When I look back on my summer there is one memory that stands out the most. It was something that I had been working on all summer. I can still remember the sights and sounds of my first horse show of the season. Excitement rushes back whenever I think about it.

The gravel crunches underneath the car as we enter the show grounds. I open the car door and step out into a thick fog. As I look around I can see horses braided and gleaming. The smell from the small food tent wanders over to my nose. Smoke drifts up to the morning sky in grey puffs. I can smell coffee and sausage cooking, and I can hear the sizzle of the grill.

The riding arenas are much larger than the ones at home. There are white-washed fences with little bits of paint chipped away. The eight jumps in the ring are painted an arrangement of colors and patterns. The jump course is tricky with tight turns and 2 foot jumps every where you look.

Girls in blue hunt coats prance by on their magnificent mounts. I look down at my own ensemble. I have a new navy blue hunt coat and new pants too. The new material feels rough and sticky. My freshly polished field boots glint in the morning sunshine. Even my old velvet helmet fits nicely and finishes of my outfit.

I turn to the trailer to unload my mount Tex. He has a bay coat and thick black mane that is braided to perfection. He stands tall almost 16 hands. His ears are perked forward because he takes an interest in his surroundings. Anxious to get going Tex stomps one hoof impatiently. Although he is older when it comes to shows he has the energy of a two year old. I touch his smooth velvet nose to soothe him and to calm my own nerves. As we tack him up with the new leather saddle, I can smell the deep rich sent of leather. The announcer calls for class 10. His voice over the loudspeaker sounds like crackling leaves. I race over to Tex and mount up. My class is next.

I enter the ring and a wave of nervousness washes over me. My stomach is knotted and I can hardly breath. Ahead loom eight jumps, each daring. The sound of the crowd cheering falls away and it is just me and Tex. I take a deep breath, "This is it!". We circle and rise to a canter. I point Tex at the first painted jump. He takes off and all of my nerves seem to go away. Landing gracefully, I point Tex to the next jump. Inside my head I count his strides. One, two, three, jump. The rest of the jumps are as smooth as the first two. We finish the course with a closing circle and exit the ring with a feeling of accomplishment. As soon as we exit the ring I reach down and pat Tex’s sweaty neck. I hop off his back lightly and settle in. I am going to have to wait a while for the pinning.

After the rest of the riders finish the course it is time for the pinning. I am anxious, nervous, and excited all at once. I pace back and forth in front of our trailer. Our trailer is parked just a few feet away from the riding arena. It is new with a perfect paint job and a shiny finish. Around the trailer there are a mess of objects. Brushes and hoof picks are scattered on the ground from the race to get Tex tacked up in time. Our fold up chairs are arranged in a circle. My friends and instructor are talking excitedly and I can’t help but join in the fun.

The announcers voice comes over the loudspeaker once again. I take a sip of my refreshing water to soothe my parched throat. His booming voice goes from 8th to 6th without calling my name. 5th and 4th place go by and my name still is not called. "And in 3rd place, Devan Beaulieu on Texas Titan." I am hit with a feeling of relief and excitement. As I collect my silky ribbon I realize how proud I am of myself because of all my hard work.

When its is time to leave I look back on the show grounds. Red and white tents are being taken down and people are mulling here and there. Many of the jumps have been pulled apart and the poles lie off the side. The show which had so much vibrance and color only a few hours ago is quiet and sullen. I look around and try to sketch this day into my memory.

As I look back on that day good memories come to mind. Riding horses is what I love to do and that show sums up all of my feelings. The sights, sounds, and smells of that day will be forever with me and remembered.