Going Showing — Again — as an Adult.
Recently, I hauled my little cowpony up North and we competed in our first formal ranch sorting competition. Honestly, the last time I paid entry fees I couldn’t even legally drive yet, so I figured a decade later — why not go for it?
I’ve been enamored with the sport of ranch sorting for a while now. With the accessibility in Arizona, the awesome rating system and the affordability, it seemed like a no-brainer and a fun sport to participate in every now and then. When I started horse shopping last spring I was looking for a horse that would fit the bill of something to learn the sport on and maybe even get a little competitive. Thankfully I ended up with a very forgiving horse that’s not afraid of squirrely cattle that is so far liking his new career. *Career: packing around a 20-something amateur trying to stay out of his way in the sorting pen.
We’d been to a ranch sorting practice and attended a cow clinic with great success (me, not falling off) and decided why not enter a local-ish (ish being a keyword here) show and test our mettle? While we didn’t win or place, we certainly showed up! Gonzo took all the sights and horse show chaos like a champ and made it that much easier for me to focus on my job.
Here are my thoughts as I reflect only my first show back:
Just enter the dang show. If nothing else, the experience will be good for all parties involved.
It’s supposed to be fun. If you’re not having fun, you’re in the wrong place.
I have a really amazing support system. All weekend I got encouraging texts and calls and even had my own personal cheering section.
Ain’t no rest for the wicked, or those showing a horse all weekend.
I’m an over-packer. Even more so with my horse. I’m still emptying the truck and re-organizing the tack room. Marie Kondo would not be happy with my methods or rationale.
Hurry up and wait is still the horse show mantra.
When in doubt, always more shavings.
Win or fail miserably, the experience is what counts. Getting your horse and yourself out of your comfort zone is worth every trash cow running through the gate out of order.
I need to get out of my horse’s way.
Hands DOWN.
More lessons. More listening.
Invest in high-quality equipment. I have all my favorites, maybe I should do another post?
Speaking of equipment, I still need a new saddle.
Keep the caffeine flowing. While it’s still easier to get up to go to a horse show at 4:30 AM, it’s A LOT easier with caffeine.
I really need to win the lottery and buy a LQ. That would solve a lot of my problems.
We have a lot to still learn, but thankfully we are in no rush and my plan is to continue to build and create better runs!
If I can do it, you can too. If you’re thinking about getting back into the show pen in 2022, I’m cheering for you!
