Saying Yes to a New Adventure

Since January, I’d been looking forward to competing at the EMO Celebration at South Point in Las Vegas. My trainer, Beth Clemons, and I had plotted out that this would be the show Pickles and I would add Horsemanship to our otherwise Ranch event-focused class list. The Hobby Horse outfit was selected, the room was booked and the anticipation was high. But after Pinnacle Circuit at the West Level 1 Championship show in Scottsdale in May, Pickles needed some time off. A month later when stalls were due for EMO we were still thinking he’d be good to go. But eventually, the decision had to be made that Pickles wouldn’t be up for it. However, my friend and fellow Beth Clemons Performance Horses (BCPH) teammate generously offered to let me show her ranch horse in the Horsemanship— I could hardly believe it! This meant I’d still get to show and be a part of the BCPH team that I love so much even though Pickles had to stay home! I jumped at the opportunity, however, we were now looking at a horse and rider that didn’t know each other doing an event that was new to us both. But Beth wasn’t worried. I had a lesson right before heading to the show then got to ride a couple of times when I got to Vegas before competing. Thanks to my muscle memory from years of coaching from Debbie McEwen throughout my childhood and Beth’s expert horse training and VERY patient coaching at the show, we pulled it off! We became the L1 Horsemanship Reserve Circuit Champs!!! When they made the announcement at the show I was shocked, but so very grateful!

 

My husband has a saying that it isn’t really a horse show unless there are tears! Whether tears of frustration, joy, or laughter. Well, this show had all three plus some of gratitude. I’m learning that I just love showing horses and it doesn’t really seem to matter the event! I had wrapped so much of my identity in showing reining horses that when I had to step away it was really hard. In my head, I was going to move over to ranch riding to give Pickles a job that wasn’t so hard on him physically. I honestly thought I was making a sacrifice for his sake. But what I have learned is I’m happier now doing these new events than I have been in a long time.

 

And when I tell you I love being a part of BCPH, I really mean it!  This is the most incredible group of women that genuinely support and root for each other! I can hardly believe how lucky I am to get to be a part of the team. 

 

Cheers to new adventures, not being afraid to try new things, and being so very grateful for the gifts along the way.

-Kristin Titov, CEO of Hobby Horse Clothing Company