Katy show results

I drove up to the show grounds on Friday at six in the morning and, luckily, ran into no traffic. I arrived at the show grounds around ten and was just in time to watch my trainer show my horse. My trainer showed my horse in an under saddle class, which is where the horse is judged on how well it moves compared to the other horses in the class at the walk, trot, and canter. My horse placed eighth out of forty horses. I was so proud, especially because this is only my horse's third show. Later in the day I got to ride my horse. I was really nervous because earlier in the week my horse had been very bad for my trainer and had actually tried to buck my trainer off a couple of times. However, as soon as I got on my horse, she was perfect. My horse only performs that way for me, which shows that horses really do pick their riders. The next day I rode in two jumping classes with my horse. She was really good in both of them and we placed fourth in both of the classes. The next day I rode in an under saddle class and two more jumping classes. She was a little wild in the under saddle and as a result she kept spooking at the camera tripod near the judge's box, but we still placed third. She was really good in the jumping classes and we placed second and third in those classes. I was so proud of my horse for the amazing jumping courses that she laid down. I left in the afternoon on Sunday and arrived home late at night. I was tired but really happy. My horse and I make a great team and I can't wait until our next show.

Frenchie and me waiting for our class to start.

What happens at a show?

Update: The barn didn't attend the Katy show because on the way up to show the main trailer broke down and couldn't be repaired. The barn's owner, Nancy, now has to buy a new trailer because the old one was rusting out from the inside. Now the barn only has one four-horse trailer which is definitely not sufficient for taking the whole barn to a show. Until a new trailer is purchased, everyone has to choose which show they want to go to between the two that are currently being offered. One show is in Katy and the other is in Waco. The Katy show, which is the one I picked because it's closer and less expensive, is in November and the Waco show is in December. There are only three riders besides me attending the Katy show, which is quickly approaching. Hopefully, nothing else will happen and we will be able to go.

A lot of people wonder what actually happens at a show. First, before we even arrive at the show, we have to register for the classes we want to compete in and we have to reserve stalls for our stay there. Next, we have to pack the trailer, which takes a very long time, and then we have to load the horses onto the trailer. Most of our horses cooperate and get on the trailer without any problem, but some refuse to get on the trailer and cause a lot of problems. Once the trailer is ready to go, we drive up to the show location and we check in. Checking-in can either go very quickly or it can take forever. Next, we set up the stalls, unload and take care of the horses, and unload everyone's stuff. Then, we find a braider to braid the horses' manes that need to be braided and we show the horses around to get them used to their new surroundings. When the show finally starts, we run back and forth between the different riding areas to make sure that everyone gets where they are supposed to be on time. After the show is over, everyone checks out and pays their bills to the horse show office and to the braider. Finally, the horses and everyone's stuff is repacked in the trailer and we head home.

The show that I'm going to is only a week and a half away, which means that Frenchie and I are running out of time to practice. However, I think we will be fine.

This is footage from a lesson I had with Frenchie last week.