The Small Victories That Make a Big Difference

EC Blog by: Allyson Hicks

Everyone has a bad birthday now and then, but my 50th started as if it was in the running for the Worst Day of the Year. I woke up with a terrible case of hives and started the day with an emergency visit to the doctor’s office for a dose of injectable steroids. Not only were my now 50-year-old wrinkles clearly visible, but my scratched, bleeding hive-riddled face was on full display.

To make matters worse, my horse was still on a 45-day time out, as recommended by the veterinarian, and he was resting in his stall. I had been hoping to qualify for the AQHA Novice Championship Show, but with this time off, the clock is ticking… Reality has set in, and I’m pretty sure that I won’t be able to get him shown under enough judges to qualify. (To qualify for the Novice Championships, a competitor has to show to 20 judges.) These 45 days off will make it virtually impossible for us to qualify.

Even worse, I had planned to spend my birthday at a Quarter Horse show in Oregon, doing what I love. Now, not only was I home alone, with hives, and a lame horse, I was missing my birthday party. Instead of hearing the traditional chorus of “Happy Birthday to you…” it was more along the lines of “It’s my party and I can cry if I want to…”

My barn mates were kind enough to invite me for pizza and cupcakes for lunch, so I packed up my itchy self and drove on out. Barn friends are the best kind of friends, aren’t they? After they filled me up with unnecessary calories and loads of laughter, I felt a little bit better about the day and headed home to try to shake off any lingering sadness.

AND what did I find in the mail? My horse’s first AQHA All-Around trophy had arrived! Birthday saved! I can’t say that my birthday was a total success, but I can say that opening that package and seeing that trophy meant so much to me.

In honor of all those unexpected, out of nowhere, make-a-bad-day-better things that remind us to always keep our chins up, will you share your photos or stories of how your “horse show swag” saved the day? Showing horses isn’t all about winning that blue ribbon, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to be recognized, especially when you’re having a rough day!

From a prize that your child won to a title one of your student’s accomplished, these small victories make a difference. I know they do for me.

Until next time,

Allyson Hicks and No Fun Being Good