Sisterhood of the Travelling Chevys

We've returned from the All American Quarter Horse Congress and are full! Full of fun, friends, food, emotions, shopping, laughter and lack of sleep. That statement would sum up the Congress experience for many people. 

This year, we joined a group of friends- all woven together by the farm and in most cases, Chevy and together, cheered for and rooted on Chloe. Chloe (registered name Focusonakrymsunimage) is a yearling filly by Chevy owned by Carol and Jim Binette from New Jersey. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Chevys came together (over 30 strong, men and women alike) to spend a few days together.  Chloe had numerous cheering sections scattered throughout the Coliseum when she showed early Friday morning. He was handled by AQHA Professional Horseman Pierre Brierre and she was a star.

All year, Chloe has been trained and shown exclusively by her owner Carol. We sat anxiously as Pierre took the center arena for her performance. The pairing were exceptional- Chloe's talent and Pierre's showmanship. They earned a great 4th place (with individual placings as high as Reserve Champion) and we were all excited.

Later on Friday, Chevy hosted a reception for Chloe at his stalls. With a decorated cake which said "Congrats Chloe, Love Dad", we served hot cider, cocoa, and coffee and mingled with lots of well wishers. As always, Chevy and Chloe were the stars with lots of photo opportunities, hugs, and pets.  Then, the group (over 35 strong at this point) attended the highlight of Friday at the Congress- the Masters classes. With spotlights, music, great horses, and over $200,000 in prize money, it was a festive air.

One of my favorite moments of the trip happened during Chloe's photo session for her win picture (to be seen at a later date!). The Binettes were thoughtful enough to suggest that Chevy come for Chloe's pictures. After Chloe, her family and trainer took their photos, we moved Chevy into the picture to stand beside Chloe. He was a perfect gentleman standing beside the beautiful sorrel filly who could be his clone. There were tons of spectators and as the photographers assistant coerced both horses to pose with ears perked for the camera, there was a collective "awwww" moment from the crowd. Then,  the group stepped in and surrounded the horses for a fun group commemorative photo. Again, Chevy was in heaven- he loves photos and people.

Saturday was consumed with cheering Chevy's friend Paula Berry's horse Lightly Toasted to a 4th place finish in the prestigious Junior Hunter Under Saddle. Then, cinnamon rolls from the sweet shop helped give us stamina to tackle a strenuous shoppinmg frenzy. (Not me, everyone else!). I did purchase some new halters for the barn, a few new work saddle pads, and a supplement which we put our broodmares and Chevy on during breeding season.

All things said and done, it was a great, successful, fun trip. The group convened from nearly 15 states and it was nice to watch people put faces to the names. As always, horses were the central topic of discussion- introductions usually went like this "This is Sandi, she owns Chase...or, This is Tara, the owner of Chevromotion". It's amazing to me that we all know one anothers horses so well- and now we are learning more about one anothers families and such as well.

Chevy and Company thank everyone for their friendship and support- this is the fabric which weaves great memories!