Blog #9

On Thursday I flew to one of my favorite horse shows in Kansas City, The UPHA/American Royal National Championship Horse Show. It was only a year ago that I was there as a competitor and was honored to win "the most prestigious equitation award in the saddlebred industry." This year however, I  was asked to return as an honorary judge and was pleased to pass on the title to a barn mate and very close friend, Hunter Chancellor. While this show was one of the greatest for Hunter, she will also always remember it in sadness. Two nights before winning the national championship, another one of her horses died suddenly right under her while leaving the ring from her victory pass she had just completed. Hunter was slightly injured while being ripped from the horse to safety by a trainer. I just would like to say that I am extremely sorry but also proud of Hunter for overcoming this heartbreaking tragedy and persevering to win the national championship just two nights later.