gym-kha-na

Gymkhana-(noun) any of various meets at which contests are held to test the skill of competitors in equestrianship

This past weekend Autumn was in her first Gymkhana. Every time we told our friends that she was entered in a Gymkhana they would ask what it was because they had never heard of it before.

The event was at my mom's work in Queen Creek. Autumn competed against girls ages 3-7.
Autumn competed in the barrel racing, pole bending, and feed walk.

I was so proud of her! The horse Polly that she rode is her horse, that my mom owns. Polly is a veteraned rodeo horse. Polly has been in many competitive events were she is asked to give her all. The moment Autumn was mounted on her horse she was antsy. Autumn warmed her up in the warm up arena and she still was pretty fresh. Autumn was the 4th contestant out and Polly was literly rearing to go. Once we stepped in the arena Polly was biting at the bit. Autumn hung on and never once got scared. She was actually giggling with glee as we raced home through the timer. She was so excited! In the pole bending she was reining around each pole like a real pro.

By the end of her first event she was so thrilled that she got to compete in barrel racing like aunt Franki and Grammy. Bruce even rode around for a an hour or so.

What sealed the deal for Autumn is that she won 2 ribbons. She is really looking forward to competing again someday.