As I sat down at my desk tonight to catch up on emails, I looked over the tangible results of my weekend of horse showing that were scattered on the floor. While it’s wonderful to bring home some pretty ribbons, medals or halters, I was really thinking of all happiness the horses bring me—and how horse showing means so much more than ribbons.
Though the Kentucky Horse Park is almost literally in my backyard, I simply don’t have the money to compete at the rated shows hosted there. Thankfully, I’m lucky enough to live in an area that has a plethora of local-show options, most of them a quick jaunt down the interstate. And while I would love to see how my little red hunter would stack up against some serious competition, I am just as happy to watch him progress against other quality horses in smaller venues. And I’m not going to lie: Missing a distance when I pay $17 a class is much easier to handle than if I had paid at least double that!
Here are some of the reasons why I love horse shows:
Though I may return to work on Monday with a “horse-show hangover,” it’s worth every minute (and every penny) to spend time with those I love—both two- and four-legged.
Sarah Coleman has a soft spot for chestnuts with chrome, including her off-the-track Thoroughbred that she competes in the hunters. Based in Lexington, Ky., she is the Director of Education and Development for New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program.
Abigail Boatwright is a freelance writer and photographer based in Texas, and is the editor of Horse Illustrated’s sister publication, Western Life Today.
great info
I don't show, but these same hints, apply to trail riding too.
good ideas
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