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| Mounted Games Across America |
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Southern
Comfort Series # 1 Results
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Southern Comfort Series
#1 The first Southern Comfort Series was our first-ever in a Gamblers’ Choice format. We had two divisions, Novice and Masters. The weekend was comprised of clinics followed by three sessions for each division. Each session included a different set of pairs. This format allowed each competitor to ride with three different partners. Competitors got to ride with others that they might otherwise never get to ride with. It added to the fun and was a wonderful way to make new friends. Ribbons were awarded through fifth place and Individual Overall Points were also recognized. We had 20 riders in two divisions, including some kids and ponies that were new to games and others who have played games for years. It was exciting to have so many riders from out of state … seven riders from North Carolina, six from Georgia, one from Maryland and one from Pennsylvania. We were blessed by absolutely wonderful weather. It was hard to believe that this was the middle of January when so many were walking around in short sleeves. There were no complaints in the weather department. Morgan Clay from Georgia gave two excellent clinics on Saturday morning. The kids all appreciated getting to polish skills. Morgan was also able to be one of the competitors once the Gambler’s Choice began and she was excited all weekend long. After all, clinicians like to have fun, too! We were in the very capable hands of our Starter & Referee, Curt Schelling, from Pennsylvania. He was ably assisted by Chief Line A Judge Kristi Mitchell from Maryland. Along with the hardworking equipment crew, lane and line judges and gate keeper, these two kept the action moving. Two heats in the Masters Division determined the placings, with a Final A and Final B for each game. This was the first Southern Comfort competition to use the beautiful set of Southern Comfort games equipment built this past fall using Southern Comfort funds and requiring countless volunteer hours of hard work. It should also be noted that Curt & Kristi did most of the work setting up the arena on Friday, even going so far as to escort our organizer to Home Depot to buy a reel-type tape measure and a huge roll of string … both of which proved to be absolutely necessary! The Masters Division field of fourteen was an extremely talented and skilled group. Each was thrilled to get to go up against so many that have the same love of the sport. Many of the games included photo finishes and flawless execution of both rider and pony. With so many players with such advanced ability, it was anyone’s guess as to how the different pairs would do. The results were surprising and it was interesting to note how the scores began to even out as the weekend went on. Overall points were very close, sometimes only 1 point apart! The Novice Division included some up and coming games players. This is where our future stars are perfecting their skills. Several of the kids and ponies were very new to games but all had some wonderful moments and each player played their heart out. The Hit-the-Dirt award goes to H. Bartlett, one of the newest players … who, after lying very still for what seemed an endless amount of time, was begging her mother to let her get back on! She was fine after she got her breath back, and play resumed. This was a very tough group of Novices and we were very proud of all of them! Many thanks for all who came out, worked tirelessly and supported the competition. Particular gratitude goes to Morgan Clay, Curt Schelling and Kristi Mitchell. We also want to recognize those that pitched in and brought loaner ponies from out of state: Julie Ann Holland, Michon Hill and JoAnn Grose. Special thanks goes to the Maddox family for speeding home to get a substitute pony minutes before the last session was to begin. Many thanks to Frank Moore and Jerry Tatham of Double J Arena who once again made sure that we had a top-notch facility! Susan Melvin & Laura Karns
Novice Division
Masters Division
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