A National Rally Adventure: Firsts, Friends, and Fond Memories

July was one for the books! This month, I had the incredible opportunity to head to National Rally as team captain for my Alberta North Pony Club team. None of us had ever been to a National Rally before, and with a young, inexperienced team, we didn’t know what to expect. The competition was held in Debden, Saskatchewan, and while things didn’t go exactly as planned, it turned out to be an unforgettable experience for many reasons.

Qualifying for Nationals
First, here's a little backstory: Rally Camp in June wasn’t just about learning and bonding but also about qualifying for the Nationals. I was happy to qualify, and being named team captain was such an honour. I couldn’t wait to step into this leadership role and take on the adventure with my teammates.

A Surprise Reunion
When we arrived in Debden, knew there was a possibility I might get to see Opal. Debden just so happens to be where she lives now. I couldn’t believe it when I saw her! It was such a happy moment to be reunited with her.

Seeing her happy and thriving made me so happy. Of course, it was a little strange watching someone else ride her, but I know that Kins loves her just as much as I do. That was definitely a highlight of the trip for me.

Challenges and Adventures
The week wasn’t without its challenges, though. The weather was absolutely scorching, and the air was heavy with smoke from nearby wildfires. The smoke got so bad that the competition had to be cancelled for safety reasons. It was disappointing, but putting our horses first is more important.

Even with the cancellation, we didn’t let the weekend go to waste. My teammates and I made the most of it, finding ways to stay cool and have fun together. We spent our downtime swimming and even taking baths in the wash bay at the barn (desperate times, right?). It was such a blast and brought us all closer as a team.

Gratitude for the Experience
Looking back, I’m so grateful for the entire experience. Nationals may not have gone as planned, but I learned so much about teamwork, leadership, and rolling with the punches. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of teammates, and I know we all left Debden with memories to last a lifetime.

This trip reminded me of why I love Pony Club so much—it’s not just about the competition; it’s about the connections, the growth, and the moments that make it all worthwhile.

Thanks for following along on this wild adventure. Here’s to more surprises, challenges, and memories to come!

Love, Dolls