“The horse you got off is not the same horse you got on. It is our duty to always leave the horse a better horse.” - Unknown

A little over a week ago, we traveled to Murfreesboro, TN to see our niece ride in the National Academy Championship Horse Show (NACHS).  The NACHS is a 4-day competition to crown America’s best academy riders. 

At NACHS, there were 1,300+ riders (all ages) representing 31 stables/barns and 19 states.  I loved the pageantry (riders must wear long sleeved, button down shirts with a vest and tie, jodhpurs and paddock or jodhpur boots) and watching the magnificent horses trot gracefully around the ring.  Bonus: the event raises money for a great cause – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Walking into the arena and smelling the dirt, horses, and yes, poop, is like aromatherapy. It took me back to childhood and hanging out at the barn with my dad, my grandma Bolick and my cousin, Janet. I love being around animals! They are authentic and live in the moment. They don’t care about the clothes you wear or car you drive. They simply seek to connect with your heart and soul.

"The horse... here is nobility without conceit, friendship without envy, beauty without vanity. A willing servant, yet never a slave." - Ronald Duncan

Our niece won a handful of ribbons and made it to the championships where she placed 5th in Sr. WTC Showmanship for ages 14-17.  More important than the ribbons, I think she grew in her knowledge, skill and love for the sport, handled the ups and downs of competition graciously and made a lot of great memories with her barn buddies.

Onward and upward Team Lenux!