Happy Horsing Around prizes

This is how I discovered the Happy Horsing Around Show series: I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a picture of gorgeous Western saddle by Donna Allen of Eagle Nest Custom Model Horse Saddles and Tack. 

In the description, she referred to it as a "trophy saddle." That piqued my interest, so I clicked on the comments and scrolled until I found the relevant information.

I wasn't familiar with the Happy Horsing Around series, so I typed that into Facebook's search box, and the rest is history.

I entered the October, November and December shows, winning a couple classes in each. All the first place photos advanced to the Championship show, which was held last week. There were some amazing photos in the mix. I thought probably I'd have a top five. I was not expecting to win.

Let me repeat that: I was not expecting to win.

And yet.

That gorgeous trophy saddle arrived today.

I haven't seen Donna's leatherwork in person and I am so impressed.

This passes all my quality checks. It's beautiful, realistic and easy to use. The carving is deep and clean, and I really appreciate the correct seat one-piece seat construction, with the padding going over the top.

There are so many wonderful details. This little charm made me squee.

Last year was such a hard year for me on the collection front. I lost so many things in our basement flood. This tack set feels like a new beginning. Maybe it will be.

Thank you, Donna Allen, Terry Boaz and everyone associated with the Happy Horsing Around Show series. I absolutely love my new saddle.