International Games 2006

     My adventure started when I left Vancouver and headed to Ontario to start practicing. The Pascoe family was very hospitable and we all shared some quality bonding time. After four days we were off to England. We met all the teams and hopped on that big bus for the first time. Slowly people started introductions and before we knew itwe were playing games and being silly.

     On the trip we spent lots of time driving to different destinations and touring around. We got to know each other very well. The part I loved the most about the trip was making friends. We were with each other for two and a half weeks, everyday, and when the time came to leave I felt like I was leaving people I had known for years.

     I don't know how everyone else felt about their host families, but I know how much I loved mine. The first family I stayed with had a dairy farm and made cheese. Staying at the Viking Center was my favourite because we found  lots of interesting ways to entertain ourselves, like puzzle competitions and soccer or volleyball in the back yard. My second host family was a pony club family, who had a daughter that went on the previous years exchange to Australia. We shared stories from her trip and told her about ours so far. Their house was beautiful and I stayed with Ali from the American team, who I got to know well.

     All the events that were arranged for us were interesting. One of my favourite things was shopping. I know we were there to ride, but I would go back just for the stores. I also liked touring around in the old buildings because we don't have as many in Canada.

     The last part of the trip was the competition itself. I felt weird to finally be competing with our rivals, who were now close friends. I was nervous, but the competition felt like it only lasted five minutes. Our team came last, and it was disappointing, but we all had a party together on our last night and I soon forgot we came in fourth.

     On the trip we only rode three times but I now realize that it wasn't about the riding. It was experiencing how other people do things in different countries and meeting people. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to represent Canada on the 2006 Mounted Games Exchange. I think about all the fun timeswe had all the time and cannot wait until the day we have a reunion so I can see everyone again. It was an experience of a lifetime and I am so grateful to everyone who helped organize the event. I encourage everyone to tryout for the team in future years, because it is something you will always remember.

Colby Stafford - BCLM