Interesting thread.
My first year showing was a blast! All smiles, fun and laughter. But I was naive for sure. As time went on I realized there are a lot of sucky people out there - the world in general I guess.
I've never set out totally on my own and shown, conditioned, groomed, etc. my horses myself. I've always had at least one horse with a trainer so if I took a horse on my own I at least had someone to ask questions to, etc. But I think the most important lesson I've learned is the showing experience is what you make it. I've learned that some people suck and others are totally awesome to be around.
My first trainer, although still a friend, is not someone I'd ever put another horse with. Too much bickering, turmoil and drama when it comes to showing with them. Then I had Ten L for one year and they were AWESOME!!! Neither Laura or Joe get involved in the drama or ever say a bad word about someone else. That makes for a pleasant experience. Then, totally out of circumstances beyond my control, I met Ed and Val of Blue Ribbon. I purchased a horse (Raven) that was already on their show string, so I left her there for the rest of the year. I ended up sending her back and after getting to know Ed and Val and the kind of people who also hang out with them at shows, I felt like I'd found "my place." They have found a way to balance winning with having fun!
Ed has the most control over his emotions of anyone I know. Other trainers or people may say things about him or acuse him of something or try to derail his plans, but he NEVER says a bad word about them (at least I've not heard him do it), he keeps his mouth shut and lets his horses do the talking. But he also doesn't take any crap or allow people to cheat. He has balls and isn't afraid to use them. He just uses them quietly.
He doesn't go around saying "this person did this, this person did that." He just quietly does what he thinks is right and doesn't give a rat's butt what other's think. He is is own person. And I've found the people who stall with him at the shows and/or just come by to hang out or exactly the same way. They are there to have fun, win and make new friends. They are NOT there to create drama or flap their jaws about someone else. I guess I've found as I get older, I'm less interested in what someone else is doing. I find my own life to be more interesting than theirs I guess.
So, yes, some have tried to take the fun out of it. And I've certainly made my thoughts public about how I've seen some folks behave at the shows, but it's what you make it. Go and have FUN! And if your horses wins or places well in the process, you've accomplished two awesome things. I do believe in karma. We may not always see it, but it's there. I've generally learned that people who try to ruin experiences for others (not just in showing, but in life in general) are not very happy people. I'd rather be happy, sleep well at night and enjoy myself. And win too!
But not as someone else's expense...unless they are cheating and then yes, I'll say something.
) it's great. If we don't, congrats to the winners!
