Merlin and Sophie Marie...at the 4-H Jamboree

This is my niece Sophie. Isn't she cute? She is riding the Magnificent Merlin in a 4-H fair. I am not a horse person (they scare me a little), but I think she rides beautifully. Plus, she SURE has got the smile down.

I had a rough time taking pictures of her in the ring. For one, they wouldn't let you get close to the fence, and for two...it was real dusty. (Those are my excuses!)

I also got to go through the other barns to see the variety of farm animals. I think it's great to see the interaction between the parents and kids, and their animals. It gives you that warm fuzzy feeling.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/76781400@N06/albums/72157671695779425 Check out a couple more shots of Sophie, and a few animals on my Flickr page. We're REAL proud of her...both as a young horsewoman...and a young lady. (She REALLY is special.)

P.S. Is it just me...or is her horse smiling?