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Racing Nationals in California

In September, Jayden got a congratulations letter form AQHYA stating that she would get to attend the Racing Horse Nationals in Los Alamitos, California. This trip was part of the Prairie Meadows Racing Horse days she attended. There were 12 chosen to go and one of the girls attending also went on the Prairie Meadows trip and is from Boone, Erica Melhaus. We were very excited for Jayden. I have told her, when God opens doors for her, there is a reason and to follow them. This was a door of opportunity I was excited to see her take. However, the thought of sending my 16 year old daughter by herself on an airplane to California, was not something I was too comfortable with. I tried not to be a worryseome mom, so I did my best to be happy and excited for her.
October 26th Mark and I took her to the airport and watched her go up the escalator by herself. She had her t-short "Just a small town girl" and looked beautiful. She was confident and excited. I was a bit sad and hopeful that this would not be a frequent thing, her flying away.

Jayden called, texted and sent photos. It was an awesome experience and one she loved. The kids had quite an agenda for the 4 day stay. Jayden met her friend Kara right away and said she was like an instant best friend. All the kids were partnered up with a trainer. Jayden's partner was a calf roper from Louisianna. I joked later that they picked the cutest girl and matched up with the cutest guy, and it was true. She enjoyed getting to know him and talked rodeo. Her trainer was a little harder to get along with than most. He seemed not to interested in the program for the youth. Jayden got to see and do many neat things. They ate nice meals, one being an $80/person banquet. She went on road trips to other race tracks, met famous horse owners, such as the owner of American Pharaoh and saw the horse California Chrome in a practice session. And of course they got to see the ocean and eat along the beach. Jayden had an amazing time and enjoyed her roommate and friend Kara. The two even wore each others clothes. When I picked Jayden up after 4 days, she said she wasn't ready to come home. Leaving California and all the new friends behind was so sad. She said at the airport everyone was sad and some cried. She loved California and hopes to go back. She hopes to stay friends with Kara and get together in the summer. She loved traveling and is all the more eager to get out into the world when she is older.


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