Just Horsing Around

My very first horse show
ribbons

My friend and riding buddy, Mary
and me at the stable on the
day of the show

My second place in Novice Trail,
with ChaCha, a great horse

What a day at my first-ever horse show and after only riding for five months. 


At the ripe old age of . . . er, let's just say "getting closer to Medicare" . . . I participated in a schooling horse show at The Knicker Knob Stable in Loomis, CA where I ride and take lessons. Who would have thought even a year ago that I would be taking home three ribbons for the day, let alone be on a horse? Will wonders never cease. Apparently not!


It was a great day, full of jittery nerves (the positive variety) of excitement, some surprises (the horse I usually ride, Jessie, had a back problem and was pulled from the show), fabulous support from DH and my good friend and riding partner, Mary, and loads of terrific people who were there for their kids or themselves.


The lead-up to the show was not good, with DH's health issues still worrying me and my being sick on the Saturday before the event. That noted, I woke up on Sunday knowing I was strong enough to ride. I had absolutely no expectations of what would happen never having been in any horse show in my life. In many ways, this was a very good situation; without expectations, I didn't fret about where I would end up in my classes when the dust settled (literally). I just got up on the horse and did what our instructor - the fabulous and oh-so-sweet Kelly Williams - had trained us to do.


First up was the Pleasure Class. The objective: The rider needs to make it look like she could ride this horse all day long, that she'd just love that, that she'd never want to get off the horse, etc., etc. This requires big smiles (I'm not good at this part in any sport), good posture, relaxed gait, and the ability to exude what fun it is to ride. When the announcer started with 5th place, working her way down and I hadn't heard my number called, I thought, "Don't worry. Equitation is next. You should do better in that class." Then I heard "And first place goes to 289." I nearly fell off the horse. 


My placement was truly a shock because at the very last minute, the horse I usually ride was pulled from the show due to a back injury. I was literally plopped on Breezy, a lesson horse equal to me in age, I think, who I had never ridden. I thought I had done really poorly in the class, because getting Breezy to move out was any other than, well, a breeze. 


When I realized that I'd gotten first place and turned to pick up my blue ribbon and leave, I saw DH and Mary standing there, all smiles, clapping and shouting, "Way to go, Karen!" I was stunned and very happy. In addition, a friend of mine from the skating rink who used to ride had made a somewhat surprise visit to the show. She was very happy for me, telling me I did a great job and holding my crop and other riding accouterments while I dismounted. I know she used to ride in shows when she was a young adult (even broke her arm as a result of doing jumping when she was 20). It was nice to have someone else there who knew about the class I was riding in.


Equitation was next. I thought I would do pretty well. The class, which was 18 & over, was not large (6 or 7 riders). I made two fatal errors right out of the proverbial gate: passing on the wrong side of another rider and not maintaining adequate space between the horses. I haven't seen the judges' comments yet, so I don't know what else I did, but I came in 3rd. I admit this was a disappointment, but Mary told me I looked more tense than during the Pleasure class so I am certain that has something to do with my placement. 


Last was Novice Trail. This class was essentially 10 riders of all ages, but basically all at a relatively beginners level. The course consists of obstacles you and the horse maneuver at a certain pace (a walk, a trot). I don't understand the judging criteria, but I know I really enjoy this class. It's fun, challenging and provides more variety than just going around the arena. As I waited for the results, I had no idea how I had done. I figured probably 4th or 5th. Again, I was stunned and very happy that I came in 2nd.


The only pall on the day was that Mary did not participate. There were not enough horses once Jessie could not be ridden. Mary wanted people (children) who had parents or a spouse (like DH) there to be able to participate in the show. She is such a wonderful person to think of others that way, but I was quite disappointed she did not ride. We've been taking lessons together since May; Mary was very ready for the show. But, we vowed that next year we will both be in more events, as well as help the stable get more organized for the show (things were a bit chaotic, but it didn't ruin the fun).


My lesson is later this week. Kelly, my instructor, told me she is going to put me on "H," a beautiful American Paint who is for a more intermediate rider. My heart is already pounding with excitement! 


Onward we go with a "Whoa, Nelly!" or in this case, "Whoa, H!" on our lips!

Show day before leaving for the stable.
New pants and black riding boots because
"It's not how you ride but
how you look when you ride that matters!"