On Saturday, September 26, 2009, we had the privilege of competing in the East Perry County horse show at Altenburg, Missouri.  Because of time constraints, we were only able to participate in 2 of the gaited classes.  We were so excited because KLF Isabella placed 4th in the Women's Lite Shod Gaited Class!  I know 4th doesn't sound like it's very good, but for us it was HUGE....let me explain why....We were competing against all Tennessee Walkers, which is the "breed of choice" in Southeast Missouri, so we were starting out as the "unknown".  The original costume to ride a Peruvian is a pancho and straw hat, white pants & shirt.  The reason for the simplicity of the costume was to place emphasis on the beauty of the horse, not the rider.  So....#1....I was riding an unknown breed in this area.... #2 .....I looked exceedingly different from the "plantation" style dress of TN Walkers.  For a judge to recognize the quality of our horse in comparison to the TN Walkers (a breed they are completely familiar with) was a great compliment and I thank them for that.  My husband said there was quite a bit of applause as we left the ring.  You couldn't prove it by me, I was just so excited we won something I didn't even hear the clapping!

After competing in 2 classes we had to pack up and head back to Jackson, take care of 5 horses, then switch clothes as we were meeting friends to head back up to the "biggest - little fair" in Altenburg and enjoy some of the best "fair food" around!  There was a heavy rain shower, which slowed the fair down a little, but after the sun came out everything was back in full swing.  Mule jumping competition went on as scheduled, however, to my husbands disappointment, the truck pulls were canceled!  By the time we got home that evening we were 2 tired little bodies and slept like babies!

Next year ........ we are bringing MORE horses!