Buckle Design Competition

Hey y'all, I am entered into a contest to win a custom belt buckle :) I would appreciate if you could pop over to Molly's Custom Silver and give my design a like, top two designs will get created and then any buckle with over a 100 likes will be in a selection pool to be selected for the third design. https://www.facebook.com/mollyscustomsilver

You'll have to scroll through some amazing designs (and can like them as well), but I was one of the first to enter on Feb 10, 2021. Here is my Submission:

This Buckle is inspired by my passion and dedication to raising awareness for Para-Equestrians across the equestrian disciplines. I was involved in a ranch accident when I was 18, in which I lost my left hand. Since then, I have been a strong advocate for the Para-Athlete, especially in the equestrian disciplines. I have been blessed to be able to share my story with many and love to share the joy and passion I have for the sport. Currently, I am active in Working Ranch Horse, Competitive Drill, Western and Classical Dressage and Eventing. All on the Quarter Horse gelding I have owned and trained since he was 3. We have made some amazing accomplishments and are currently training to earn a place on the US Paralympic Team for Dressage. About the Design:

The Center features the disciplines I ride in, Cutting/working ranch horse, Drill, Dressage, and a Jumper to represent Eventing.

The Crosses represent my faith, and they are balanced in the design to remind me to remain centered in my faith from which I draw my hope and strength and to remember for whom I ride for.

The four Stones are envisioned to be Moonstone, Sapphire, Agate and Amethyst. Each with a significance.

o Moonstone is the gemstone of FL, where I grew up and where my spark for working cattle and horses began.

o Sapphire is the gemstone of Montana to represent new beginnings and where I currently reside and the reason I found my horse, Blue.

o Agate is the gemstone of North Dakota, where I found my husband and really learned to step out of my comfort zone and grow.

o Amethyst is the national Gemstone of France to represent the dream I have of reaching the Paralympics in 2024. If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.

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“Say I Won’t.” Something I have lived by since my accident. I have always heard a myriad of reasons I should not be able to do something or why I can’t now that I’m an amputee, and I have taken pride in shattering every one of those arbitrary glass ceilings placed on my life since I was 18. In talking with other para-athletes, this is a common obstacle to overcome.

Rose Gold: This design is desired to be done in rose gold. As a metal, rose gold is created by mixing gold with copper. Despite this, the value is not diminished, but instead takes on a unique beauty. Same as how our own unique differences do not diminish our value. This metal is also used to represent love and healing, which is essential on this journey.

There are so many amazing and truly inspiring para-athletes out there and so many trying to figure out were to start. In the equestrian world, I have decided to put away my own insecurities and step out of my comfort zone to produce how-to’s for other amputees. I recalled how so many times on my journey I wished there was someone to talk to and ten years later, there’s still not many resources, so I decided to make them and connect with as many people as I possibly can. Horses have an amazing way to help heal our souls and I would not be who I am today without them in my life. For those struggling to find a support network after a life-altering injury, please reach out, if you feel as though you’ve got no one, you’ve got me.

To have this buckle come to life would be beyond amazing. I am excited to think of the conversations it would help to spark and the ways it could serve to spread the message of love and hope. I am thankful for the opportunity and appreciate the chance to share a little of my passion in life.