Winning one for Emma

last August I witnessed at the South Mountain Fair, what will be a most cherished and memorable moment in my life. In the true spirit of Country Fairs everywhere, it was something I shall never forget. I was there to see my son Tim and his 8 yr. old daughter Emma show their Belgian mare in the draft horse halter class for mares. Since our country was opened by draft horses and those who love them, I am so proud to have a wee part in celebrating this great breed of horses. This was Emma's first time 'running whip' at a horse show. It was also her first time actually taking part with her daddy in showing these giant animals. She was nervous but focused, and as she entered the ring behind the massive mare I'm sure she felt the spotlight shining on her head, (I know it nearly blinded me) even though it was bright daylight. She followed at a safe but proper distance, making sure Jody moved out at a brisk pace and never faltered when she passed the judges eye. She was part of a team that for this moment in time, depended on her to do her best to show the lovely mare to it's best advantage. It was all over in less than 15 minutes. All the anxiety. All the hopes and prayers in this little girls heart were waiting to hear what the decision of the judge was going to be. Finally, without fanfare, they announced that they had taken first prize. Emma never blinked until she came out of the ring. As she turned the corner, she came running to me, eyes shining, smile clear back to her ears. "I can't believe I WON!!!" she shouted. "I can't believe I won"!!!. You see, while she was showing the mare, what she was really showing was herself. For the first time. Doing something she had been waiting for, dreaming of. It was HER chance to shine. She proved to herself that SHE could pass the test and stand up in front of society and make the cut. What a great lesson to be learned at such a tender age. I know it will stay with her til she's an old 'self confident' woman. I'm so grateful to country fairs and other such opportunities where children can feel they won!