09/07/2026
It was a long week so this will probably be a little long🤣
First and foremost thank you to our parents(and brother) for everything they done this week; groceries, cooking, babysitting, late nights, and everything in between. This was by far the most prepared and smooth going International we’ve ever had. We cannot thank you guys enough for taking off work to spend over a week, and a HOT one at that, helping us.
Onto the show…
This international was interesting to say the least.
TTR’s Envy
Day 1 was rough for Envy and me. Our first class we were entirely too slow and our halt was not pretty, she didn’t walk but she was definitely wiggly. In her defense the music, flashing lights, and people were a lot for an old girl to look at. We got the gate but it was fully expected and deserved. Her next class, AOT mares and geldings, we came back fully prepared and placed 2nd out of 12. Our most looked forward to class, amateur western, we came in 5th out of 10. With Envy’s SLL she can get pretty stiff on the front end which has made teaching her her 360° spin a bit difficult. Still really proud of her in her first ever western class and I cannot wait for next year already. Her last class was one of my favorites. For the first time ever, in Kentucky, Will and I showed against each other with Envy and Jr who’re half siblings. Envy Placed 4th and Jr placed 5th out of 9.
TTR’s Labonheir
Jr had a good show. He placed 4th and 2nd in his first 2 classes. For some reason at the horse park he likes to drop his head behind the vertical. I don’t normally like to swap bits around while showing but we changed him around to something a little lighter. He came back in AOT country trail with Envy and placed 5th. I honestly think he might’ve beat Envy but sadly people don’t always use their heads and were messing around on the front row and scared him a little. Jr also proved this weekend just how stubborn and spoiled he is when he refused to eat his grain unless someone held his feed pan or bucket for him. Some people may remember when he was weaned he was afraid of the corner feeders we had so I had to hold his feed for him every morning and every evening. 🤦🏼‍♀️
Silver’s Meteor Shower
My pride and joy. The horse I love ALMOST as much as my child. Mimi and I done something different this year. She showed both AOT trail pleasure and AOT show pleasure because we’re indecisive and can’t figure out what we like better🤣. We started out in amateur conformation and got the gate. Not sure why, it is what it is, but we’re so proud of her half brother winning amateur conformation! AOT mares and geldings she placed 4th out of 8, her first under saddle class she’s always a bit wired so it’s hit or miss but she had a great ride. AOT mares and geldings show pleasure she placed 4th out of 6, again a great ride. She took a break Friday night, after her cutting her eyelid I wanted to give her a break and let the swelling go down some. By Saturday her eye was tremendously better so back to championships we went. AOT trail grand championship was a good ride and we pulled reserve champion out of 5. That reserve championship pulled us out of the discouraged mindset and we went into our AOT show pleasure championship with 2 goals: a good ride and to have fun. We surpassed both those goals. Mimi gave me the best ride of the year and we had the most fun I think we’ve ever had. Like I said last night people cheering for her, loving her like we do, and the fact that she lives in our barn will always mean more than any ribbon. Some days I still can’t believe when she was born I thought she’d never make a show horse and my mamaw had all the faith in the world in her.
Lexi and Envy debuted in leadline and, obviously I’m biased, but was the cutest pair I’ve ever seen. Lexi was smiling and having the time of her life waving at people and talking. She got a little bashful with the judges but she had so much fun showing her pony with her friends. I have a love hate relationship with time moving too fast but I can’t wait to watch Envy and Lexi in the ring by themselves someday.
Thank you to our family at LHV for everything they do for us. From getting our stalls international stalls, keeping our horses shod right, to even picking us up on the side of the road in 108° heat and everything in between, Henry and Makayla are some of the best friends to have. I don’t think there’s any one that works harder(except maybe Sylvia who is the glue at the shows) and even with the stress of horse shows we all always have a great time. Also, a thank you to everyone with Stoner Ridge for being great neighbors. We love being stalled beside great people!
Thank you to the RMHA, ISC, and everyone behind the scenes that work so hard to put this show on. While we don’t envy you you are beyond appreciated.
Thank you to the judges, I know standing in that arena in the heat had to be unbearable.
Last but certainly not least, thank you to Jessica for holding the funny farm down at home and making sure Lenard knew we hadn’t abandoned him and Gerald hadn’t formed an army to break into the house.
