Painting Big Dreams at 2018 Paint Horse Congress

By: Barbwire Productions

During Halter classes at the 2018 Paint Horse Congress, there is a woman at the edge of the arena, patiently waiting for her class to be called. At show time, she walks out into the arena and proudly stands next to her horse.

Polly Plant of Kerrville, Texas, started showing Halter horses in 2000. She loved the feel of the show ring and knew she was a lifelong equestrian. In 2007, it seemed as if fate had other plans for Polly.

“The car accident changed my life. It broke my back in three places. The doctors told me I had 90% of never sitting up straight again.”

Polly had other plans. “I told them, by the grace of God, I would. He’s the reason I’m sitting here today and the reason I’m showing today.”

It was never a matter of “I might show again,” for Polly, but rather, “I will show again.” In November of 2012, which marked the first time she walked back into the show pen, “there wasn’t a dry eye in the barn.”

Showing is a little different for Polly now. After requesting a variance from APHA, a friend, or her trainer, is allowed to track the horse for the judge and then has permission to reset the mare, since Polly can’t stoop down and reset her mare’s feet.

Polly and her mare, a two-year-old named, You Can Call Me Fancy, generally show in the Waco/Central Texas area. However, this year, she decided to travel to the Paint Horse Congress for the first time. Her new trainer, who is also located in Kerrville, encouraged her to travel to Tulsa to compete.

“It’s been nice so far!” she shared. Polly is already planning on showing at the Congress next year. “I’m not stopping anytime soon. As long as I’m capable, I’ll keep showing.”