 The children are our future . Whoever first said that sure knew what she or he was talking about. If we are to have hope for what lies ahead, we must focus on the young among us and do our best to guide them along the right path. Toward the goal of helping their three beautiful daughters find the right path, The Boggs share their faith, their love of the horses and camaraderie with friends and family.
In the natural progression of life, Courtney, Lyndsey and Emma Boggs joined their cousins, Bob and Janene Boggs’ son and daughter, Austin and Olivia, as fifth generation horsemen/showmen at Scottsdale 2005. In the family tradition, the girls are learning not only horsemanship, but even more importantly the graces of gratitude, humility and good sportsmanship. From the start, the Boggs girls are taught that wining is fun, but participation with the right attitude is essential.
In spite of the fact that the weather man promised cold and rain in Scottsdale, Arizona, for the long anticipated Youth Show, the start of Scottsdale’s Golden Anniversary Show turned out to be as good as gets, puddles and mud notwithstanding. Sometimes we tend to forget that kids love puddles and mud. Why not, they don’t (yet) have to worry about their clothes and clean up and on and on. So, amidst what we adults might call a mess, the three Boggs girls, their cousins and friends kicked off the new show season together. And here’s what happened:
Showing the beautiful filly Ladie Magnum, Lyndsey Boggs won a reserve victory in the nine-entry Three & Under Purebred Filly class. Next Lyndsey presented the NSH champion As Good As It Gets in the Half-Arab Gelding Halter. This incredible team trotted off with the Championship in this eight-entry class –– then went on to win the Scottsdale Reserve Championship Trophy and Ribbon.
Lyndsey wants to thank Don Shackelford and Kim Hoffman, owners of As Good As It Gets (Goody); and Mrs. Barbara Jarabek, the owner of Ladie Magnum for giving her the opportunity to present their beautiful horses. She also wants to thank the Scottsdale Show Committee for sponsoring such a fun day for kids!
 On the second day of the Youth Show, Emma Boggs (age 7) entered the show ring for the very first time, riding (who did she ride?). On that happy day, Emma was one of the Champions in the Lead-line Class for Riders, 7 years old and under. In this huge class, with 32 kids in the arena, Emma and her instructor Natalie Jones had a wonderful time together, and looked totally awesome. Emma’s special friends, Bedtime and Snuggles (her twin bears) were on the rail watching and cheering along with friends Don and Janey Morse, Grandma Tina, Mom & Dad, Austin & Olivia Boggs, Laurie and Victor and, of course, Linda Buss. (Keeper of the Bears).
After a taste of fun & success Emma has decided to try her hand at halter along with her sister Lyndsey in the near future.
Next it was Courtney’s turn to show. Following in her mom’s footsteps, Courtney entered the Walk Trot 10 and Under Saddle Seat Equitation Class, along with 16 other young riders, looking confident and composed. Dressed in her new English riding suit –– hand made with love by her Grandma Tina –– with her show ring hair by Russ, and her riding instruction from Natalie Jones, Courtney made her first ever arena entrance on her new horse, a champion pinto gelding named Prince of Thieves. A little nervous for their first show ring appearance together, Courtney and Prince encountered some problems. And, like a real trooper, Courtney thought it best to ask the judges to excuse her and Prince so that they wouldn’t cause problems for any of the other riders. Together they left the ring with grace, Prince’s head high and a smile on Courtney’s sweet face.
Way to go Courtney! This is just one example of how much this young lady always places others before herself. We could all learn from her graciousness.
As a follow up to the Scottsdale Show, Courtney has been working diligently with Prince and Natalie Jones. During the Carousel Charity Horse Show (March 17-20) the pair entered the show ring once again, with much more satisfying results. Courtney’s determination and practice paid off when, riding her beloved Prince, she got her first blue ribbon and trophy –– treasures she will cherish forever.
So, what about the future for the Boggs girls? Another first is on their collective horizon. They’re all looking forward to good times with friends and family in Albuquerque late this coming summer when they participate in The Youth National Show. Meanwhile, more life, more love, and surely a few more horse shows!
[Scottsdale Show 2005 Photo Gallery]
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