My little equestrian

This summer has been quite exciting for nuna.  Last August, she started taking riding lessons and fell in love with the experience.  Earlier this year, she decided that she would like to compete in horse shows over the summer, a decision that caught us a little by surprise and we wondered how she would do with all eyes on her in the arena.  Liv has definitely rising to the challenge.

Riding horses has been an incredible experience for Liv.  She has become more self confident and poised, remains focused (when necessary) and. most importantly, is making new friends and having fun. We are very proud of how far she has come and can't believe how well she is doing having ridden for such a short period of time.

To date, Liv has been in 3 shows and has won 2 first place ribbons, 2 second place ribbons, a third and a seventh.  She loves everything about showing horses: the clothes, the excitement, the people ... and, of course,  showing off her skills. The older girls  in our riding club (Ashland Paint and Plain) who assist her have been wonderful at making her feel included and her instructor, Miss Emily, is nothing short of amazing.

We are very proud of our little equestrian and are looking forward to what lies ahead.  Here are some pictures from her first three shows:

Show #1 - Mother's Day

Getting very excited for her first event - and she wanted to go first

Going through her routine with Splash

Little miss after her first place win in showmanship. Cloud 9!

The riding portion is over - waiting to exit the arena

Showing off her ribbons

 Horse show #2

                                                         Hanging with Splash before her s 1st event of show #2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Joe Joe loves running around when he gets the chance

Liv and Ciera before she rides

 Show #3 - Father's Day

Joe says hi to EVERYONE he sees

 And a little video of her cantering during lessons.  She LOVES it!

We enjoy seeing her so excited about riding and being so proud of her accomplishments. We can't wait to see what she learns next - and how it will benefit her as a person outside the arena.  More to follow.