My name is Mason Davis. I am 9 years old, and I live in the quiet town of Darien, Georgia. I have loved horses since I was five, and I been riding at Shady Oaks Stables in Brunswick, Georgia, for three years. I have been showing western dressage for a little over a year. Until I came to Grand Oaks, I had only shown in two places in North Florida.
I had a great time at the WDAFL Championships at Grand Oaks. It was not at all what I expected. It was much bigger and more special than I ever could have imagined, and I am so thankful for the WDAFL grant I received that helped make it possible for me to go, because I learned a lot.
The experience was new for the pony I ride, too. When we got there, Peasy acted mad and scared, which made me a little scared. But when I went into her stall, and I started brushing her, she calmed down. She was not excited about our first and second rides on Saturday, but we did pretty well. On Sunday, we were both more relaxed and comfortable. I felt pretty good about my tests, although I know my 5 meter loops and 20 meter circles are too small, and I need to work on those.
My grandma came to visit and watch the show. She’s never been able to come to a show before because it’s been too far for her to travel. But, Grand Oaks was closer. It was definitely fun for my family and me. I thought the “bridle paths” were cute, and I liked that I could ride to the show arena on the trails.
When it was time to leave, I wanted to stay, but Peasy was ready to go home. I had a great time at Grand Oaks, and I can’t wait to come back next year!
