Tell me it can’t be done, now watch me do it.

Tell me the skies the limit, and I’ll leave my footprints on the moon.

Do not underestimate the things that I will do to prove you wrong.

For on the back of my horse;

The impossible

Becomes simple

You don’t know teamwork until your partner is a 1200 lb free spirit…

 

Jan. 3rd :

She rezzed in with sleep still in her eyes, having stayed up late practicing, taking her mount around the show ring again and again until she was satisfied she could do it in her sleep. This was her first time to show her horse, any horse for that matter, and she closed her eyes and whispered a small prayer that the SL gods would take pity and allow her to make it around the show ring without flying in the air, or even worse crashing at a most inopportune moment, and as an afterthought she added “please do not let me run over another rider”.

Arriving at the Classic All-Breed Horse Show a few minutes before actual start time, and having dressed before coming to the show grounds, she took a seat in the bleachers and waited for her breed to be called to enter the show ring. “Breathe”, she whispered to herself “You can do this”.

Time passed quickly and before long her breed was called to prepare to enter the show ring.  She had practiced this over and over so many times she knew she could have done this in her sleep.  Rezz you horse, attach your saddle and bridle to yourself, turn off your AO and then click on the horse and choose ride.  Having done all this correctly she did a mental fist pump and smiled, so far, so good.

The gatekeeper then announced in local and voice for riders of Belgians to enter the show ring and go to the back fence and wait further instructions. Her hands begin to shake uncontrollably and she had to remind herself to breathe but she made it to the back fence without incident.  She released a sigh of relief.  The judge then called her number and she advanced forward on her mount…

Everything after that was like a dream sequence. My hands shook so badly that just making it around the show ring became the goal, and having made it around the ring and back to my starting position without incident we then waited for the judges results. So, how did Avalon and I fair?

Having won his class and breed, Avalon automatically qualified to compete for Best of Show.  Twenty-seven breeds were shown and competed on this day. Avalon did not place in the top four for Best of Show, but I didn’t expect him to take his class and breed either.  In the end this was all about learning, doing something new, and stepping out of my comfort zone.  Boy, did I ever step out of my comfort zone!

It was not Avalon and myself alone though out there in that show ring.  I could not have made it as far as I did, had it not been for friends whose experience has been invaluable and I want to thank them here and now.

Greko Thorne : Owner of TW Saddles and Reins. A skilled builder of custom bridles and saddles for all breeds of ABC horses, Greko made Avalon’s custom saddle and bridle and I am ecstatic with the final result. Greko is also a ABC horse breeder, shows horses and gave advice freely on showing horses to this novice.  Truth be known…he loves these pixel horses more than he lets on.

Mariella (MarriellaAnna) : While I had no problem knowing what to wear for the horse show, when it came to Avalon I had no clue. I only knew it had to be more blanket like than saddle like.  It was Mariella who came up with the concept for Avalon and had Greko execute it.  After seeing what I had put together for myself, it was Mariella’s vision of a saddle made of leaves and vines and a bridle made of rope with leaves entwined that we went with. Medallions matching my head crown were also placed in Avalon’s mane.   Simple, organic and so me. Mariella is a former show competitor, has a stylist’s touch and is also hooked on ABC horses.

medavac Renfold : Builder and owner of Under Construction Designs along with his wife Arizona, they specialize in custom sim and home builds. medavac is also an auctioneer and breeder of ABC horses.  “Med”  was kind enough to give me invaluable advice on showing Avalon and walked me through the whole process of showing a horse.

Remember to be kind to one another.  TWMA♥

I would also like to thank:

Senzafine : “Mirdain” Elvensmith Leggings – Soot, “Randir” Womens Tunic Jacket – Forest

lassitude & ennui : Edenion boots – Black/Gold

 Yasum : Cyber dreads gacha RARE

The London Look : Antibrow, eye tips, and  Adorned chest piercings

Fusion : Multi Earrings – Silver

Siege : Bow and Arrow Quiver

Tuli Skins – Claire Radiance Bronze & makeup

Slink : AvEnhanced Casual Hands

Diesel Works Poses : D1M Sept-Oct 2014 Group Gift

ABC (Awesome Breed Creations) : Avalon of Flanders,  A Belgian, bred by Cougar Sangria

LumiPro : Used in Photograph 1 and 2

**Photographed at Lost Horizon, Azumi using Anna Adored Noble goes dutch 1 Windlight