The Luck of the Draw

 

“There are no coincidences. Just miracles by the boatload.” — Clare Vanderpool.

By Delores Kuhlwein

 

The village of Elsie, Michigan, boasts a population of just under 1,000 people. The chances of having two talented, young equestrians in the same elementary school, in the same grade and wait – even in the same classroom – in such a small community seems impossible.

But that’s exactly what is going on at EE Knight Elementary in Elsie, Michigan, in Mr. Thelan’s third grade classroom.

Meet two darling third graders: Kalli Peck and Claire Fabus.

Both are horse girls to the core.

Kalli Peck and her family often participate in rodeos  (Kallie is the 2023-2024 Miss NLBRA -National Little Britches Rodeo Association – of Michigan Little Wrangler Princess), and the Fabus family shows in all around events at open shows with the Michigan Quarter Horse Association.

So they’ve never really shown together.

But this year, they both have a big fall planned – they’re both showing at the 2023 All American Quarter Horse Congress for the first time.

As it turns out, both happen to be showing on the same day in Columbus, Ohio – Sunday, October 1^st.

Kallie is showing her mare, Sparkle N Shine, aka “Sparkle,” in the NRHA Short Stirrup Reining, and Claire is showing her gelding, Dry Tinsel, aka “Nick,” in the Small Fry Ranch Riding.

“Claire came home today telling me all about how the teacher and students were asking them both questions about what the ‘Congress’ thing was. The other students couldn’t believe both the girls got to miss a whole week of school,” explains Taylor Fabus, Claire’s mom, who spoke to us on Monday. “Claire said, ‘It’s basically like a national horse show.’ So cute!”

Though they’ve never shown together before,  the stars aligned this year.  Kalli’s mom is also showing the first week in Ranch and Reining classes, and Claire’s big sister, Caroline, is showing in the Ranch division as well.

“They’re already planning to camp next to each other at the Congress and hang out!” reports Taylor.

Their favorite part of the whole situation boils down to what we all love about showing – our friends and the connection we all share.

Claire has been telling her mom, Taylor, “Mom, it’s so nice to have someone at school who I don’t have to explain everything to. When I talk about horse stuff she just understands!”

Kalli has this to say, “I’m excited to experience my first Quarter Horse Congress with one of my best friends, Claire.  I’m so happy I’m not showing against her.  I will be able to cheer her on before my reining class!”

Let’s give them all a big welcome to the 2023 All American Quarter Horse Congress!  The schedule for October 1, 2023, is below, as well as the live stream link.

https://nationalsportsbroadcasting.com/