 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Featured Article (April 2008)A Salute to Horse Show Parents From Large Shows to Small, Starring in the Supporting Role By Terri Haynie From the boy’s shiny boots to the immaculately turned out pony, the pair entering the ring is the epitome of composure, confidence, and grace. Hands low, eyes ahead, they take each small jump cleanly, effortlessly—and in a few short minutes they are finished with their round and searching for familiar faces in the crowd. The wide smile…the pride so apparent on that young face… the deep reach of a gloved hand to pat the dappled gray’s neck with love…such are the rewards of horse show parents. Families whose weekends during show season mean long hauls, long hours, and long waits between classes are committed to this lifestyle, and they love it. Whether it’s a small local show just a few miles down the road or a large one far from home, horse show parents are dedicated to supporting their child’s love for the sport. They know their children are learning incomparable life lessons. In all likelihood, it has taken several years and very hard work to get here. For the child, an untold number of lessons, many falls, a few tears, an unwavering passion for horses. For parents, a substantial investment of time, resources, patience and money—and for those lacking a background in horses, an education. They quickly learn the tricks of the trade, from finding a good trainer to using eBay to locate horse trailers. Every family has a story to tell. Every one is worth listening to. The Virginia Horse Journal interviewed parents from five families whose lives revolve around their show activities. The themes running through their comments are as similar as they are inspiring—dedication, practice, sportsmanship, quality family time, putting the horse first. Perhaps Sue Lichacz said it best: "That’s what this is about—making memories for all of us." Parents: Denise and Children Showing: Donna & Erin Could you please tell us a little bit about you and your involvement with showing? When our daughter Donna was four, our love for animals brought us to visit a little farm in Northern Suffolk where she could pet the horses. At 6 ½ she started lessons. At that time, Erin was only one—and since then she has been at the stables every week. Donna rode an Acquibob "school pony" at a Virginia Arabian Horse Association (VAHA) state show in Richmond, took first place, and was hooked. We purchased an Arabian when Donna was nine and began showing him immediately in the VAHA District 6 shows under the training of Vanessa McMakin. Erin started showing when she was 7 and has ridden many different horses. I have been a member of the Suffolk Horse Show Association for many years and have served on the board. I have been the leader of the Suffolk Horsefeathers 4-H Club going on four years. To save the 4-H club from paying fees for a show venue, the club helped prepare our farm to hold shows. We held two shows in 2007 and will hold three at our farm in 2008. Do you have a background in horses or have your children introduced you to a whole new world? I grew up on a farm in Wisconsin and as a child had a pony. I rode only for pleasure. Donna and her trainers introduced me to the world of horse shows! Being show parents is a demanding, time-consuming role. Why do you find it so fulfilling? My husband and I both have full time jobs. When I come home, I find it very relaxing to watch and care for the horses. The girls and I enjoy cleaning up our pasture ponies and taking them to the shows. The horses also enjoy being pampered for a day or a week. As a 4-H leader and parent, I have traveled to Montgomery, Alabama and Memphis, Tennessee for regional 4-H shows. We travel with other 4-H members and always have great experiences. What are the most important values your children are taking away from their showing experience? They have learned how to compete one on one. When they are in the ring, it is not about me or the trainer or the weather. It is about them and their pony. Both girls have worked hard to train their ponies and horses and feel a great sense of accomplishment when they do well in the ring. Donna has taken a pasture Arabian and worked her way to the top 10 in the Arabian Sport Horse Nationals and champion in the dressage Young Riders in Leesburg. What is your favorite show venue and why? We enjoy showing our horses in the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA. The Arabian Horse Shows in Lexington are top of the line. The Virginia Horse Center is a great venue that we also use for our 4-H State Show. Locally I enjoy the Thunderhorse Farm Series. The facilities are great, the attitude is fun and low key, and everyone has a great time. The judges are fair and it helps prepare for the larger shows. Describe your favorite "show moment"—the kind of moment that makes it all worthwhile. There are two that come to mind at this moment. Erin taking Misty into barrels, key hole and pole bending at the State 4-H show in 2007 and winning ribbons on a 21-year-old horse that had never seen a key hole or pole before. She had trained Misty to listen and that was all it took. The other "show moment" was watching my daughter Donna take her 16-year-old Arabian gelding to the Arabian Sport Horse Nationals and place top 10 in all classes (judged first by one judge), then pulling out of the prize money class