Abigail Pait Reports from Jackie Krshka’s Boot Camp

Final Blog–Well, it’s just about that time. These past couple of days have been filled with lots of riding in this intense Oklahoma heat. Katy, Katsy and myself have been preparing for the youth world championships starting this Friday. Our early starts have been quite helpful in this heat, but when Sunday rolled around, we were all excited for sleep-in day. Also on Sunday, Katy, Katsy and I went to church. Because Katsy and I were visitors, we received free mugs with goodies inside. Then, after our nice break, it was back to work on Monday morning. We are extremely excited for the AQHYA Built Ford Tough World Championship Show. Can’t wait to see everyone there.

Thanks for the opportunity to blog with you!

Abigail Pait

Day 3: What an amazing day! This morning we awoke at our usual time and went down to ride! After practicing the important stuff, western and English (for the first time in a very long time) Katy, Katsy, Gentry Cherry and I ate some lunch at the house and then went for out for some fun. We went on a not so typical ride, it was a ride down on the river! Katy rode her mare Vanna, Gentry rode Pancho, the paint pony, and Katsy and I rode double on Chilli. This was quite interesting since it was Chilli’s first time on the river! So, we embarked on an adventure, down the road, down the bank and into the river! 

We rode on the North Canadian river for two miles to go to a lake. The girls and I took a dip in the lake and Chilli and Pancho did too! Once we cooled off, we hopped back on and started back to the barn. The round trip ended up being around six or seven miles. Our night is finishing up here at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill! Next it’s back to Yukon for another lovely riding day with Jackie!

Day 2: Today we got started at about 6 am. The amateur part of our group left when Chelsea Zillner departed back to Kansas. This was a bummer, but we will see her next week. We rode our own horses and Jackie worked with us individually. After we finished up riding, we tended to other barn chores such as cleaning up our tack, currying horses, bathing horses and working showmanship. Finally, it was time for a lunch break. Today’s lunch included some guests–Greg Bender and JD Koffel, who are staying over at Jackie’s. Moving forward with our day, Katsy, Katy and I went to the O.Q.H.A office in Bethany, Oklahoma to work. Around here, we become well rounded individuals, from riding horses to filing and cleaning an entire office. We always find a way to make it enjoyable though. Once we were done there, we went home to watch a movie. The night’s selection was “When A Stranger Calls.” Needless to say, our next movie will definitely be a comedy. Then, it was off to bed for us.

Day 1: Today, we got started rather late at around 6:30 am, due to the arrival of Katsy Leeman. It has been 10 months since we have all been together and there was some serious catching up to do! Then, it was down to the barn to start riding. After we rode our own horses, we brought out some other steeds and that is when the girls and Miss Jackie got a good laugh. I was on Calvin when two babies came running up behind him and gave him a little spook. Let’s just say, after a little action I brushed the dirt off and looked up to see them all laughing! Oh well, I must admit it was pretty funny! After cleaning up around the barn, it was time to get out of the heat. So, we headed to lunch and ran into town to run some errands. After a busy afternoon, it was time for a festive meal at Oklahoma’s Oldest Bar, Eischens. This is a restaurant that serves fried chicken and chilli cheese nachos and the plate used is wax paper. It’s not the cleanest meal to say the least.  

On our way home, we stumbled upon Bert, a turtle we saved from the middle of the road. As our night seemed like it was about to conclude, Katsy and myself decided to take on the undefeated duo of Katy and Chelsea in Taboo. We made a bet that the losing team was to get into the mare’s water tank and go under water. Unfortunately for Katsy and I, we were dealt a 33-18 loss. We then made our way to the water tank. After one of the most gross experiences of my life, it was time to head to bed and rest up for day two! I can only imagine what tomorrow is going to bring! Wish us luck! 

Abigail Pait