the Wrights. Thanks!!
Competition opened when our American flag was displayed from horseback by Marteen Wiggins, a Curley Key Rider from Corrales. Roy Dennis sang our National Anthem as we proudly rose in tribute to the greatest country in this world.
Roy was one of 34 volunteers representing Valley View Christian Church in Edgewood. Our judge, Linda Threet shared her expertise from a generous heart. Stanley’s own; Sam James contributed his years of horse savvy as a faithful volunteer, too. These volunteers gave time from their lives, so these athletes could have the time of their lives.
The Rockin’ Wranglers from the south valley of Albuquerque and the Curley Key Riders from Corrales excitedly entered the arena in anticipation for the coming day of competition. And I gotta tell ya, they weren’t disappointed.
We ran 15 riders from four divisions through six events. They showed off their horses in a Showmanship at Halter class; with Lance Robinson, Paul Garcia, Phil With, Amelia Ann Dickey, and Van Pexa taking first in their divisions.
Stock Seat Equitation gave Jessica Chavez, Paul Garcia, Phil With, and Van Pexa the opportunity to shine as first place winners.
Bar-B-Q from Shorty’s was served for lunch with the trimmings. Good stuff!! Can’t forget the ice cream we consumed in the afternoon as a refreshing treat.
Then, new comer, Eric Serna took first in his division in Working Trails, showing his stuff. While former International contestant, Esteban Lujan took first as a level C Independent rider; Phil With took another first as a B Independent rider. Andrew Hosier, trying his hand as an A rider, showed himself worthy by taking home a first place.
In the remaining events; Figure 8 Stake Race, Pole Bending and Barrel Racing; Jessica, Paul, Andrew, Lance, and Phil shared the first place spot light with Lyndara Holmes and Marteen Wiggins.
Hindsight shows the Rockin’ Wranglers taking home 16 first place ribbons while the Curley Key Riders pocketed 7 first place. But these are only numbers on a piece of paper because the greatest award was being there to see the enormous smiles on their faces as they glided out of the arena after each ride. Or witnessing the heartfelt slap on the back, congratulating their competitor for a great ride. Oh Yeah…that’s where it’s at!!
Gotta say; judging from the volunteer’s remarks this is a common consensus. Great time, serving awesome people with good food and good-er folks.
See ya next year?? We’ll be looking for ya.
Steve and Cathy Brunson
Event Organizers
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