MyEquineSource

We woke up at 6:30 in the morning and loaded everything in the truck. Then we went to the barn and hooked up the trailer and loaded up Vegas, my horse. Then we drove a long time to Walnut Creek, and then we finally got there. We got Vegas off the trailer and brushed her off, and then we put Vegas’s bridle on and then I got my jacket on. I got Vegas and started for the show ring.

My first class was Showmanship. Showmanship is when you are on the ground leading your horse around the ring. Walking and trotting in the pattern the judges chooses. I won 3rd place in this class.

My next class was Trail. Trail class is when you go through an obstacle course when you are on horseback and it’s a pattern that you must memorize. I won 2nd place in the class and it was a lot of fun.

We then went back to the trailer to wait for the next class. After about an hour and a half we started getting ready again. We tacked up Vegas. Tacking up means to put on the horses saddle and bridle. I put on my jacket and got on Vegas. We went into the practice ring and warmed up by walking and trotting a little before my last class.

The last class I rode in was called Walk/Trot Equitation. This is where you ride in the ring with other riders and you are judged on your riding and the way you handle the horse under saddle. I was very nervous because I was the youngest rider in the class. The announcer would say “walk your horse” “Trot your horse” “Opposite Direction”. At the end we lined up in the center of the arena on our horses and waited for our scores. They called out rider and horse names from last to first place. As names were called and riders left the ring I was getting very nervous. Then, I was the last one in the arena. Then they called my name and Vegas’s name. I got 1st place! I was so excited.

When Vegas and I got back to our barn she got lots of carrots and apples. She was very happy to be back in her stall to rest after a long day at the show.

Right when I got home I hung my ribbons in my room and stared at them. Then called my family and friends to tell them how the show went, they were all very happy for me.

By Brooke

Age 11