by Kelly McAvoy, Crimson Rangers
Where were you on the afternoon of Sunday, September 5? A little over 100 White Division riders and around 40 volunteers were out at the Fairgrounds helping and participating in this year's annual Gymkhana. There were five races held, including Barrels, Pole Bending, Flags, Potato Race and Keyhole. Each rider was allowed to compete in three of the five races. Separate events were held for each level. Single A owners competed against only other single A owners. Single A renters competed against only other single A renters, and so on up to AAA. But, because of the number of competitors, only the top five timed riders were given ribbons, first through fifth place. For the renters, many of the string horses were brought down to be used in competition. Some of the horses were perfect little angels, like always, and others who could be quite a pain in practice were amazing surprises. But none could and never will be able to live up to Baldy's ability as a perfect Gymkhana horse.
About two years ago, Baldy was retired from Westernaires. Many riders thought he was slow and he never did put a lot of effort into regular practices. He was a perfect Tenderfoot horse, and up until he was retired, ran as a Warrior horse in Red Division. When the Warriors had their old drill, where the Warriors jumped off their horses and the horses ran out of the arena by themselves, Baldy always lead the pack. If there was one horse who was straggling behind or didn't leave when they were supposed to, Baldy always came to the rescue, chasing the disobedient horse in the right direction. But, that was only one of his many talents.
Everyone thought of him as the cute, short, little horse that couldn't really keep up in team. But, during Gymkhana, he always amazed those that didn't know him. Baldy loved games of all sorts. He could and would always at least place, if not win first, in every race he competed in. He was an amazing little horse with an incredible amount of talent. He was one of those few horses who knew the races by himself and no matter what you told him, he would do what he knew was right. I still remember the very first time I rode him. It was the very first time competing Gymkhana and my very first race within a Gymkhana. I had drawn his name out of the bucket of names of horses to race in Pole Bending (now my favorite race). When I first saw that I was supposed to ride him, I was a little upset, in tears actually. I couldn't believe that I was supposed to ride an itty, bitty horse that never moved in practice. I didn't think I stood a chance. But, because I didn't have a choice, I knew I would have to ride him anyway. So, I adjusted my stirrups, tightened his cinch and got on.
Waiting in line for your turn at Gymkhanas is always the worse. It gives you time to get nervous and worried about competing. Naturally, my last name is in the middle of the alphabet, so I had a nice long wait. By the time it was my turn to go into the arena, I was a little worried. So, I did what I thought I was supposed to do, I spurred him and expected to go nowhere. I have never been more wrong before in my life. Baldy took off at full speed and flew around the poles, doing the race entirely on his own. I lost my stirrups, my hold on his reins and grabbed the saddle horn for dear life. Baldy completed the race beautifully, with no help from me. I knew I, well Baldy really, had done incredibly well. Which we did. I won first !!! My very first Gymkhana ever and I won first place. Boy was I happy.
Baldy stayed one of my favorite horses for a long time. I rode him almost every summer practice through my AA year. At my very last Gymkhana, I got the amazing luck of riding him for pole bending again. And again, I won first. That was one of the last times I got to ride Baldy. But, have no fear, he is now a very happy old man living on a farm in Nebraska. He gained back all the weight he had started to lose here and even has his own little girlfriend.
Baldy has remained one of my favorite horses and will always hold a special place in my heart. So, next time you think a horse is slow and worthless, think again. And always, always, at least give them a chance.
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