I hadn’t been to an awards banquet in ages, and I wasn’t really planning on going to one any time soon, except that after the year-end show (that I did not attend), someone (i.e., Amanda, who was looking for 2017 show dates) pointed out that Eli came in 6th in our division. Huh, cool. At this point, I was 50/50 on going to the banquet, because someone from my barn could just pick my ribbon up for me.
And then a board member asked if she could nominate me for a position on the board. Um, sure? After the votes came in (almost all positions “ran” unopposed, including me) I am now the Secretary. Okay, well now I felt like I had to go. So I bought a ticket and made sure to keep that evening in my calendar clear.

It truly was fun to see everyone dressed up. And honestly I actually don’t recognize most people when they are not attached to a horse. The venue boasts the best view in Austin, and the food is okay, but the margaritas are delicious. I probably had one too many. The banquet had a silent auction and a slide show. I am not sure on the silent auction totals yet, but I think everything got bid on and went to new homes.
The slide show was awesome. Normally, slide shows are not exciting. However, someone managed to find video from the past few decades of the Austin-area hunter/jumper community, video from the 90s, the 80s, even a few black & white clips from the late 70s, I think. It was so neat to watch. Especially with people recognizing the riders and former barn locations, former show locations … I think it was truly the highlight of the evening, and DVDs of the video were for sale. I bought one, but I am not sure whose purse it wound up in …

I even didn’t realize when my horse’s name got called for his ribbon, and a trainer from my barn was like, “that’s you!!” four times before I realized I had better go pick it up. I had gotten a little too involved in a conversation with Mrs. Hummel, so oops.
If the awards banquets are always this fun, I think I’ll just keep going.
Totally agree 110% about your thoughts on the venue, re: the food, margaritas and the view π
Congrats on the GIANT ribbon!
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Thank you!
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Congrats!!
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Thank you!
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Fun!! Congratulations π
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Thank you!
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I had a good time too despite not having a big fancy ribbon to bring home, haha. It was great to see you and I got a baller piece of art work from the silent auction. Win win!
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There was some fantastic artwork in the silent auction, for sure–glad you “won” one π
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Awesome satin, and totally agree with your assessment of the venue!
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I was most impressed by all of the added parking. I hadn’t been in ages since before the fire.
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Wooo congrats on the satin!!!
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Thank you!!
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I ended up as secretary for our USDF GMO… let’s trade tips π
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Yeah … just as soon as I know what I am supposed to do, lol. I did specifically confirm that there would be no math.
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