Thank you so much. I can tell what a passion you have for what you do...and definitely the passion you have for your family! I was so happy that I came across your article. I lived in Potomac, MD and was fortunate to have a wonderful trainer who is a judge herself. Jo-Anne Schaudies is her name. I primarily did the pony hunter division and the equitation division. We mainly stayed in the MD/VA area and did the local and A rated shows that were within a reasonable driving distance. My favorite pony for showing was "Tucson Gravel Gerty." Believe it or not, 30 + years later in CA, I met a girl who had actually known my pony! (that was so cool! ;) ) I will be moving to NC fairly soon and will definitely be getting back into that world. (I went off to college and then as an actress moved to NY and CA, but horses were always in my heart). There was a year in NY where I reconnected with a trainer who'd been a friend of my trainer (Karin Immerman) and showed one summer on a horse I leased. It was just too expensive with my NY rent and Long Island board and health costs. Out here, I've fostered young PMU rescues when I could afford it. Reading your article awakened my dream of judging and now, I think in NC, I will definitely pursue it. Hopefully with my mentors from long ago! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for awakening a long hidden dream of judging. I wish you and ALL your loved ones the very best. Maybe someday I will have the privilege of meeting you. Best Wishes, Jennifer Drake