New Friends & The Iowa High School Rodeo Association~

While at the Y one afternoon, I actually overheard horse talk!  I walked over to introduce myself to Alicia & her daughter Autumn.  Autumn had just purchased a new mare, as a future Barrel Racing partner.  Riding since the age of four & now at fifteen, Autumn was ready for new mount.  I learned about the National High School Rodeo Association & the Iowa High School Rodeo Association that Autumn participates in.  The calendar has nine Rodeo's scheduled for this season.

  I had so much fun talking horse.  It was hard to break the conversation off to finish our exercise routines.  Alicia sent me the schedule for the first upcoming event at the Moville, IA Fairgrounds.  Saturday, we left early for the two + hour drive north.

 We found Autumn saddling up for the first event.  Her new mare is such a beauty!  Smooth, silky coat, beautiful tight conformation.  After the trip up from Florida (with a stallion in the trailer) & only having arrived a week ago, Dixie was a little tense.  

Alicia & Autumn~

 Alicia is an energy medicine practitioner.  She used a Biotheric Energy Transmitter developed by Dr. Gary Kersey.  I was amazed at how quickly Dixie dropped her head & was licking & chewing within  minutes.

Autumn uses a treeless saddle & had just purchased a Saddleright pad, recommended by Dixie's trainer.  My favorite pad too & it fit perfectly with the saddle.

Dakota, Autumn's sister~

With two arena's, the fairgrounds was a super busy place!  I was thrilled to see so many kids on horses!  I met one of the managers who told me that these Rodeo's draw a large number of riders & most enter several events.

Entering the arena~

These two were incredibly focused.  Autumn's first event was pole bending.  Dixie had never even seen poles, but once she figured out what Autumn was asking of her, I was impressed with how quickly she responded.

Into the poles!

Next, was their first barrel run, 37 girls were entered!  (Autumn had traveled to FL to meet her new mare & do some riding before transport.)

First barrel~

On the first run, I was taking photos & Butch was doing video.

Around the second barrel~

Autumn is a beautiful rider & had a super seat.  The mare worked off her hind end & had plenty of impulsion in the rear!

Around the last barrel!  A clean run!

We held our breath as they cleared the final barrel & headed for the wire!

 I love barrel racing & couldn't help but be totally impressed with this duo!  Autumn's second run, was 17.13 seconds!  Faster than most of the barrel racers we watched at Sidney! 

Dixie & Autumn~

  The two of us were sitting in the stands when Butch said;  "I love being around horses again!"  That made my day :-)  We have Alicia & Autumn to thank for the invite & we plan to see this young lady ride as often as we can.  Dixie will soon be wearing Farah's beautiful Skaowski crystal headstall & I can't wait to get a photo!

Leaving the Fairgrounds~

 At the horse barn, we watched as the horses were being fed.  There was yet another day of competition.  We left for home, the smell of horses & dust better than any perfume!