The Shape of a Trophy is Not What Defines Your Experience

Blog by: 13 and under AQHA exhibitor, Addie Nalle-Icenhour

As a small fry, I was always asking to lope. I thought it was the goal and the entire point to move up age divisions.  It turns out, it’s only half the point.

After finishing Small Fry, I needed a loping horse for 2018 and preferred to focus on Quarter Horses after showing both Paint and Quarter Horses last year. Around Christmas, my life became an amazing whirlwind. My cousin, Kyleigh, offered to lease Lonesome At The Bar, aka “Mouse,” to me while she attends college. Mouse has my heart.  I knew this was the right decision and signed the lease form.

A few shows into the season, I received a letter from AQHA explaining the 11 & Under Intermediate Justin Boot Award. Opportunity just came to my front door. So, I learned how points are awarded. I would log into the website to track our progress. Each new opportunity made my comfort zone grow a little bigger.

Every time I enter the show pen, I want to do my best. I have learned to count each stride and be more engaged to feel for my horse’s movement. My trainer and I review each ride. The focus is always on what was great and then how Mouse and I can improve on the next ride.

Then, I learned AQHA had moved the Level 1 Championship to Ohio, and new opportunities came with it. Mouse and I were ready for our first big show. We entered a lot of classes. Some went better than others, and we started to really work as a team. It was amazing to earn Reserve in 13 & Under Trail. I lost by a 1/2 point. That 1/2 point made me want to work harder in the next class. I wanted a 1/2 point better in my next ride. It drew me in to dig deep. I finished the show Reserve All Around 13 & Under.

Opportunities only start in the show pen. I’m learning habits and systems that extend to life. My learning experience starts before the trailer pulls out of our driveway. I pack my items for the weekend. I use a checklist to keep organized. It’s a system. I’m responsible for me. It requires me reach out of my comfort zone most every weekend.

It was a honor to be part of AQHA history as one of the first 13 & Under world class exhibitors. I know how unbelievably blessed I am. The OKC Women’s Shelter donation drive reminds me of it. That’s why I was excited to answer the call to action. Our family’s dentist and office staff are super cool. Doctor Garrison was happy donate to the toiletries drive when I explained my mission. With one last run to the store, the last donation items were checked off my list, and I loaded it all into the trailer.

I understand that a team effort has brought me to Oklahoma City. It couldn’t have accomplished this without a huge team believing in me. Thank you to my Mom, cousin Kyleigh, and the rest of my family. I understand the sacrifices my family makes for me to reach my dreams. Also, thank you to my barn family and trainers. Marion and Kirsty Troyer have taught me so much. I wouldn’t be here without the support and encouragement of the Ohio Youth Team. Thank you Ohio QH for drawing me into new opportunities.

I understand exactly how I’ve gotten to this point and this very minute. It was not done alone. The purpose is not solely about mastering the two point at a hand gallop. I’m learning to set goals and dream big. It requires me to continually reach out of my comfort zone and be part of a larger team. I’m learning to improve myself by helping others. I have grown out of my comfort zone so much more than last year. I’m sincerely thankful and appreciate the opportunities it has provided. I understand what it means to be #AQHQProud. That’s really the point.

A Mother’s Note: 

I had a long conversation with Addie when she was tearful over the “globe trophy conversation.” She told me that some people said 13 and under exhibitors shouldn’t get globes in the new classes at the World Show.  I explained that change is always a hard adjustment, because it makes a ripple in time to the way things have always been.  Each ripple gains momentum and builds to a wave. It’s up to you to choose where the wave takes you. You can ride it to new places or you can choose to let it pass you by and keep your feet in the same place. 

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. That’s how great ideas come about. People need to have a great atmosphere to share and bounce ideas off each other to allow the horse industry to grow from generation to generation. It’s just like how you choose which horses to cross a mare to. You want the next generation to be a great cross.  

The shape of a trophy or a ribbon  doesn’t make a difference to how great you were that day. You choose to take the wave. You know what it took to get you there. It’s your truth and your personal best. That’s always the shape of your heart, tears, and hard work.  How can you even put that feeling into a shape? It’s what it means to you.  A trophy and ribbons sit on your shelf as a reminder. Only you define the shape of the wave that got you to it.