The Day After – A Reflection on the 2023 Pinto World Championship Show

An EC Blog by Joan Ames

Tulsa is still without power in a lot of areas.  It is hot there.  Praying for them and for the town of Matador Texas hit last night by a F3 tornado.  The Matador Ranch has lost its herds.  So much lost.

I took this photo the day after.  It was much darker in the arena than this shows.  But that little light shining through sure was a sign of hope.  I never got to show.  But that is ok.  I will get another chance.

As we emerged from the shelter we all sought, we walked on glass.  Ribbons were strewn about.  Horses were freed.  There was rain coming in the roof.  Folks checked on each other.  Horses kicked and whinnied and listened for a soothing voice.

We picked up the debris.  We checked on horses we did not know.  We dumped buckets full of glass.  Texts were sent to the numbers on the stalls letting the owner know their horse was or was not ok.  Most were.  Brooms and shovels were busy sweeping by the light of the phones.  It was a scene of helpers.  It is how horse people are when push comes to shove.

By morning the aisles were clear.  Ribbons rehung.  Teams gathered at the stalls.  We waited together.  And when the inevitable was announced, we all consoled each other on what will not be.  Some got to show.  Some got to ride for a buckle but for those of us waiting we knew it was the right call but it still felt like a sucker punch.

As we packed up we celebrated the wins we had.  Cake was shared for two of our gals’ birthdays and the laughter returned.  Kids were having a water fight.  Coolers were filled and we toasted not only our success but our survival.

Well done folks.  We are horse people.  Resilient.  Tough.  Determined.  Caring.  I think that is what I will remember the most from Pinto World 2023.

Joni Ames

Absolutely Agentlemen

 

Thank you to Joni for allowing us to share these heartfelt words that sum up the heart of the horse industry so accurately! If you have a blog to submit for consideration, please email Delores.Kuhlwein@EquineChronicle.com.