Dream Team

I have to say I have learned one of my all time favorite lessons with the VT Horse Judging Team. To always be true to yourself. We recently went to Texas for a National Intercollegiate Judging Contest and expected nothing. Our goal was to have our names called at the banquet, meaning we had placed top 10. This would be a huge accomplishment seeing as there were 32 teams competing and 170+ contestants. We goofed off at farms, as we are loud Hokie ladies. We are all very close friends who work hard to place classes correctly and even harder to deliver stellar reasons. And all our hard work paid off as out two teams went 1st and 3rd in the competition, beating out other schools that recruit kids and give them scholarships for judging. We were stunned. 2 trophies, 6 belt buckles 2 plaques, and oodles of ribbons later.... we are humbled by our experiences. It was a rainy week in Texas. We continued to judge. It was late at night, and we kept giving reasons. And out of everything, I have found my 9 teammates to be some of my closest friends. And my coach to be one of the most spectacular horsewoman I have ever met. I feel truly blessed to have had this opportunity. I have showed a lot of horses and competed in a lot of different sports: riding, rowing, dressage, eventing, and now judging. And I will never forget my team, our accomplishments, and how hard work really does pay off. Headline will read: Tech takes Texas.