This was our first foray into the world of Online Horse Showing. It gets so hot here in the summer, our show season pretty much ends in May and starts again in September or October (depending on the strength of the Texas Sun). But this year is the Year of The Shows for a few of our horses and as they say... the show must go on.
I thought that this online show would give motivation and inspiration to my riders as we slog through the 100 degree temperatures and unrelenting sun, but it gave us so much more. The ordeal of setting up arenas - in both sizes- arranging for filming, a quiet arena time and getting both horse and rider turned out professionally too so much effort from trainer, owner, groom and riders! Even with a home court advantage, we can all spot some flaws and areas of improvement even before the judging was complete.
I used to joke that horse showing is a Type 2 Fun (TM), where we all struggle and its really only fun when its over. Online showing takes that delayed gratification to the next level. In person you have your test ( and ribbons) in had by the time your done loading up to go home. Online, the rider has weeks to review their video to pick apart all of the flaws. And that's after riding the test two or tree or fifteen times to get the perfect take!
By the time the scores are released, there aren't too many suprises. We all know what to work on, after riding the same test a half dozen times. But earning a few 8's and getting some good comments stokes that competitive fire. What a rollercoaster of an experience.
So we'll see you in the arena. Practicing for that next show. Training for those 8s.
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