Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough air time: horse shows are exhausting. Like, “someone hand me a large McDonald’s Coke and a chiropractor” kind of exhausting. And after being on the road for four of the last five weekends, I feel like I’ve earned the right to shout it from the rooftops (or at least from behind a keyboard).
Now, maybe I’m just a glutton for punishment. I choose this life, after all—I show horses and work at horse shows. Usually not at the same time, but once a year I test the limits of my sanity and do both. That glorious overlap happened a few weeks ago.
Thankfully, Chrome—the MVP of my barn and my sanity—was a total rockstar. He won all five of his classes like it was no big deal, and he did it with zero drama. Honestly, the best kind of horse is the one who just shows up, sparkles, and doesn’t make you late to your own class (especially when you’re also the one running the show behind the scenes). He’s the real deal.
But not everything was sunshine and blue ribbons. Our entries were down. Womp womp. We usually run two arenas across both days, but we had to scale back to one per day. Not ideal. The Arabian rated classes held steady, but the schooling show entries? Crickets. It’s something we’ll have to puzzle out before next year. Probably over a really good dinner. Lots of carbs!
The next weekend, I was working again—this time at a show that’s only three years old but already feeling like a Big Deal™. It was the largest turnout yet! People were happy, the vibe was good, and yes, it was cold, but no one turned into a popsicle, so we’ll call that a win.
And then last week… back in the saddle! Mark and I strutted into the hunter pleasure ring for two classes and came out with two unanimous wins. Boom. I’m really starting to feel like we’re clicking. Every ride teaches me something new, and the timing couldn’t be better because Regionals are just around the corner. Gulp.
Of course, all of this comes with a price: I am fried. Like, “slept in my show clothes” level of tired. I’ve been dragging myself through the days like a zombie in breeches. My allergies decided to throw a party last weekend, too, and I was not invited. On the first day of the show, I did the bare minimum—showed up, showed, went home, collapsed. But hey, I still rode well, so silver linings, right?
I’ve spent the last few days in full recovery mode—by which I mean catching up on sleep and trying to remember what vegetables taste like. Chrome is back in work as we gear up for Regionals, and the grind continues.
Here’s my hot take: horse shows would be way more enjoyable if they weren’t crammed into a three-month window between March and June. Can we bring back fall shows, please? Just a little breathing room so we can actually, you know, train between weekends would be magical.
Also, once Chrome finishes Regionals in May, he probably won’t show again until Nationals in September. With all the clubs focused on Regionals, no one wants to host qualifiers. I get it, but it definitely makes planning tricky.
Anyway, that’s my little soapbox for the day. Yes, I’m tired. Yes, I’m slightly allergic to fresh air right now. But would I trade this crazy, chaotic, horse-filled life for anything else?
Not a chance.
Silhouette Arabians 