Harrisburg, PA Horse Expo: 2012

So here we were.  The night proved interesting.  Our sleeping arrangements were perfect...well, for Sharon and me anyway.  Sue and Donna… another story!

Everyone snores.  It’s part of human nature and a natural occurrence.  Everyone occasionally “passes wind” in their sleep as well. It’s a part of human nature and a natural occurrence. 

Just not in public

In bed

With your best friend.

I forewarned Sharon that I hoped I didn’t toss and turn and accidentley … well… “pass wind” or snore.  If I did, please wake me up because I didn’t want to bother anyone. Plus, if I did, I was sure to jet propel Sharon into the next room with my accidental explosions. I hit the bed and was out like a light in my little fluff cocoon…Donna snores.  It’s ok.  Who cares… well, no one did, but Sue…a light sleeper.  The beds were really comfortable.  The blankets were fluffy, down, clean spreads of cloud-like material that made for a peaceful and solid slumber. When we woke in the morning, Sharon and I were both well-rested and fresh.  “You didn’t move at all” she said.  “I didn’t even know you were there”

 “Yea but Sharon… did I… you know… did I snore or …..fart?”  Because, If I did… I didn’t mean to…

Not a peep out of both of us all night!! Sharon and I were like little Angels sleeping on cumulous tufts of cotton… The other girls, however, were a completely different story….our comic relief.   Sue yammering about Donna snoring, Donna laughing and yammering how she can’t help it...

“What do you want me to do??? Sleep in the bathroom?  I’ll get a cot”

“Don’t be ridiculous, it’s fine. I just tried to wake you and you got angry”

“I can’t help it”

As for me, I heard nothing all night.  Snoring and the like doesn’t bother me… I said…”Donna, sleep with me… I don’t care, I can sleep through anything” She declined. It all turned out fine… but the comical banter continued throughout the trip.  It’s what makes Sue and Donna….Sue and Donna.

And the day begins.

I think we hit every clothing concession there was… plus every tack shop and trainer stand.  Straight to Craig Cameron…and Tommy Turvey… and everyone in between!

Oh my I found a hat at Tommy Turvey’s booth… It was adorned with just enough crystals and didn’t look half bad.  Sharon picked hers out too… we both wanted the same one... and both knew it would never be worn together, at the same place, at the same time… or... if it be worn at all!! I am big on autographs. I don’t care who it is… or what; if you made it, sign it.  So good ole “Tommy” signed our hats… and off we went.

Donna and Sue are addicted to vests.  We hit every clothing stand there was and they got new vests in every color, on sale, on clearance and even full price.  I love vests.  They complete every cowgirl’s outfit and everyone should have one or twelve. 

The evening show was outstanding.  It was great to see all these trainers in one place... doing what they do best.  The parade of breeds still confirmed my desire to own a Fresian horse... someday!

 

Amidst the excitement, I received a phone call from Tom Riley. “How’s that trip goin?”  I told him about the trainers and how he should really be out here doing the same stuff that these guys are… he’s way better, and so far they haven’t taught us anything we didn’t already learn from him.

“Well, when you get back, I got a surprise for ya.  It’s well worth it, we’ll talk” 

Jeeze…. Don’t do this to me….you know I hate that… what is it??

After much coercion, he simply stated… The Chill mare.  She’s yours if you want her.  Think about that.  We’ll talk.”

GASP!!

The look on my face must have been something… Sue turned… What’s wrong?  You ok?

All I could muster up was a “yea, um, fine”

Countless times Sue must have told me that Tom would never sell the Chill mare. Her breeding was outstanding and she was one of his best horses.   I often spoke about Chill to them.  Wondering if I should dare ask Tom if Chill was for sale, Sue reminded me to forget it. 

Chill and I were a pair I don’t know how it happened, but I fell in love with her instantly from the first ride, and Chill, well she loved the attention, too.   My hope was to get my locomotive train of a horse to be like Chill. “Stinka” or Roxy as she was newly named was a great horse but so full of power that I didn’t think I would ever ride her.

 To me, the Chill mare was just a dream.