Seventeen Year-Old Congress Rookie, Kili Crawford, from Golden, Colorado wrote a daily journal for GoHorseShow.com about her experiences at the Congress. Crawford had quite a debut for her first time competing at the largest single breed show in the world. Check out what happened during her time in Columbus.
OCT 13th
The sun was still sleeping, but, there I was jumping out of bed. My eyes were drooping due to the early hour, but I was jumping up and down inside because finally the long wait was over. We were headed to Congress! The stars were shining bright in the cool Colorado morning. As we got to our car, all you could hear was the engine rumbling for the hour drive to the airport.
After we landed in Columbus, the drive over was really killing me. I was so excited. We ended up somehow sneaking into the show when you had to buy a parking pass! On the bright side, we got to see how big Congress really was–it was amazing. The rows of trailers lined the whole parking lot (or lots) for miles. I’m not kidding! When we finally made it to the Gilligan barn, it was crazy how awesome and just amazing the stall decorations were! My personal favorite was the High Point stalls with a fake fireplace, a wooden Great Dane kennel and couches– it was incredible. McDowall Quarter horses was the welcoming sign that directed us to our stalls. The first thing I did was say hi to my horse, We Be Blazin, AKA Bubba Hot. I had Trail practice at 3:10 to begin with, but, it was changed many times in order to watch my sister in the pleasure, so, I ended up practicing at about 7:40. After that was over, I put Bubba to bed for a little while. Then, it was back to practice for Western Riding. By this time, it was midnight, and, yes, I was riding and I’m pretty sure Bubba was half asleep. My dad and I made it back to the hotel room at about 2, yes 2 AM!
OCT 14th
With all of 4 hours of sleep, I was back at it in the morning! I walked the trail course at 7am, and, then, took a cat nap before my trail go in Novice Youth Trail 14-18! 67 horses later it was my turn, and I came out with a smile. I only had one tick and only 19 more to go–I waited and watched. My heart burst out of my chest as they said, “Will the following exhibitors please make their way back to the arena.” Ahhhhh, I made it back. I was actually Top Ten! I was so happy I made it back and each time it wasn’t my number I petted Bubba, and, my smile got a little wider, finally, we hit the climax. “Let’s congratulate the 2010 Reserve Congress Champion– 6619.” I was the Reserve Congress Champion. I was in complete shock. When I got out of the arena, I was greeted by cheers and hugs from my family and friends and nothing but smiles. I got a pair of spurs and a red ribbon. I had a little down time before the Western Riding, so, I slept and then was ready. I was 59th to go, so, I watched a few and then grabbed Bubba Hot and went to warm up. Before I knew it, I was up. I had so much fun and Bubba was an angel. There was only five after me, so, I waited and to my sheer enjoyment I was called back. My other barn member Christina made it too and together we stood waiting. Numbers where called and the people walked or rode to receive their prizes. Christina placed 5th, and it was down to the top 2 for me! They announced 2nd place, and I didn’t move. I sat there hugging Bubba. I had done it, I won!! I was named the Congress Champion in Novice Western Riding 14-18. One of my Dreams had come true.
OCT 15th
I got to sleep in a little today. Well, I had to be there at 7, so, not really! My sister was showing Showmanship, and I wanted to watch her. She had a really good go but didn’t get called back. I was really excited to go get my jacket I had won yesterday, so, that was next on our agenda. I got my jacket. I was so excited, but I wanted Bubba and my name on it, so, I took it straight to the embroidery place. They told me my Congress Champion jacket would be done on Saturday. I wasn’t so sure I could wait that long, but I would have to!
OCT 16th
Yay, it’s Saturday, I get my jacket. First thing I did when I got to the barn was give Bubba his morning treat, then, I went straight for my jacket. Unfortunately, it was not done quite yet, so, I went to support my friend, Klay, in the 11 and under division! He did a great job and had a blast. He came out of the arena with a big smile on his face. At about 2pm, I went back and got my jacket. It was so cool! I got to wear it, and, wow what can I say it’s warm. Then, I rode and practiced some more. I did some pleasure because the NYATT was tomorrow. YAY can’t wait. I took an early night then because I needed to catch up on my sleep.
OCT 17th
The day started at 7am watching my fellow NYATT teammates compete in the Showmanship! It was fun to watch. None of then placed, but that was okay. We were here to have fun! Then, before I knew it, I was being shuffled into the arena for the pleasure. Bubba was such a good boy, but we didn’t make it back. Then, I had my usual lunch at the Sweet Shop. Then, I decided to go look at the shops. It’s almost overwhelming how much you could buy here. There is just everything imaginable. The Queen ceremony was next. It was unbelievable how much work and beauty was in the room. Finally, we received our buckles, and they named the winning teams. It was an unforgettable experience.
OCT 18th
Today was my last day of competition at the Congress. It was bittersweet waking up. I was excited but definitely not ready for it to be over. I walked the Trail course in the morning and then went straight to the show pen. I had an okay pattern. It was a little too “ticky” to be placed. That made me want to be even better in the horsemanship though. I had an awesome pattern, but I didn’t make it back because the competition was so steep. But–that had to be some of the most fun I had! Then, came Western Riding. I was so excited. My draw came quicker then I thought because there was lots of scratches, but I was ready. I was so excited when I got out of the pen; it was just so fun! I rushed and put Bubba back so I could watch my sister in the finals in the horsemanship! She did awesome and placed 10th. Yay! Then, I went back and watched the rest of the Western Riding goes. They finally announced who was going back. I made it. I was so excited!! I ended up 6th in the regular 14-18 Western Riding class, and I couldn’t have been happier with the last class of my first Congress.
OCT 19th
Today, we had to say goodbye to Ohio and Congress. Early in the morning, we went and got our pictures taken, then, it was off to the airport and back to Colorful Colorado.
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GoHorseShow.com would like to thank Kili on sharing her experiences during the Congress. We asked this high school junior what advice she would give to a first timer competing at this event.
“When I went to Congress, I was ready for another World Show, but, it turned out to be way different. It was unique by just how massive it was, and the different classes that were fun to watch made you want to support everyone there. The stakes where high, but, so were spirits. The bleachers where filled and every horse and rider got a cheer. It was one of the coolest and most fun I had at a show.”
Crawford adds, “For the first timers I would say to just have fun and go exploring. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and enjoy the experience. It is all about the journey, not the destination.”
Kili would like to thank her parents, Rachel and Tim Crawford, her horse, We Be Blazin, and her trainer, Kelly McDowall for all their support.
