Gymkhana

Hailey's was invited to go to a low key horse competition, Gymkhana, that her teacher puts on.  Going to the barn to observe this competition felt like being on the moon, so foreign.  I  know nothing about horses, especially competing.  Hailey was so excited to enter and to see all her horse friends again.

 She competed in Keyhole, Barrels and Poles.  As they were announcing the groups I noticed they had Hailey in the oldest toughest group- Gallop group.  I thought to myself, Maybe she is really talented and I have no clue.

 Hailey in the blue plaid shirt waiting her turn.  She told me afterwards she was so nervous, she had that butterfly feeling in her stomach and it never went away.  She's never had that feeling before!  I asked her, What about when you take a PK in soccer, she said nope, never.  I think the fact that she was with the older group and was riding in the rink all by herself was a little nerve-racking.

 She competed well

 Every time Hailey gets in the car after horse, we haze her about how horrible she smells.  I swear it smells like horse pee.  Her response, "That is my happy place and I love that smell" 

Usually Papa and Papu call to see who's playing what sport at what time so they can come watch.  When I told them Hailey was competing on a horse Papu joined me on Mars.

Hailey did great and won a few ribbons.  She got in the car and said, "That was so Fun!"  I was kind of hoping for the opposite but glad she's happy