06/09/2024
Caz's momma here:
I judged a horse show this weekend and, as usual, it left me wanting to say words of encouragement to many exhibitors.... But it was not the time or place. So, for anyone who may be any of these people, I'm going to say the things I wish I could have said at the show (and some of these are carry overs from previous shows).
Moms and dads - I see you. I noticed the youth classes are full but the adult classes are nearly empty. I know your 8 and 12 year olds aren't paying their way, no matter how large their allowance, and I thank you. They are the future! I see those gangly pre-teens in their brand new jeans and boots that you probably just bought last week before the fair - to ensure they'd fit - and I thank you. I see that 10 year old riding in a spotless saddle they probably didn't get that clean by themselves, and I thank you. I know they didn't bathe the horse alone, drive themselves here, or pay for the hay and grain. Thank you for doing that for them - I promise you won't regret the life lessons they're going to learn because of their mount. And, when your pocketbook allows, please put yourself in some classes - after all that hard work, you deserve it!
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings on the rail - I see you. I hear you cheering. Thank you for coming! I know those bleachers are insanely uncomfortable. I know the sun is killer (trust me, I'm in it ALL DAY!) and I know that the down time between your beloved's classes is unbelievably boring. Thanks for hanging in there and paying too much for that concession stand food. Your support really *does* matter.
To the young exhibitor who dared to enter their first ever class only to have their horse refuse to trot - I see you. Hang in there. It WILL get better! We've all been there.....you just haven't seen it yet because this is your first time. Keep trying!
To the rider in the synthetic saddle - I see you. I couldn't use you on my cards today, but I might be able to use you next time. Keep doing what you're doing. You've got a good thing going on there. It takes guts to do what you did and I commend you for it. You really tried - a lot harder than most probably did - and I wanted to use you, but today I couldn't.
To the rider who je**ed their horse's face off and banged their side with a spur - I see you and you deserved every crowhopping wrong lead you got. I hope you come back to ask me why I didn't place your flawless pattern. I DARE you. That's not horsemanship and I won't condone it. Be respectful. The only thing you deserve today is a mouthful of arena dirt.
To the kid in showmanship with the brand new nylon halter - I see you! I can tell you've worked extensively with your horse, practicing over and over. I'm going to reward that today. Silver does not a showman make. You keep strutting your stuff because you've got it going on!
To the trainer who was riding a lame horse - I see you and you know better! Why the hell are you here, wasting my time? Get out of my arena. I saw you warming up with the lame leg wrapped. You and I both know the horse is lame so just stay home.
To the kid riding Western who just found out you have to ride with one hand because your horse is in a curb - I see you! That's really, really hard! I'm glad you came here today. You learned today and while that's certainly less glorious than winning, I'm glad you had the opportunity. It will make you a better horseman. You persisted. You still entered the class. That took guts. Be proud!
To the kid with the spotlessly clean Western saddle without a stitch of silver anywhere - I see you. You put way more time into your appearance than that person with the dirty silver show saddle and I'm going to reward you for it if I can.
To the English rider who doesn't know their diagonals -I see you and I want you to keep trying! I promise it will happen....one day.
To the kid with the pony that won't stand still in the lineup - I see you. I've been there too! I know exactly how frustrated and powerless you are. Keep showing! They WILL learn.
To the exhibitor who fell off - I see you. Unfortunately, everyone sees you now and I'm sorry. Unfortunately it's part of our sport and a chance we take. But I applaud you for getting back on and finishing the class.....and entering the next! Way to go!
To the overhorsed kid - I see you. My trainer made that mistake once too. I'm really sorry. They make a lovely product called Quietex and I wish I could familiarize you with it. It's not your fault you're on mom or dad's hot and nutty semi-retired beast. I hope you get a new, quieter horse soon....and I want to congratulate you on your effort.
To the A+ rider - I see you. It has been my privilege to watch you compete today! I'm so glad you came, because after some of the scary things I saw, I needed a boost of hope. You've given it to me and I delight each time you enter my ring.
And finally, to every exhibitor who has ever stepped foot in my arena - I see you! All of you! I know each of you is a winner in your own unique way and I wish I could send all of you home with blues....but I can't. Sadly, they limit me to only one blue ribbon per class, and nobody cares as much about the rest as they do the blue. I want to thank each of you for coming today and for showing to me. I appreciate your time and money. I hope each of you got to take something home, but I know some of you left empty handed. I've been there and I know it stings. I'm sorry, and I truly hope you have better luck next time. Please keep trying. I expect each of you to improve between now and when I see you again. Until then, may all your horses be good ones and your rides always fun.
Yes, photo is of me judging, on the far left. I was three months pregnant with my Saurus.
