By Dan Roark
The awards party for New Hope riders from Chisholm Challenge went upscale this year – thanks to Mary James – and was held at the Denton Country Club. Everyone gathered at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 25 to enjoy fruit and really tasty brownies as well as various drinks. Everyone had a chance to greet each other and visit for a bit while Susan and Kimberly arranged the stacks of ribbons and buckles to hand out. Some of the buckles and ribbons had been given out during equitation, so they were not given out at the party. On Tuesday of Chisholm Challenge, 17 buckles and numerous ribbons were awarded to New Hope riders.
Susan is to be commended for her organization and presentation of the awards. While the room at the Denton Country Club did not necessarily provide more space than previous awards parties at a pizza restaurant, it did provide more privacy and less crowd sound. Which allowed Susan to present the awards the way she wanted. In addition, she had the comments from the judges and her own knowledgeable comments on the horses. Which is necessary when one needs to understand that, ultimately, the experience is largely dependent upon how the horse feels and acts at the time.
The award presentation gave everyone in attendance the chance to support all of the riders with applause, smiles, and laughter when appropriate.
Unable to make the awards party, Margaret received her awards at New Hope that afternoon. Her mother is carrying the buckle.
Congratulations to all the riders! Great job!
Ride on and ride for hope.
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