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A trip to the Rocky Mountain Horse Internationals at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, has become a Thomas family annual tradition. Last year we actually took horses to show for the first time, and we had such a good experience that we decided to do it again this year! This year the whole family went – including my mom and little brother, Joshua. I guess you could say this was our family vacation for the year. Not that it was really that relaxing. But it was fun, and we learned a lot, and we met so many nice people. While we didn’t place very well, we placed better than we did last year. I even placed 3rd in the Adult Bareback class (on our stallion, Rocky Mountain Man), which is the highest I’ve ever placed! I’d say he didn’t do half badly for being 25 years old.
You can click here to see our farm Facebook page (we’re Halal Mountain Horses) with lots of pictures of our other horses, including our two foals born this year!
Without further adieu, here’s a pictorial tour of our weekend:
(PS – all photos of me were taken by my sister Katelyn)
Daddy showing our stallion, Rocky Mountain Man (Sewell’s Sam x Fancy’s Image x Choco)
Me showing Rocky
Each ride got better and better as Rocky settled into the show routine. I had so much fun!
Rocky hollering for Windy Gail, who was back at the barns. He was so attached to her.
Gotta love that smooth-as-silk ride of a Rocky Mountain horse!
Untacking at the barn
Katelyn getting Windy Gail ready
The ever-watchful Rocky
Isn’t he so handsome?
Katelyn in the practice arena
Katelyn’s first class
Headed back to the barn
Jim and Lola Tate, from whom we bought Rocky several years ago, came to see Rocky at the show. It was good to see them again!
Josh on Windy Gail in the lead-line class
Nikki in the Youth Solo class
She placed first! Katelyn has done a great job training Windy Gail, so she’s perfect for this kind of thing. Of course Nikki did a great job of riding her!
On the way out of the horse park early in the morning on the way home
Katelyn feeding the horses apples at a gas station. By *ahem* taking bites out of the apple, taking them back out of her mouth, and feeding them to the horses…
Katelyn has taught Windy how to “smile”.
Carolyn Farrell says
The horses, the photos and the family are all stunning. This photo story is beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I love how much you pack into the days of your life.
Briana Thomas says
Sometimes I have a habit of packing *too* much into my life, but I have been blessed with many opportunities. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Angelica says
Beautiful pics! God bless you Briana.
Dede B says
Thank you for sharing your fun family experience! Great photography and beautiful horses!
Jim and Lola Tate says
We really enjoyed seeing you guys at the Horse Park. Wish we could have spent more time with you. The Thomas family is just wonderful. We feel like we are part of the family when we’re around you. We could not have found a better family to own our most prized horse. Rocky is fortunate to have such loving owner. Hope to see you guys again soon.
Briana Thomas says
Thank y’all so much. We really enjoyed seeing you too! It’s too bad the show schedule is so busy! You should definitely come see us for a few days. 😉 We are so thankful to have Rocky.
Aimee says
So fun!! The horses are beautiful!
Janice Storey says
Beautiful pics