ECR National Finals 2008

I was pretty short with ECR news in my last post. I finally have a little time to sit and describe the event! Unfortunately, I don't have many pictures, I was busy trying to keep my hands warm and holding Ryanna! But, Merrick studios was there, if you want to go to that site you will find 80 pictures of Teryn Lee as well as a folder of pictures titled, "Thrills, Spills, and Remarkable Moments." The easiest way to go there is to do a search for Merrick Studios Distinctive Equine Photography, then click on the Cowboy Extreme photos. As you look at the photos remember that it was freezing! One of the contestants was completly submerged in water when her horse stumbled going through the tank. Another highlight was the "Mare From Hades," that they had to ride and 'pony' through the "Extreme Ravine." They had some great obstacles! Craig Cameron likes a "light hand." So one of the obstacles was riding a portion of the course using yarn for reins. I think TLee and only about 3 others were able to successfully complete that obstacle. What made Teryn Lee's ride so remarkable was that his horse is only 3 years old. Most of the competetors brought seasoned horses! Another obstacle that I liked was where they had to blindfold their horses and lead them over board planks! It takes a lot of trust and obedience for a horse to agree to do that! On some of the pictures you can see snow /sleet on the horse's rump and on TLee's hat. We were a little disappointed because Teryn Lee wound up breaking his winning streak by getting 2nd place, but we look forward to seeing him reclaim his title next year! Teryn Lee has some more exciting news. He's loved being in Whitesboro with Mark and Marsha, and has learned a lot, but he's missed home - he says he's wanted to come home for about a year! So he and Holly decided to move home and train horses here for awhile. He says that he still has tons to learn, but the easier schedule will be a better way for them to start out their married life - and they will be living on a ranch about 5miles from us. Needless to say, we are really excited for very selfish reasons!