It's SHOW time!

Maggie was four and a half when she took her first horse lesson. She's been watching the big girls get ready for shows since and dreaming about when it would be her turn. On April 15th, she got her chance! She was SO excited, for the weeks leading up to the show she spent almost every day in the barn working with Honey. She practiced and practiced. We all learned a lot. Horse shows are an "all hands on deck" kind of event. Horse show people are the kindest most helpful people I've had the pleasure of meeting. Everyone shares, everyone helps, you hold whatever is horse is closest to you, you help whatever kid needs their chapps zip, zip them, she brush whatever horse (or girl) who needs a brushing, you work as a team....they might compete in the ring but they are great friends and encouragers outside. It was really fun to be a part of and I look forward to the years of weekends in the dirt to come.

 

Honey needed a good vacuuming :)

 

lots and lots of practice!

 

We left for Bloomfield at about 6am....I'm not sure what time she got up....but it was early!

 

Out of the trailer she comes....

 

More practice! Maggie was among the first in the ring to practice and the last out.

 

All spiffed up and ready for Showmanship!

 

 

 

Her first class was Showmanship. It's working through a pattern on the ground with your horse. There are cones and a set pattern around those cones.

 

 

 

...then at the end you stand for judging.

 

Maggie got 2nd place! There were 13 horses, she was so proud of herself!

 

Then it was time to add a saddle and chapps to the ensemble!

 

Next up was Walk-Trot. The judge gives instruction while you're moving. They want you to move consistently and direct your horse.

 

This one earned her a First Place Ribbon!!!

 

Next up was Western Pleasure. This one is a predetermined pattern you work through on your horse.

 

 

...and ANOTHER 2nd place ribbon!

 

The final class was Horsemanship....which is about how your horse moves in the ring...and while I didn't get a picture of it, you can see she earned a blue ribbon in her last event. Maggie and Honey had a great day....we prepared her ahead of time that she probably wouldn't win any ribbons and that the day was about us all learning what to do....boy did she prove us wrong! She was so proud!

 

No matter how many ribbons you win or how great of a day you have....you still have to haul water and scoop poop! Might be what keeps horse show kids so humble :)