Bring on the Finals!

BY GUEST BLOGGER DEANNA BECKLEY

The road to the futurity is a long one. It takes determination, and dedication, a good trainer/rider and a great horse to just make it to the futurity.

This horse show is one of the most motivational, inspiring, eye-opening, exciting and frustrating shows to compete at. The hours of work put in out-number the hours of sleep and rest (we have been averaging about 4-5 hours every night if we are lucky) and the emotional side of things can take a toll on your mental state of mind.

 For the past two years, trainers and riders have worked to get that special horse through the hard work of everyday training, the difficulties of keeping their horse sound and healthy and preparing it to show. Two years of hard work comes down to just two runs. One bobble could cost everything.

Jesse knows all to well what it takes to get here and what it takes to succeed. If you don\’t work hard, there is someone else who is – the harder you work the more likely you will succeed.

Jesse showed Ten Reasons in the second go of the NRHA Open Futurity. I was of course a nervous wreck, but cheered as loud as I could.

This is my designated area.

The pair were having a smoking run when Ten came through for his second lead change. The first lead-change was sweet and effortless so Jesse thought he would show him off a little and threw some rein out, leaving Ten to take the lead. Ten was just a bit behind the cue, dragging a lead and picking up a one point penalty per judge.

Jesse guided him to his stops and the little stallion stopped huge all three times. People are still talking about how big he stopped.

Jesse and Ten marked a 216, securing them a spot in the Intermediate Open Finals. The lead change penalty cost them the Open. Although slightly frustrated about missing the Open finals by a point, Jesse was excited to make it to the Intermediate Open Finals.

That night we headed to the draw party.

It was a packed house. The draw party had dinner and live entertainment for the finalists.

Jesse picking his chip with his draw.

Lucky number 28!

Next Jesse got his picture taken for the prgoram.

Then he got to pick out his finalist vest.

 Jesse wasn\’t the only Canadian to make the finals at the NRHA Futurity.

Janet Mathies made the Level 1 Non-Pro Finals on her mare A Little Surprise.

 Bailey Kolsun and her gelding Rock Solid Tag made the Level 1 & 2 Non-Pro Finals. The pair placed third in the Youth Futurity division.

Loris Epis put two in the Level 1 & 2 Open Finals – Resting Whiz and GottaMagnum Dream. Amanda Antifaev and Sugarplum Nic made the Level 1 & 2 Open finals. Mathew Hudson and Ima Easy Whiz made the Level 1, 2, & 3 Open Finals.

Way to go Canucks!

The support Jesse has had through the futurity is incredible. We\’ve been receiveing emails from friends and horsemen across the world with words of encouragment. Friends from Austraila and Germany getting up at all hours of the night to watch Jesse and his horses show. Thanks for all the support!

Needless to say, Saturday will be a day filled with excitement. And though we may not be able to hear the cheers from friends afar, we know they\’ll be watching – cheering for Jesse and the little horse that could.