Award 27 years in the Making

I was in 4-H most of y childhood and across three states. Wyoming, Utah and Arizona. I have shown most all the light breeds of horses there are, and shown then both Western and English, including jumping and Rodeo. I served on the Lincoln County Rodeo Royalty in Wyoming in 1980, and Salt Lake County 4-H Queen in 1985. I have also been a 4-H leader for Veterinary Science, Dogs and Horses, and even one year in cooking, totaling 11 years as a leader.
In 1991 I started raising miniature horses and have many awards from them as well including a Hall of Fame with my Gelding Willie Lees Diamond Chief "Cheify".
My oldest Daughter Amanda served as Queen in our Miniature Horse Club in 2001, and with Chief won several titles National and local as well as tack and savings bonds.
After many changes in my life, all for the best Dan and I sold our last mini mare Lady in April 2009.
I do miss the horses, but as happens in many cases the new chapters of my life are horseless. Dan insists that in time we will get them again, and he has packed away and hidden my trophy saddle so I cant sell it, and our grand kids can ride in it someday.
The following pictures are of an honor I received in the mail (I couldn't get to Utah for the meeting) yesterday.

The writing says; "Deej Eavenson Brown first Lady to achieve this Rank The Rank of State Master Horseman was archived by Deej in 1984. Deej was the first Lady 4-Her to receive this rank in the State of Utah. Other ranks completed include, Judging, Roping, English Horsemanship, and Rein9ng. In 1985 Deej served as Salt Lake County 4-H Queen."  In the Utah program, they have a rank book with 8 basic ranks for the kids to work on. Each rank requires that the 4-Her complete specific items such as a journal, and feed record and expense records. Riding test, and a written test.
For the State Master Horseman (the hardest to get) there was a written,oral, demonstration, reining pattern given at the gate with 2 minutes to learn then ride. Showmanship pattern, grooming, parts of the horse some science questions on nutrition, and I was given a horse I had never ridden and asked to demonstrate saddling and ride another reining pattern. I also had to write a 2000 word essay on the history of the Quarter Horse breed and what it is used for and why. I never dreamed for something like this!

I also received this concho pendant, I was surprised it wasn't a buckle, but pleased because I still wear the one Cheify won me, and never wear my Queen one, this is something I can wear anytime. I hear the first Male to receive this rank received the plaque and a bola tie.

WOW!