The 2024 Win That Makes You Smile

This past week, I received a lovely email from Jill, who made the $15,000 Amateur World Finals Cutting in Fort Worth. For those who don’t cut, that’s a big deal! Congratulations, Jill! You go, girl!

Her email made me think it would be fun to hear from you about whatever made you smile or that you’re proud of as you look back over 2024 and acknowledge the people, horses, and things that contributed to your success.

I would love for you to share one or all of the following points.

Your response can be one word or a book. (-: (There’s a link below that you can use to post your story on our website.)

  1. What win in 2024 made you incredibly happy? It could be something visible on the outside (like a buckle or placing), or it could be more internal (like increased confidence or courage), or both. Please let us know. Nothing is too small or too big. It’s not about the size; it’s about the meaning to you.
  2. Who was a part of this win? None of us do anything alone. Who helped you along the way (two and/or four-legged)?
  3. What other parts of your progress (things you studied, events you participated in, books, or podcasts that influenced you) contributed to your success? Our growth is an accumulation of various bits from many sources. Some may be things you never saw coming!

This week is about you sharing the things that make you smile as you look back over 2024.

Your comments or story will be a hats-off to you and the people and ‘things’ that contributed to your success and joy this past year.

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Comments

2 Comments on The 2024 Win That Makes You Smile

  1. Jackie Snyder on Thu, 12th Dec 2024 7:25 am

    2. OK – here goes – a bit lengthy –

    What made me smile in 2024? Hmm – This question brought up a lot, particularly about the people and horse that made it happen. I am a confident rider, so the following are two things that make me smile when I think about them and how they have added another fun activity to my toolbox. Perhaps they are things that built confidence, but they just seem to be really fun things that my horse and I did and do to continue to improve our cutting skills.

    As a bit of background for those of you who don’t know me, I am a 78 year old lifelong horsewoman, having spent most of my life riding jumpers and 3 Day Eventers, as well as time putting wet saddle blankets on two year olds, among other things. I’m currently riding a 17 year old cutter who started his career as an NCHA cutter money winner, then went on to excel in AQHA Ranch Sorting earning an ROM. There are probably other things that he has accomplished of which I am unaware. I am relatively new to the cutting world. I keep my horse at home in the pasture (i.e. he is not with a trainer) and he is not under lights (i.e. he looks like a yak in winter.). I love having my horse at home!! I don’t show often, but my horse and I love working cows at any opportunity.

    My two 2024 smile activities? Cutting and working buffalo (bison) and riding my horse bridleless with my reins in position on the left side of his neck as if we were cutting. Super fun is to work the flag bridleless. This horse is really broke, but is usually quite cow fresh and can do some interesting airs above the ground when on cows or the flag!! Both of these activities are helping me keep my hand down in cutting – a skill I have worked long and hard to master – but am still a work in progress. The buffalo are speedy guys and help my older cutter come out of the turn faster and run across the pen faster.

    I am so grateful to many who have helped me and encouraged me on my cutting journey: They include, but are not limited to: My super cool little horse, Hes One Smooth Cat “Rascal”, while a bit quirky, is willing to try anything and just loves anything to do with a cow; my mentors – Barbra Schulte – whose instruction, online courses, inspiration, and support have made my cutting journey possible; Gil Stoner – friend, neighboring rancher, extraordinary horseman and horse trainer who lets us do real ranch work; Eddie Bourke – cutting trainer willing to coach an older rider with an older horse that is not in training with him – and he introduced me to buffalo!; Dr. Joe Gotti, clinician, who suggested the bridleless flag work; my spouse Larry Ristow who drives me to events which conserves my energy and has designed and built electric winches which enable me to saddle my horse at home and on the road; veterinary support team Dr. Keith Huffman, Retama Equine Hospital, Dr. Tracy Colvin, Southwest Texas Veterinary Medical Center; my orthopedic support doctor Dr. Anil Dutta who keeps the “bionic arm” working with numerous innovations and surgeries (total left elbow replacement after horse crash 16 years ago) and supports my horse endeavors.

  2. Lesta Jean Conger on Fri, 13th Dec 2024 1:38 pm

    3. Hi Barbra, So its been an awesome year for me and my mare, Maybelline. We became involved with the SD Versatility Ranch Horse Shows about three years ago. I really enjoy the different events that we show in. I have been riding Maybelline for four years and we have gone thru some learning curves about each other. We were in the Novice division this year at the show and accumulated enough points to win the Novice all around for 2024. Also we made it to the National Versatility Horse Show in Castle Rock, Co in Oct. We were so surprised to get third overall in our division.
    It has been quite a ride and I am so pleased and proud of Maybelline. We have such a connection now.
    I also would like to thank my husband, Tom, who is my biggest supporter!! To the SD Versatility Ranch Horse Club members who have had my back the whole time. Also to Barbra Schulte, I have learned so much from your courses over the years. It was so nice to finally meet her last spring. To Julie Goodnight who said you have to take the Bull by the horns sometimes. I appreciate everything!!

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