Franchesca signed up for her first Pony Club rally
without River.
She was told that the best way to experience a rally
for the first time was to go as barn manager, without a mount.
Sounded perfect to us.
So back in July we headed across the state
in the blazing heat and very nearly choosing to camp.
An 11th hour decision led us to be blessed by this super clean,
cozy place away from home, boasting freezing air conditioning, for two nights.
I may be gullible but I believed the note on the headboard above.
It felt and smelled, clean.
You know when it's not.
The position of the barn manager entails
helping anybody on your team with anything at anytime.
We brought 2 teams from our club
and everyone was super helpful as this was her first time
and she had no idea what to do next.
I took a ton of shots and so my commentary will cease
saying this to sum it up:
Extreme heat
Extreme fatigue
So worth it
One of the nifty things about being a parent at a rally
is that we are not allowed to help or communicate in any way with the girls.
Some of us napped, read books, painted toenails, went on Wendy's runs.
I decided to surpass my usual hippie look
at go straight for hillbilly.
Why paint my toes when I can hardly see them
through the dirt?
I reveled in not.needing.to.do.a.thing.
Except drink. And sweat.
The weekend was exhausting and physically trying
even for those of us under the tent trying to nap upright.
I was very impressed by the team dynamics
and how all of our girls worked together helping each other with encouragment,
sweating and enjoying working hard together.
*************
Our teams took 1st and 2nd!
I don't recall how big the field was
but it was certainly competitive.
We are proud to be a part of Pony Club
and are hoping to bring a horse next year ;-)
