Weekend show report

Rarely have I looked forward to a show report as much as this one.  

My friend, Erin Corbett, attended the Emerald Downs Live Model Horse Show in Auburn, Washington yesterday. She brought a whole herd of top show horses and one performance FAS.

Yep, you read that right: Erin's newest performance superstar is an original finish Breyer Family Arab stallion.

FASper the Friendly Ghost's day got off to a slow start...

but he came back strong in the OF English Performance division.

NAN card! 

And again. 

First place! 

If the judge had used a points based system to determine the champions, FASper would have won a rosette. Congratulations, Erin. I love your new performance horse.

Congratulations also for dominating the CM/AR Performance division with Mr. Purdtastic...

and thanks for letting me share your pictures!

It had to be done, part two

Ryan was trying to talk me into buying him something. He said, "If you buy it for me, I will clean the rat cage."

"No," I told him. "That's your job.  You don't get a bonus for that."

"What if I vacuum the living room and empty the dishwasher? For a week."

"Hmmm" I said, thinking it over. "That's almost worth it."

Sensing weakness, he pulled out all the stops. "If you buy it for me, I will vacuum the living room, empty the dishwasher and I will let you take a picture of me riding a horse in my mask."

Sold.

Weeks passed. Ryan got his prize, but I did not get my picture.  Every time I asked him to go to the barn with me, he had an excuse. Some were legit. Some were not. I didn't force the issue and I didn't get mad. I just kept on asking.

Finally, he said, "You're never going to forget about this are you?"

"No," I told him. "It has to be done."

He sighed theatrically and said, "Fine.  Let's go to the barn."

Best deal I ever made.

Jellybean

The only thing I don't like about rats is their short lifespans.  Our sweet little Jellybean died peacefully in her cage earlier this week.

She was a very good rattie.  We all miss her.

The BCS Winter Challenge champions

With ninety four entrants and more than nine hundred and fifty photos, the BCS Winter Photo Challenge was an amazing success.  I truly enjoyed every single set of pictures.  Thanks so much to everyone who entered.  In my mind, you're all champions.

That said, some entries were more memorable than others.  It was impossible to choose just one winner, so I decided to follow the NAN format and name a Champion, Reserve Champion and Remaining Top Ten.  The two top placings will both receive a nameplate halter.

Without further ado, here are the winners:

Champion: Ulrike Appelt

Reserve Champion: Cendre O'Caroll

Remaining Top Ten (in no particular order): Tammi Palmarchuk,

Claudia Rallis, 

Mindy Berg,

Doreen Z, 

Dora Duftschmied,

Nichelle Jones, 

Danielle Feldman,

and Kate McLachlan.

Congratulations to all the winners and thanks again to everyone who entered!

Winner number one

Today is Presidents' Day.  The kids are out of school, and Seth didn't have to go to work.  By my reckoning, that means it's still the weekend, and I am finishing this contest right on schedule.  Huzzah!

As promised, two of the ninety four contest entries have been selected to win a nameplate halter.  The first of those was chosen by a random draw.

And the winner is...  Erin O'Neal of Redstone Studio!

Congratulations, Erin!  Please contact me privately to collect your prize.

The rest of Erin's winning entry can be view on her blog, Redstone Studio.  Thanks to everyone who entered.  You all deserved a halter!

Steven's contest entry

Steven Chunk Watt's entry is the ninety fourth and final entry for the BCS Winter Photo Challenge. This was perhaps the most perplexing entry for me, because of the submission for Nekkid. Technically, it was fine, but perhaps just a bit too suggestive for a family friendly blog.  After a lot of debate, I decided to err on the side of caution and leave it out.  Sorry, Steven.  I really did enjoy the rest of your pictures!

1. Vintage

3. Scale issues

4. I see spots

5. Rare breed

6. Unbridled passion 

7. Portrait 

8. Conga 

9. The great outdoors 

10. Best in show 

And... I also have one more blog entry with lots of great photos: CWS Stables and Studio.  Be sure to check out the rest of her posts.  They're great!

Lesya's contest entry

In case anyone is wondering, I haven't been posting the entries to the BCS Winter Photo Challenge in any particular order.  "Anon" was one of the first people to enter, and even though hers is a particularly cheerful set of photos, it's taken me all this time to get them up.  Sorry about the wait, "Anon".  I'm really glad you entered.

P.S. James wants to steal Big Kitty.

1. Vintage

Slightly less beat up version of my first Breyer, who is currently in storage.

2. Nekkid

Currently in process of getting his clothes painted off.

3. Scale issues 

Big kitty meets small kitty.

3B. Scale issues 

Big kitty eats small kitty.

4. I see spots

Kylie finally found her pony, Spots.

5. Unbridled passion

Kylie and Mak passionately gallop(and eventually fly) off.

6. Rare breed

You don't see blue horses often.

7. Portrait

Cozmic One

8. Conga

The Sherman Morgans and ASBs.

9. The great outdoors 

Jenna would rather be inside than brave the great outdoors - also known as the harsh Canadian winter.

10. Best in show 

Kylie's model wins champion.

Last call, people!  According to my records, there is only one set of photos left to share.  If I haven't posted your pictures and your name is not Steven, please let me know.