Team 125 - Smokey Trails

Hello there! My name is Amber King and I live in Northeastern Nebraska. I am a full time college student (In the middle of my 5th year...I think I'll just stay for forever) and I love animals, especially horses. Though there are between 8 and 13 horses at my house at any given time. I own two; a mare and a gelding.  My main man is Smokey, (Smokey Smoke-Stackersons the Magnificent), a Quarter Horse cross gelding. I bought Smokey in 2005 when he was a young, green broke, pain in my buttocks. Over the years we've learned a lot together and grown into a fabulous riding team. He taught me how to ride and be a proper horseman and even though it was hard, frustrating, and painful at times we both made it out alive and better than ever; and here we are, still going strong!

Together Smokey and I discovered that small bodies of water do not house leviathins, krakens, or other sea creatures with malicious intent. Terraces in the fields are great for leaping over and so are barrel racing barrels when placed in a line. We've slain imaginary dragons that harass the cattle in the pasture and we've jousted stationary Hot-Heals with PVC pipe lances. We have flown fearlessly into battle, ready and willing to hunt down our enemies including but not limited to: The birds of Nebraska, Frazzle the Goat,  The menacing Longhorn Cattle, and That shadow over there who is clearly up to no good.

In addition to teaching me how to ride, Smokey has been my most stalwart friend and companion. He taught me (on several occasions) that when you can't rely on anything else in the world, you can rely on your horse as much as relies on you. He can be your portal to another world for a while, your partner in crime, and a pair of always listening ears and watchful eyes.

In our 8 years together, Smokey and I have done a lot of things and covered a lot of ground. I'm excited to enter this competition and log where we go and how far it actually is. I'm sure this year will be full of great adventures and opportunities for Smokey and I to grow stronger and better. I'm happy to be here and good luck everyone! And remember, when life gets rough, just keep posting.