on the last day because her horse’s leg was warm. At the Sport Horse Nationals two years earlier, they did not do as well. Her horse had suffered a broken splint bone 9 months earlier. Instead of taking home ribbons, she took home the memory of a 1-hour clinic with David O’Connor. Parents: Craig and Children Showing: Lauren Could you please tell us a little bit about you and your involvement with showing? Craig and Colleen Hartburg have three children: Elisiah Irvin, 22; Rachel, 21; and Lauren, 18. Since Craig’s retirement from the Marines he has been over the top in his support of Lauren and her involvement with the horses and is active as an adult volunteer with Lauren’s 4-H club, Albemarle County’s Hoof~N~Woof club. Colleen has encouraged Lauren through her involvement as a parent first and foremost, as a 4-H leader and volunteer; as Youth Advisor, Board Member and volunteer for ODBA; and as a volunteer for the VMHC. She enjoys being the family’s show photographer. Lauren won the World Youth Representative contest at the 2007 ABRA World Show and the Championship in Hunter Type Mares at Halter at the 2007 Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships. She was the overall Champion in Senior Hunter Showmanship at the 2007 Virginia State 4-H Championship Horse and Pony Show. She is the 4-H State Hippology Champion. Lauren will be competing her last year as a youth in 4-H, ODBA, ABRA, VMHC, AQHA events this season. Do you have a background in horses or has your child/children introduced you to a whole new world? As a youth, Craig owned a buckskin pony named Morty, but our knowledge of horses has been mostly accelerated by Lauren’s great love of learning of the animal through the 4-H program. Through studying everything from the bones of the horse to the hands on learning experiences with the horses, we have all grown and learned a tremendous amount together. Being show parents is a demanding, time-consuming role. Why do you find it so fulfilling? After spending 20 years all over the country, often separated by Craig’s deployments, we love doing things together! We have had plenty of practice functioning as a team, and we do work well together. Our jobs at the shows are not so taxing as Lauren has learned things the 4-H way, which means she does all of her show preparation herself. It has been an incredible privilege to witness our daughter growing from a young insecure rider, to the mature confident horsewoman she has become. We are immensely proud of her! What are the most important values your children are taking away from their showing experience? While Lauren’s values are found in her deeply rooted faith in God, showing horses has broadened her values. Focus, responsibility, a hard work ethic, dedication, loyalty, good sportsmanship, time management, safety, patience, leadership, and encouragement for others, are but a few. Lauren has become a gifted teacher and loves sharing her knowledge of the horse with others. Showing has facilitated her ability to develop friendships with people all over the state, country, and world. This has taught her effectual communication skills with others, including her horses! But the most valuable lesson Lauren has learned from showing is the ability to make good choices, despite the circumstances surrounding those decisions. She also knows that it does not matter how you place in a class, it is more important just to have a good ride! What is your favorite show venue and why? While all of the levels of competitions have been exciting, we would have to say that showing at the 4-H State and Southern Regional shows have been the most FUN! Reconnecting with current friends from across the state or nation is a wonderful experience. The sportsmanship is outstanding, fostering a relaxed, healthy show environment. The show staff is always kind, encouraging and helpful to all of the participants and their families. "Learn by doing!" is the 4-H motto, and this theme resonates throughout the shows as these 4-H exhibitors are required not only to know their stuff, but also to do for themselves! Describe your favorite "show moment"—the kind of moment that makes it all worthwhile. We have experienced many memorable show moments together. But one that stands out took place at the 2007 ABRA World Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this past July. While competing for the 2007-2008 World Youth Representative title, Lauren was required to complete a rigorous list of requirements and show in several required classes. She had been doing well, and had one horsemanship class left to complete the competition. That morning, Kizzi was a little off and Lauren scratched her horsemanship class, knowing it could cost her the contest. She was adamant that the well being of her mare came first. At the end of the class, the Youth Representative contestants were called into the arena, and since Kizzi was in her stall, Lauren began to walk into the arena on foot. That was when the current World Youth Representative, Ms. Emily Honey, grabbed Lauren up onto her horse with her to ride in together. When the overall winner of the contest was announced as Lauren Hartburg, the arena erupted with cheers and applause! We were so proud of her for making a great decision, and for the reward that came to her in the end! Ms. Honey crowned Lauren the 2007-2008 ABRA World Youth Representative, and the two rode out double together!
