The Region 4 Championships....More on Placings

I have to admit it was pretty darn thrilling to hear the announcer say, "Well, it's not a secret anymore......." And the crowd exploded again. This time I didn't need help to figure it out, the secret finally out of the bag was mine. The secret horse I wasn't supposed to tell anyone I owned until he hit the show ring was now the reserve champion of the Region 4 All Arabian Horse Show Breeder's Sweepstakes Colt class.

I doubt that anyone even heard Rhet's name read by the announcer. The crowd went wild at the introduction immediately recognizing which colt she was talking about. Cheryl Fletcher flew forward with a proudly prancing Rhet to claim his award.

This time Rhet was ready for that neck ribbon. He stood tall waiting for the ring steward to approach (which he did without hesitation). It was clear that the colt was prepared for the fluttering ribbon to be hung around his neck. Once it was in place, the colt seemed to get even taller basking in his glory. If there's one thing Rhet has believed since birth it's been that he's pretty darn cool and he's going to prove that each chance he gets.

The colt even seemed to strike a pose when it was time for the photographer to chronicle this moment. The presenter walked up with the packaged embroidered "reserve champion" sheet and stood right next to Rhet without even the smallest flinch from the colt. Rhet was definitely getting the hang of this showing thing.

Those of us watching the horse on the rail laughed at his attitude. I guess it was predictable when a colt has an ego as big as Rhet's but it was still amazing to watch. Even though this was Rhet's very first class at any horse show, you sure couldn't tell it by his behavior. He looked like a seasoned winner out there.

Cheryl trotted the horse away from the presentation area once the photographs were done. Then the championship was awarded to the MPA Giovanni colt with Paul Mayhew on the lead.

Rhet had no clue the focus was changing from him to another horse. As far as he was concerned, the applause was all for him. As for me, I was too busy watching Rhet to see how that colt handled his win. My focus only changed when it was time to head for the out gate to catch my colt.




Funny thing about winning others want to be involved. Before I could get to Rhet one of the kids from the barn had grabbed him from Cheryl. No one has been allowed to handle this colt (except Richard, and Jessica a time or two) so it hadn't even occured to me that anyone would try to "claim" him.

And believe me that "claim" didn't last long. Rhet is such a handful even when he's quiet but he was far from quiet on this night. By the time we exited the building, I'd repossessed my colt. Most of the people from our barn were there waiting with cameras and such. It was time to celebrate.

As Rhet and I posed for a picture, Paul Mayhew with his champions colt exited the arena right behind us. Then he addressed me "Congratulations!That's one beautiful colt!"

For me that was frosting on the cake. Paul Mayhew is a horseman I have known for year. I really respect this man. He knows his horses, he's a kind trainer and he doesn't just throw compliments around. His approval of my colt was as important to me as that of those three judges in the championship class.

Rhet proudly walked back to his stall in the farthest corner of the facility his ribbons gently blowing in the evening breeze. He didn't try to drag me or get ahead of me. He was content with his ribbons and the chatter of his barn fans around him. It was a side of this colt I had not seen before and I must say I rather liked it.

Now, I could hardly wait to see the judges scores. Those scores would help me make my decision about going to the US Nationals or not but for now it was time to celebrate.

To be continued..............

The Judges Cards



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