Featured Article (April 2007)

This month I was asked to write about why I love to Horse Show. I was also given the choice of "What I Learn about Myself When I Show." I would have to say that every time I go to a horse show I learn something about myself (not to mention my horse). My experience is that almost everyone I know has a love hate relationship with horse showing. When we have to get up at 5:00 a.m. to school in the ring we hate it. When we are called in for the jog and walk out with a ribbon we love it! It is the true "double-edge sword."

This past season, 2006, was my return to the show ring after a four year hiatus. My greatest accomplishment over the years has been the ability to control my anxiety level and stay relaxed. I often amaze myself that I can be in the ring and am actually thinking about my "plan." This is of course a learned skill, a result of sessions with my sports psychologist, Rocky Rochlin and the wonderful books which have helped me over the years. Therefore I can actually discuss what I love most about showing my horse and what I’ve learned about myself.

1. I love the challenge of seeing where I am with my "homework." If I’ve been meeting all my distances comfortably at home can I duplicate that percentage at the show?

2. I love to be able to take a past mistake and "fix it!"

3. I love the challenge of knowing I have to go into that ring and pay attention to the questions posed by the course (particularly in the equitation divisions).

4. I love the challenge of living up to Ernest Hemingway’s motto; "Courage is Grace under Pressure."

5. I love being able to spend the whole day with my horse. I love taking him out to graze and just being with him while I wait for a call or my under saddle class. I want to help him to be as comfortable as possible when he is away from home.

6. I love watching other riders in other divisions.

7. I have loved the friendships I made over the years and the camaraderie that exists among the competitors in my division. Everyone can truly share in the exhilaration as well as the disappointments we’ve all experienced.

8. I love that "out of body experience I feel when the whole trip has just flowed; when I’ve felt that my horse and I were in the zone!

9. I love it when everything has "come together" and I hear my friends and even strangers applaud.

10. I love exiting the ring when all has gone well and receive the kind words from my trainer, her terrific smile and there’s a peppermint for my horse. I am usually quite satisfied no matter what the outcome. However, hearing my number called for the jog is the best!

Horse showing has taught me great humility and that I am usually rewarded for my hard work and discipline (both physical and mental). I have learned to take control of what I can control; my  "turnout." my horse’s turnout, knowing the course, being prompt and following directions. I’ve learned the value of supporting my friends in their endeavors. I’ve learned to be as supportive to myself as I am to my friends. I have been able to rejoice in my friends’ victories as I know how wonderful it feels when it’s been my turn to win.

What I’ve learned about myself is an inner strength and self control. I’ve learned it’s about the process and to enjoy the journey.

Success is the sweetest when I’ve shared it with my friends who have had their agonies of defeats and their thrills of victories!