Pink

When I was probably about 9 years old, I wanted a pink show stick. For those of you who don't know what that is - it is what cattle people use to scratch their animal on their belly to keep them calm, cool, and collected.

We were at the Simmental Breeders Sweepstakes and a few of my friends and I REALLY wanted one. Unfortunately, our parents weren't buying it for us. So being the resourceful lady that I am, I took matters into my own hands. I set out to collect the money from friends in the barn to get the show sticks. Let's just say the mission was successful and I used my pink show stick for years after until dad insisted on painting it.

I have always remembered that story though.

This year at the Simmental Breeders Sweepstakes, I saw my little friend Mary Bradley from Mississippi crying in her mom's lap. When I asked what was wrong, she explained that she needed a pink bucket for her calf. Immediately, I was transferred back to that time when I was a little girl, and I needed that pink show stick.

I took Mary Bradley's hand and led her to the show supply trailer. Of course, if you are going to have a pink bucket, you also have to have the pink feed pan, and halter to go with it.

She didn't get away without paying me anything. She paid $.10 and had to promise to be my friend forever. The next day I helped her win her first blue ribbon in Rookie Showmanship. Just me, Mary Bradley, her calf, and a pink halter.