So I have decided to brave the horse show world again. However I am going at it will a different mind set. Not one of to "win" but to make it thru the show with no issues and having fun, both my horse and myself.
Back when I was younger, I would go to a show with the sole goal of winning. Of course something would have been forgotten (show clothing, show supplies or some such thing) and I would have to school my horse at least once in the day. What was I thinking? Why was I so mean to my poor horses. They would be so gooped up with show shine, hair gel, baby oil, totally hairless from their ears to their white socks. Some would be set with fake hair, which I think looks as comfortable as wearing a tampon and the string is riding wrong. I am sure that my saddle did not fit well and I was concerned with if there was enough silver on it to compete. And that was just a pleasure show.
I only rode once at a "Games" competition, but did announce for two years. Wow, am I glad I did not get into that. All the horses with all sorts of gag bits to help stop them when their owners are whippin' or spurrin' them to run faster. Oh also the tie-downs so that the rider does not get popped in the face as the horse jumps out the gate (if they can get the horse thru the gate at all). More welts on horses sides than I care to remember. But there is money to be won and that is all the really matters.
Now do not get me wrong, there are thousands of good horse owners out there that love their horses and would never subject their animals to that, and then there are those who just do not know any better and believe what the "trainer" says is the in thing. And last there are those who turn a blind eye to win and those who do not care what it take to win as long as they win.
So that brings me to this weekend. I do not own a expensive horse, heck both are BLM mustangs, one cost me 125.00 and the other was free. Both are just bay with a few white markings. A ton of hair, which is beautiful, but takes some care. I own an old saddle that was given to me and just some plain halters I purchased from the local Co-op. I sold my expensive horses a couple of years ago and all my show gear. So why would I show??
I enjoy the company of people with horses, that have horses to enjoy horses. So my trail riding friend, said lets show the young'ens. What the heck, I have rode Jewel twice this summer and um, that's it. Why not?
My goal was, not to have her drag me anywhere, or to run me over in the ring.
So Friday, she gets her first 'show' bath. Have I washed this horse before? Ummmm, nope. She stands in the sprinkler, should be okay to wash her. What a dream, however I do not think she likes to be clean...Saturday morning, I needed to bring her back in and wash a second time. Heck while I am at it, lets see if I can clipped her bridle path and nose....Nose check, no big deal. Bridle path, I think the lawn mower could have done a better job with less toe pain. Oh well, I just wanted it to look like I somewhat planned to show her...
We arrive at the Fairgrounds and what a joy. She is 14 hands(okay maybe 13.2) and built like a little quarter horse. I think she is cute. However we do not compare to the turned out Paints and Quarter horses(all about 15.2 hands) We stand around well, like any four year old. Can I see this, how about this, is your show number edible, does your shirt need to be clean in the back? All the normal things. So we only showed the halter classes. We do not trot on line well and oh we do not know what setting up is either, let alone to stand quietly for 10 minutes. But she did not drag me anywhere, nor did she run me over in the ring. No bucking, no biting, no issues.
Was just a blast to be there, we both enjoyed the day. Got to look around, smell the sights and just be us. No gel and all our winter hair in its glory. No silver and no drama. We got two ribbons, both the last place in our classes, but I would not trade then for anything.
Till next time,
Me
(Will post a picture later)
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