RockRiverTiff
Well-Known Member
Have you guys ever heard the riddle about the chicken, the fox, and the grain? My life got all slapstick a couple weeks ago, and I missed the only mini show I planned to attend this year. I now have four bored junior horses standing around looking nice for no one. I saw a flier the other day for the county fair's Western show, and being the glutton for punishment that I am, I thought "Why not?"
Are you ready for the thread that never ends? Here's my conundrum:
At first glance, I saw the first class is the pony class. Seemed like an obvious choice, but they also made it 12 and under. I've missed that train, so it leaves me with the open classes:
Weanling/Yearling
Two and Three Year Old
Light Horse
Stock Type
County Horse/Handler
Championship
Here's where I need your opinions. The last time I took a mini to an open show, they definitely preferred the Quarter type (if you will) ones. Unfortunately, my old go-to guy is breeding this year and is in no shape to show off right now. If this were a mini show, I have one yearling filly that stands above the rest and would be the obvious choice, but she's very refined. Having shown my Arab to a Grand at this same show, I know the quality of horses that will be in the Light Horse class, and I actually feel we have a good shot, but can you take a mini into a class designed for riding horses in-hand? Furthermore, should I stick to the tried and true and start shaping up one of my more "classic" minis instead?
The catch with the filly is that it will be her first show and she's a nut when she's alone. I know the foals make for great publicity, but it's a jump out show, and I don't think I'd be comfortable leaving them tied alone--even with their dams--while I'm showing either. My other two show fillies are yearlings as well, so if I brought one it would just be as a companion to her. Do I drag someone along just for her, or do we consider this a training experience?
I have been mulling over this all day and figured I'd check in with you guys. Any other helpful hints you have would be greatly appreciated.
There's also costume later in the day, and I figure if I'm already humiliating myself I might as well go the whole way. Any costume ideas anyone?
Are you ready for the thread that never ends? Here's my conundrum:
At first glance, I saw the first class is the pony class. Seemed like an obvious choice, but they also made it 12 and under. I've missed that train, so it leaves me with the open classes:
Weanling/Yearling
Two and Three Year Old
Light Horse
Stock Type
County Horse/Handler
Championship
Here's where I need your opinions. The last time I took a mini to an open show, they definitely preferred the Quarter type (if you will) ones. Unfortunately, my old go-to guy is breeding this year and is in no shape to show off right now. If this were a mini show, I have one yearling filly that stands above the rest and would be the obvious choice, but she's very refined. Having shown my Arab to a Grand at this same show, I know the quality of horses that will be in the Light Horse class, and I actually feel we have a good shot, but can you take a mini into a class designed for riding horses in-hand? Furthermore, should I stick to the tried and true and start shaping up one of my more "classic" minis instead?
The catch with the filly is that it will be her first show and she's a nut when she's alone. I know the foals make for great publicity, but it's a jump out show, and I don't think I'd be comfortable leaving them tied alone--even with their dams--while I'm showing either. My other two show fillies are yearlings as well, so if I brought one it would just be as a companion to her. Do I drag someone along just for her, or do we consider this a training experience?
I have been mulling over this all day and figured I'd check in with you guys. Any other helpful hints you have would be greatly appreciated.
There's also costume later in the day, and I figure if I'm already humiliating myself I might as well go the whole way. Any costume ideas anyone?