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Sunday, December 30, 2007

Sue Kolstad Falls in Love With Alaska

Five years ago, when I was living in Florida, I met a girl from Alaska who invited me to come judge a show. I was thrilled for the opportunity to go to the land of the midnight sun, home of the Gold Rush of ‘49 and the place where the adventures of my favorite childhood author, Jack London, took place.

My first experience was in Anchorage and in a valley an hour’s drive away. There I judged the dressage portion of a show that also included hunters/jumpers and western events – all at the same time. Many of the horses competed in all the categories in order to get their year-end points. The show was held in a beautiful setting. As I looked off at the mountains in the background as I sat there judging, something touched me deep inside that has taken me back to Alaska twice a year ever since that first trip. There is something very special about Alaskans. Perhaps the fact that I grew up in Wisconsin enables me to identify with their energy, clearly visible when they are busy getting things done before winter.

This year was a special one for me because I was thrilled to share my wonderful Alaskan world of people and adventures with Mary Phelps and her husband, JJ. Hathaway. I have a path I travel every summer, but never have the time to do all I’d like on my journey. If you ask me where is my favorite place in Alaska, my answer will be “right here!” Everywhere I go is my favorite place. I absolutely love Alaska and feel at home everywhere. Sue Kolstad

Deana Johnson - First Native Alaskan to earn USDF Silver Medal