The True Meaning of Winning

By: Delores Kuhlwein

When trainer, Becky Paulson, took 14 horses in her barn to the PtHAWW’s Let’s Go Pinto Show in Western Washington earlier this month, she expected some inconsistent weather.  She got that – ranging from sunny skies to rain to snow on Sunday. But what she didn’t expect was a thoughtful gesture of one of her youth that would leave everyone with a lasting memory.

When one of her youth riders, Avery Hallett, won the 10 & Under High Point buckle with her horse, Ready To Ante Up, aka “Annie,” and she promptly gave the buckle to her new friend in the barn, Adina Domachovsky.

“This was Adina’s first show, and she and Avery became fast friends,” Paulson says, explaining that Adina showed her horse, Painted By Roses, aka “Millie,” for this introductory horse show.

When asked why she gave the buckle to her new friend, Avery explained. “I gave the buckle to her, because she deserves it. She did a great job, and it was her first show in fancy clothes.”

It wasn’t the first time Avery has shown such genuine kindness. Paulson says, “In 2021, at the Pinto World Show, Avery’s older sister, Hailey, took her in Leadline. They earned a buckle, and Avery thanked Hailey for leading her by giving her the buckle.”

Paulson says the kind act reminded her of a Cleve Wells’ quote she once read- “How many people say ‘I want to win?’ How many say ‘I’d like to learn how to win?’ And how many know the difference?”

“Avery understands the true meaning of winning,” she concludes. “It’s not about ribbons or buckles. It’s about the journey and the lessons we learn to make us better.”