My First HORSE Show!

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These were some pics my dad took today at my very first horse show on the very first horse I ever trained, Candy (Sugars Mini Bar). She's by Sugar's Oak Bar and out of Easy Pure Pride. She does not belong to me; she was consigned by Purina Mills to CSU for me to train and show and sell. I will be showing her again in-hand on Thursday and then showing her in the Preview for the sale on next Saturday. This is a BIG deal and very fancy.

She is 3 years old. Yes, she is tiny. No, she isn't too small to ride.









We don't know how we placed until after the second section of the show next week. I didn't do fabulous..she refused the bridge...but I am ESTATIC that this is over. I never want to show again. Soooooo nerve racking.
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[Ginevive]

How awesome! Even if she didn't place, it is still awesome experience for her and you. Is she in a snaffle bit? I know that western horses are usually started in snaffle before being put into curbs to neck rein. She's nice; I actually prefer shorter, stockier QH types. (I am short..) Looks like she has a pretty little head and that proverbial "kind eye." See though, I would have to fight the urge to get attached.. knowing that I had to sell. I had to do this when we bred a few years back (not doing that again; overpopulation, and our mares are not up to my personal standards..) so I kinda understand the knowing-it-will-have-to-be-sold situation. Cool experience! Looks like a Trail class? (guessed that because you mentioned a bridge..) That is what I would get Cuesta into if I ever do decide to show.

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Yep, a trail class with a gate, a bridge, some trot poles etc..

Actually I will be happy when she gets sold. I am attached, but she is really too much horse for me. She's like a crotch-rocket and I want a Cadillac lol. She's fun but at my current level of riding I won't be able to ride her or teach her to her full potential.

I hope she goes somewhere to do something useful..she really has a lot of horsepower for her size!

As my classmate said..her description of her would be "full of spitfire".

She is a very friendly, personable horse though!

[Laooda]

I still love that sweet face of hers! Best of luck!!! Looks like you both had a great time!

[frankykeno]

Congrats Rachel. She's a gorgeous horse and you've done wonders with her!

[Blu Mongoose]

Congrats on getting thru it. It may have been tuff, but it's a learning experience.Hope you continue on in the future. It gets less nerve racking as you gain experience. And what you learn from working with horses will remain with you forever.
My first show I was a nervous wreck. I show both dogs and horses. Fairly new to horse showing , but it's all fun. Unlike some people who show every weekend, I show when I have the time. Just too much going on.

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Thanks for the replies, guys!

I really did learn something from showing (if only it was that I don't want to show for a living lol).

I put so much time and effort into Candy. She was only halterbroke when I received her to work with. She had never even had her hooves trimmed.

Now she is a spirited little riding horse that has a good mind and body. She is one of the few horses in my class (about 30 horses) that has stayed completely sound throughout the year.

That's partially because she is built solidly and also because I know when she needs a day off.

I will be so happy when she is sold and hope she goes to a great home!