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IRCA Saturday Finals

9/10/16 We got to the arena at 3:00 and Blue was in our stall, Jayden kindly asked for her stall back and all was fine. Some contestants pre-paid for stalls, however nobody regulated stalls and once it rained everyone put horses everywhere. It was pretty frustrating for those of us that paid. With all the puddles and wet ground every stall was spoken for. The barrel racers all got together for a gift exchange. They randomly drew names and exchanged. During that time the girls had a meeting and everyone voted for horse of the year.  When they made the announcement, "Jayden Muench and Ace",  we were shocked and excited. It was such a cool feeling and awesome moment. I would vote for Ace, and I think her horse is great, I just didn’t know if any of the other girls thought much of Ace or even noticed him. 15 girls voted and Ace was chosen out of them all as the barrel horse of the year. What an honor. That right there made the whole weekend a whole lot better. Rookie of the year is no longer in her grasp, but horse of the year is such an honor and such a big deal! Jayden got a handful of prizes because of it. She got two sets of Back of Track magnetic boots ($100/set) hat, sweatshirts, and therapy sessions with Top Notch Equine AKA Anne. After the barrel racer meeting, there was a general meeting for all contestants. If members attended they got $20 of their entry money back. It was interesting, but some of it was confrontational. 



The last and final rodeo on the Saturday night Jayden had a crowd of supporters. My friend Laura and her family came back to watch, the Ferrari family all came, my parents, and Jayden’s riding lesson student and family. Jaynie and Jossie have been such good caring cousins, I am so glad she has them.It was neat to have them there and support Jayden. During the barrel racing, I went to my spot by the second barrel and sat alone to video. As Jayden's name was called before her run the announcer made a big deal about Ace and introduced him as the barrel horse of the year. This was the moment, this was her chance to show off her awesome little horse and we were all hoping for a clean run. She flew into the first barrel making a tight turn in, but coming out wide. That cause her to have to really move him over to get back in line for second. As she tried moving him over, he just kept going straight and never turned, he cut in front of the barrel. He blew right past it andnever made the turn breaking the pattern. My heart sunk for her. That moment when you go from being on top of the world to complete disappointment. I sat on the bleachers for a long time until I could regain composure and go give Jayden some support. This rodeo season has been a lot of ups and downs. This was not how she wanted her last run at finals to go. Jayden holds her head up and doesn’t let it get her down or angry like most would have. She doesn't stomp off or sulk and cry. She is an amazing kid and takes it all in stride. Back in my days of running, there were plenty of angry moments and tears shed. Morgna ran, came out of her saddle and nearly came off her horse rounding the second barrel. She had a good time and placed, moving her up higher in the standings. She ended up winning the weekend average and rookie of the year and placing each night. What a finals she had! We were happy for her as we swallowed the could've feelings. We waited to see the award presentation for over an hour an a half. We were so exhausted from the weekend, by 11:00 we packed up and headed home, missing the awards. Mark had gone home right after Jayden's run, so the kids and I got home late.  


So the weekend didn't end like we thought, but it was still such a huge achievement to make the finals. Getting horse of the year was a huge honor and looking back, Jayden had quite a year. She was sad to see the season close, however it isnt over yet. Next weekend is TMRA finals,

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