Red Liberty Tryout #3!!!!!!!

8am in the volunteer, walking in there for a third red liberty tryout on a third horse, nerves kicking in, and knowing this was my absolute last chance. I got mounted took my bridle off and did a few warm up jumps. There were 11 people trying out. The instructor then talked to us a little. Some girls would get asked to the team and not ride annual that way they are guaranteed to practice all winter (since white and blue get cancelled more) and be ready for the summer shows next year. I knew this didn't necessarily apply to me since I graduate at annual so I just knew I was making it or I wasn't. We then lined up the first tryout drill which we do without jumps. I was 2-3 and they always pair us with an current RL member to help us. The drill hadn't changed from the last two tryouts so I knew it pretty well. Then we did two more drills with jumps. Reno was phenomenal, never dodged, never hesitated, kept up great. It was so amazing to have such a solid liberty horse after battling so much over the summer. Then she called the 11 girls trying out over to the rail. This is when my heart really started to leap into my throat because this is where I was denied promotion the last two times. I'm so glad they just tell us right away though instead of drawing it out. She asked two girls to stay and talk with her and said the rest of us were promoted to Red Liberty. HOLY COW I MADE THE TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!! I got handed my information packet and I think I was just trying to convince myself that I wasn't making it up and I had finally succeeded!!!!! I"M ON RED LIBERTY!!!!!!!! I was practically in tears and I was so proud of Reno. After a year on BL2, 6 months on WL3, and 1 1/2 years on WL1, I can finally say that I am a Red Liberty rider! Yes I will only get 4 practices and Annual show but for me it was about not giving up and not being defeated by the set backs. Even if I only get to ride point I will still graduate off the team and get to come back for Alumni rides and I'll have fun on the team no matter how short the time may be. My first official ride will be Sept. 9. It is gonna be hard to wait that long!!!!! After all that excitement in the morning I headed to the fort to check in for photos. Royal was taking our head shots for the annual show program. We were wearing pirate shirts which was awesome because we have worn vests for the last several years. They were behind schedule so it took awhile but that was okay. I raced to Ropes at 11 and we ran through all the specialties to start thinking about what we would like to perform at annual show. It was a productive and short class which I was thankful for because it was REALLY hot out. I had a break and watched White Horse Roman and WL3. I also walked Bo to help with his recovery, he is still limping pretty bad :( It breaks my heart. Then I went and found the horse I was riding for Royal. She's a palomino mare named September. I am going to be riding her until Bo can at least handle half of royal since all of my leaser's horses ride at 1 or 2. She is such a sweet horse and does INCREDIBLE flying lead changes. We rode in team the whole ride. 1-5 and 3-7 so pretty good spots :) I had a lot of fun with her we just need to get used to each other. That was it for my day so I got to head home and start studying my new drill!