Not This Year...Bummer

Yesterday I got some bad news from Sylvia and I will not be going to Canada.

I had just got done saddling a horse when she asked me if I would like to go with her and her sister, Sharon for lunch. Before we left, she told me that she had a major problem and it was driving her crazy. I asked her if it was about me and she nodded. I thought I was in trouble, and started to get nervous. She told me that she was really stressed out with getting Sharon and her daughter Ashley situated, which was putting pressure between her and her husband, and something happened with her younger stallion, Khasabi. Even before she said it, I knew she was hinting at me not being able to go to Canada with them.

We went into the lounge for more privacy and she told me that the farm that Khasabi is at has one horse in quarantine. Even though it is only the one horse, who doesn't have a contagious disease unless it breeds or something similar to an STD in humans, and the rest of the barn can be shown in the US, the entire barn has been labeled under quarantine and is not able to show outside of the US. Yes, that means that Khasabi will not be going to the Canadian Nationals, as well as the entire barn, including 5 other clients who have paid entry fees, stall fees, hotel, etc. Since I would only be needed for setting up the stall area and packing the trailer, it would be unnecessary for me to go for only 2 horses.

She had a really hard time getting this out, and we looked at each other and I said, "There's always next year." With that, she started to cry with relief and we hugged. Seeing her cry made, me tear up, and she was so thankful that I understood. Even though I am a little disappointed, there is always next year and I can now go home to the Britt Draft Horse Show.

So I will be helping Ashley and Sharon with stalls, working horses, and general upkeep of the farm while Sylvia is gone. I am thinking about telling the scheduler at McDonald's to schedule me, but I would also like to spend some time with my family and go to the State Fair with them. So we'll just see what happens.