Parents: Children Showing: Christopher & Colby Could you please tell us a little bit about you and your involvement with showing? Jeff and Lisen Ringer have two sons, Christopher, 19, and Colby, 11, both of whom show on the AQHA circuit. Jeff and Lisen not only actively support their boys when showing, but they are also very involved in the Virginia Quarter Horse Association (VQHA). Lisen administers the Open Horse Show Program and Jeff sits on the board of directors, produces the newsletter and designed, programmed and maintains the VQHA website. Christopher was the VQHYA president in 2007 and now shows in the Novice Amateur Division of AQHA. Colby shows in 11 and Under and won the Sportsmanship Award for youth in 2007. Do you have a background in horses or has your children introduced you to a whole new world? Lisen befriended some neighbors who owned a horse when she was a child. The neighbor’s kids had grown up and moved away and the horse was just a pasture ornament. Her love of horses was rekindled on a vacation to the Smokey Mountains back in 2000 where we attended a trail ride. Lisen later brought Christopher out to a few trail rides in Suffolk and was pleasantly surprised when he fell head over heels for horses at age 13. Lisen bought her first horse, a sweet, bomb-proof Tennessee Walker/Quarter Horse named "Blue," a few months later, and we’ve owned horses ever since. Being show parents is a demanding, time-consuming role. Why do you find it so fulfilling? Because it is something that we can all do together.
We all have our roles, we all support each other and we’re good at
pitching in when needed on the "pit crew." We have also met some
wonderful people and developed some lifelong friendships. Both of our kids have learned responsibility and that
owning a horse takes a lot of time and financial resources. With the
help of trainers, they are learning that "perfect practice makes
perfect" — it’s not enough to just get on and ride. We really like the Martin Ag Center down in Williamston, NC. It’s well maintained and a relatively easy trip from our home - no Afton Mountain to cross. Describe your favorite "show moment"—the kind of moment that makes it all worthwhile. When either of our sons comes out of the show ring with a smile on his face. There are many times they have great rides but don’t place. We have tried to teach them that if you are happy with your ride, that is all that matters so when they come out smiling it makes us smile. Parents: Children Showing: Katherine & Maria Could you please tell us a little bit about you and your involvement with showing? Marc and Terry Abrams have two daughters, Maria (19) and Katherine (16). As young children, they are/were members of USPC and Virginia 4-H. Maria is now a student at George Mason University and competed in local eventing, jumper, hunter and dressage shows growing up; she is now a popular instructor for a local schooling barn near GMU. Katherine’s goals are to be a professional dressage rider and trainer, to earn a USDF gold medal, and to be on the Young Riders team; she’s currently one score from achieving her Bronze medal. She is also an eventer, competing nearly every weekend during show season. Katherine currently competes in FEI juniors with her dressage horse and at training level with her eventing horse. Terry supports all these activities as the hauler, groom and stablehand assistant, and the official holder of the Gatorade and show coat. Marc is supportive by attending as many shows as he can, wearing his favorite show shirt that says: "They neigh, I pay." Terry has served as the DC for the Sinking Creek Pony Club and is currently an instructional coordinator for them. She also founded the Horsin’ Around 4-H Club in Giles County and works to promote good horsemanship and animal care. Do you have a background in horses or has your child/children introduced you to a whole new world? Marc had no animal background before meeting Terry; she was a package deal. Terry has always loved children and animals and has had many different animals in her life, but her sister’s allergic reaction to horses barred her from being around equines. When her children entered school, she was able to get serious about horses. Buying one for herself led to one for each member of the family, and before long, she owned an equine facility with 16 horses and an active lesson program with a staff of instructors. For Terry it was the best of both worlds, enabling her to combine her love of both children and animals. Her sister does not visit her very often! (If truth be told, her favorite animal is the elephant, but they are a bit harder to get and keep than horses.) Being show parents is a demanding, time-consuming role. Why do you find it so fulfilling? Watching the almost magical communication and bond that develop between horse and rider and the amazing, empowering experience it gives a child is probably the most fulfilling part of helping not only my children at shows, but also the kids at our farm. Seeing their skills, confidence and maturity grow; supporting them in taking on more responsibilities as they mature; knowing they are learning the value of hard work as they become adults; commitment; sacrifices with time and money and learning to be gracious winners and losers (taking the bad with the good and disappointment with victory)—all this make the hard work, time and effort more than worthwhile. What are the most important values your children are taking away from their showing experience? It has to be this—that hard work and commitment get you somewhere. Sacrificing time and money is necessary to reach goals. They are responsible for other lives. You have to think of your horse and his welfare and safety even if you don’t feel like it. Life comes with good times and bad, disappointment and victory, and you have to cope with it all. What wonderful life skills and values they are learning to