Hi, it's PG! The other PG, that is (Pony Girl.) I talked to Paint Girl last night for a bit and I told her I'd post an update over here for her.
Everyone arrived safely in Scottsdale. It was a long drive. Paint Girl only got about a half-hour of sleep in 26 hours. She could not sleep in the truck. And when she rode in the semi (that pulled the horse van) she tried to sleep in the top bunk but every time the truck went over a bump, she said she flew up about two feet in the air!
She had to drive a few legs of the trip, even a dark rainy drive up the mountain. Luckily they switched drivers before they hit the snow blizzard. She said they could hardly see a foot in front of them. Not ideal when you're haulin' half a millionaire dollar's worth of horses behind you!
Paint Girl did tell me how nice hauling a goose neck was, and that her next trailer would be a goose neck.
They got into Scottsdale around 2 a.m., spread shavings in the stalls and got the horses settled. Their first class isn't until Thursday (just one horse that day) so it's been fairly mellow. In fact, I got a text from her the other night that they were getting ready to BBQ steaks. Huh? That didn't sound like work!
The weather has been good, it was actually really hot one day, she said she could have broken out the tank top. Yes, I'm a bit jealous! Would love to feel that sun on my shoulders this time of year!
She is most impressed by how everyone "decorates" and sets up their barn areas. She said some people spent days setting up their barn area, from color coordinated stall decor, cedar fences, tables, etc. There will be over 2,000 Arabians and half-Arabians at this show. Whoa! She said all of the big stables that she sees in her Arabian Horse World magazine are there. I imagine she'll see some amazing horses and have some crazy stories to tell before the end of the trip!
But for now, she is there safely, catching up on some sleep, and getting busier as the horses are settled in and the trainers are beginning their workouts. I'll be back next week with more updates!!
28 comments:
Thanks for the update - what an awesome opportunity for Paint Girl!
Thanks for the update :)
What an amazing experience for Paint Girl!
Hey, Paint Girl here! I am trying to do this comment by my phone so I hope it works. I am having a great time and it was very warm today, I think I got a little sunburnt, but that's ok, I need a tan. As soon as the show starts we will be very busy, but am looking forward to the show. Pony Girl will post another update soon! Miss you all!
Hey sis~ glad you figured out the phone thing! :) Maybe you can figure out how to blog from a Blackberry too, then teach me! In all your spare time? Hee!
I sent our cuz Horse Dream's hubby your OH's email. Figured he could help entertain the OH a bit while you are gone!
Have fun and bring me home a tan, too!
I'm glad you all arrived safely! Yes, Scottsdale is a pretty ornate deal, part of the Arabian triple crown along with the US and Canadian Nationals. I'm looking forward to coming this weekend but if it doesn't quit snowing I may not get there until next weekend. Hope to see ya!
Sounds like alittle fun along with all the hard work! Can't wait hear more.
How exciting! Thanks for the update. I'm so happy for you, Paint Girl! I was planning on driving out this weekend, but the snow is holding me back.....and.....I'm trying out a potential new horse during a riding clinic this weekend!
Wish me luck.
Maybe I'll still be able to make it out before the show is over, though. Have fun!!
~Lisa
Glad PG arrived and is getting settled before it gets to busy!!!
Oh how awesome!!! I am so ecstatic for you!!
Thanks PG's for the update!!
Please take lots of pictures. Good luck!
Glad everyone arrived safely! Thanks for the update. I'm sure it will be an awesome (but tiring) experience...
Hey I looked up the show online and viewed some U Tube videos of years past. They are a gorgeous breed. Glad you had time to get settled in too and hope all your horses are as well. Yes, I always noticed on all the big shows (Equine Affaire) how much they decorate their stall areas...it's advertisement for their businesses many of them so it's a first impression for perspective buyers. Have fun...I'm going to the tanning bed just to experience some sun in this "no sun" state! Let me know how the volunteers are treated at this show....I'm thinking about volunteering next year instead of staying around here in the cold!
Thanks for the information on the weather. I would have packed nothing but turtlenecks. Sounds like I might need something lighter. Our weather is supposed to clear up by Saturday, which is when I'm flying out.
Gla everyone got there safely! Looking forward more updates
WOW!!! Sounds like you are going to have a great time and a great story to tell when you come back!
Can't wait to hear the rest of the story!!!!
West World is a gorgeous place! enjoy!
The set up's are OVER THE TOP! I was there a few years back and they really knock themselves out doing that stuff!
How fun! I'm so jealous. I've worked a couple Driving and Standardbred shows, and they set their barns up like hotels! Some people bring carpets and plants, and even rent out extra stalls just for lounge areas. The whole she-bang! I hope Paint Girl is like a sponge and soaks the whole experience right up. Good luck to her ponies too!
LOVING these updates - Paint Girl is currently living my childhood dream. Looking forward to her next report...
:-)
BB
Look at all of the new experiences you are getting with this job! -Driving a big truck and gooseneck? Look at you!
When you get a chance, can you tell us a little bit about the ponies you took down there?
Hope you're having a terrific time, PG...(the painted PG!) Learn lots while you're there, and have fun doing it! And I'm with you...I want a gooseneck next time around!
The weather here will be in the lower 70's this weekend and will climb to the upper 70's and maybe hit 80 next week. Lovin' it!! The set ups are extravagant. We have grass, plants, tables, and rented furniture with big flat screen t.v. And a bar! We live the high life at this show.
Glad you got there ok, it sounds like quite a journey. How many horses did you take? Are you the groom there, or do you get to ride, too? What classes are there? See, I want to know EVERYTHING! I'm just wondering if it's different to the way we do things.
Autumn Mist- I am a show grrom for the farm I work for. I am not riding, there are all types of classes from western, huntseat, reining, sporthorse, showhack, english etc. There are over 2200 Arabs and half Arabs at this show. We brought down 15 horses from our farm. When I get back I will hopefully be able to remember all the details of the show to share!
I LOVE Scottsdale--but I've never been down there for the Arabian show--that would make it that much better! Have fun and get a tan!
Driving a trailer full of horses through mountain passes full of snow??? I FEEL FAINT just thinking about it! Thanks for the update, PG!
Thanks for the update! Glad to hear that things are going well so far.
I would love to go to Scottsdale some day. I have enjoyed your blog. My apron designs are really based on my love for the western life as a southern senorita.
Yoli :)
So far it sounds like an adventure -- especially the drive! Can't wait to see photos from the show. Would love to see all the stalls decorated....Have fun, be safe!
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