The Horse Show

The "speed" or gymkhana portion of the county horse show was canceled after N nearly lost it going around the barrel in the plug class. The arena was deemed unsafe and the classes were canceled.

I am surprised that more people don't question my sanity for putting my children on these huge beasts and having them tear around barrels. This picture has certainly made me wonder about my sanity. I know that this is not something that happens often. I know that my girls have been taught well (thank you Tammy) and are good riders for their age. I know the mounts they ride do not exceed their abilities. The unknowns are what is out in the arena that particular day. This was by far the worse arena they have ever ridden in. I didn't realize the sand would give, or I wouldn't have allowed them to ride in it.

We are truly blessed that both Catfish and N came away with no injuries. Yes, Catfish was shook up and shaking afterwards, and yes N got thrown into the saddle horn twice, but they are okay.

I'm proud of the horse, I'm proud of the girl. I'm angry with the fair board for not addressing the issues that were put before them on more than one occasion. I'm angry at myself for not realizing the arena was unsafe.

As VP of the 4H Leader board and co-leader of a large (for our county) 4H club, I can't take on the challenge of "fixing" this problem. I have to pick my battles and do what is right for my children and myself and therefore we will not be back to the county fair horse show. The anger amongst the fair board members and horse people runs deep and is not going to be easily solved. I'm told that this is "typical" for fairs. This anger between the horse people and fair boards. I'm at my wits end, and have more than a few gray hairs over this.

N won a horseman-ship award at the parade of champions but honestly was embarrassed by the attention and said it was an award for "not falling off." That's my girl.

On a happier note, S won "Best Smile" for her equine dentist costume in the costume contest. She wore a white lab coat and had dixie give her smile to everyone. (She curls her lip on command).