apply to all facets of their lives. What is your favorite show venue and why? Katherine and Terry have been to many venues in NC, KY, VA and MD, but love the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington Virginia the best. Overall it has great facilities and rings. It has quite an intimidating coliseum, but once your horse is used to it, other ones don’t seem so scary! It is also the closest big show grounds to their farm. They also like Martin Ag Center in Williamson, NC. It is smaller, but is also very nice show grounds with nice stalls and rings and is easier to walk around than Lexington. Describe your favorite "show moment"—the kind of moment that makes it all worthwhile. There have been many favorite show moments, but they have nothing to do with winning or losing. It is when Maria or Katherine have a growth experience or they show maturity well beyond their years. For example, when one says she thinks she should scratch her horse from a ride when it’s not quite right or she feels the footing is not safe. Or when they face and conquer a fear with confidence—like riding flawlessly through a show jumping course with more scary oxers than they have ever seen. Or the first time in the intimidating Virginia Horse Center coliseum. Or riding the hardest cross-country course they have ever encountered and taking it one jump at a time without worrying about time penalties, just trying to give the horse a good confidence-building ride. Or completing a dressage test after a horrible warm-up or bad spook and making the best of the situation. These are the favorite show moments because they are what showing is really all about. The ribbons and championships are wonderful and fun, but watching the kids grow and become hard working, responsible people—and knowing you helped get them there—is the best. Parents: Children Showing: Zander & Ian Hometown:
Virginia Beach, VA Could you please tell us a little bit about you and your involvement with showing? Sue and John Lichacz’ two boys, Zander (12) and Ian (8), show in the VBHSA circuit; Zander preparing for Special Hunter this year and Ian starting Walk/Trot. Despite challenging and time-consuming careers as FBI agents, Sue and John support their boys by hauling their leased pony, Ocean Blue, every weekend to a local show as well as a few A shows. They even bought a truck last year as well as a used horse trailer they found on EBay! Zander was chosen as the recipient of the Sportsmanship award for the VBHSA and ended 2007 with the year-end championships in both Short Stirrup Hunter and Equitation. Zander is also a member of the VHSA and ended the 2007 season on a high note as Reserve Champion in Short Stirrup Hunter and the recipient of the VHSA’s Barbara Meegan Young Rider Award. He’s hoping to show in Children’s Pony for 2008. Sue served as the show recorder in 2007 for VBHSA. John is at every horseshow to serve as the boys’ groom, doing everything from polishing hooves to making sure the boys stay hydrated with Gatorade. He has settled into his new job as horse show dad. Do you have a background in horses or has your child/children introduced you to a whole new world? Sue’s first pony was purchased when she was 11. She was active in 4-H and the PA Amateur Horse Show Association while growing up in her hometown of Butler, PA. She graduated to showing Arabians until starting her career with the FBI 20 years ago, at which time she sold her horses and moved to Washington, DC. That’s where she met her husband, John, the "city boy" from Erie, PA who asked his wife how people in rural Virginia Beach found their way home at night without the assistance of street lights. Having their boys interested in showing has added a whole new dimension to the Lichacz’ life. According to Sue, "I love everything about the barn…the horses, fresh air, the people…it’s such a relaxing contrast to our line of work. I’m just thankful our boys enjoy it, too." Being show parents is a demanding, time-consuming role. Why do you find it so fulfilling? For us, showing is an activity we can do with the whole family…where we can spend quality time with our children while they are learning valuable life lessons. We also enjoy meeting other families with similar interests. Sue, in particular, enjoys reliving her childhood! What are the most important values your children are taking away from their showing experience? That the outcome of their performance ultimately depends on their teammate…their pony. This isn’t just about them. Caring for their pony also teaches responsibility. We also like the life lesson that practice makes perfect. There’s a lot of practice and hard work that goes into a blue ribbon. The competition also teaches them how to take defeat graciously. What is your favorite show venue and why? We love the local shows because we know most of the kids and parents, and everyone roots for each other. However, we also love the excitement of the A shows…the beautiful courses, tough competition, and Ian’s favorite, staying in a hotel! Describe your favorite "show moment"—the kind of moment that makes it all worthwhile. Zander’s first championship win at an A show was at RoseMount Farm in Spotsylvania, Virginia last year. As his name was called by the announcer, he reached up and removed his helmet while slowly walking his pony up to accept the ribbon. With his helmet under one arm, he nodded a thank you as he reached down to accept his award. The woman beside me at the rail grabbed my arm and said, "Oh my goodness! I’m getting goose bumps! Who is that little boy?" I looked at her and said with tears in my eyes, "That’s my son." It was a moment I’ll always remember. But then again, that’s what this is about—making memories for all of us. We’re expecting Ian to have his own special moments this year in the show ring. u
Max Francis says, "You are never too young to learn about horses! Read the Virginia Horse Journal."
|
  |
