Confessions of a First Time Show Go-er: Day 4

For the Love of Arabians

Here’s the thing, I come from a world that considers paying a couple of hundred bucks for a puppy excessive. So it makes sense that this Arabian Horse Showing world seems a little bit overwhelming for the likes of me. Understand, though, that these overwhelmed feelings come from a place of admiration and respect (maybe a touch of longing jealousy, I mean… obviously). What I’ve come to realize and understand is that there is a purpose and reason behind this horse showing business. It’s not just for status (for the most part, it seems. Though, those kids probably circle around just like they do in every other business) but all of this is for the breed, those intelligent little Arabians. Listening to people talk about these most beloved animals, I get the feeling of pure, unadulterated love and passion. It reverberates through the arenas with each and every whoop and whistle, and with every loving clap, smile, and embrace around a horse’s neck when someone you love wins a championship or places top 10 or has a really good ride. That, my darling horse lovin’ friends, is what separates this from every other world I’ve visited. Sure, nice horses can be bought, but what can’t be purchased is everything else; the loving welcomes to this horse show newbie, the real soul-deep laughter shared among new friends, and the echoing happiness. The horses are what bring people into this planet within our planet; the people are what keep everyone around long term. I was allowed an all-access pass into your world, a place I’ve never seen before and might not get to see again (although, let’s be honest, I’m hooked and hope I get to come to many, many more horse shows). I’ve gotten to see the parts of the show world that not a lot of outside kids get to see and the honesty of it all is what I love the most. It’s an honest love, an honest passion, and a group of truth-telling horse lovers who are here for one thing and one thing only: the love of Arabians.

Thanks to everyone who has been so kind and gracious to me and shared their love, passion, and knowledge. I understand a lot more than I did and still have a lot more to learn, but I’m not bored yet, and I think that’s a testament to my teachers and friends. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll get to see you all around at an upcoming horse show or two!

-Lindsay

Lindsay and her new friend Kiss! 

Scottsdale 2013 IV

How is there only two days of horse show left?! Towards the end of a lengthy and incredible show like Scottsdale, I always find myself questioning where in the world the week went. The days are long, sure, but the show always seems to be over before you can process its end. The weather is back to beautiful and sunny, and Wendell is finally dry enough to show in again! At least I've been out of the blizzard-stricken Midwest for the entire week--and for that I am incredibly grateful! Here are a few superb photos of the past few days of the show... Enjoy!

Confessions of a First Time Show Go-er: Day 3

So Far, So Great

For most of you cool horse kids, walking a horse probably seems like a “no duh” situation. Like, y’all probably did that as wee children. I, however, never quite got to that point in my life. So now, my 22-year-old self walking a horse for the first time was super exciting and pretty much the highlight of my life thus far. Considering when I first arrived in Scottsdale I wasn’t even comfortable with touching a horse, walking one around (under the close supervision of her super cool trainer friend) is pretty neat, I’d say. First step... Walking. With this accomplishment under my belt, my becoming an Arabian horse expert is basically just around the corner! All kidding aside, it was a lovely experience with a lovely horse who has earned a place in my heart as the first horse I’ve ever actually liked. That’s not to say that I don’t like any other horse, they’re animals, so they’re pretty cool in my book, but this one in particular just happens to be the first one I actually felt comfortable being close to. That’s pretty special to me. 

-Lindsay

Scottsdale 2013 III

Well, it just wouldn't be the Scottsdale horse show without a little rain and a lot of mud, now would it? With a flooded dressing room, plastic covering everything, and a rampant search for umbrellas, the Scottsdale show must go on. Of course, my first class was this morning on the first (and hopefully only) rotten day of the show, but once I was in under the bright lights of the Equidome and out of the dreary day, I was instantly reminded why I love showing horses. No matter what show it is, what horse I'm on, or what the weather is like, showing Arabians will always offer me the same amount of comfort and happiness.

Whether you're down here at the show or in the comfort of your home watching the live feed, enjoy your day and your horses! And to keep your spirits up, here are some photos taken at the show of our beloved horse show dogs... Because what's a horse show without the second best animal in the world?!

Photos by Lindsay Strong

Confessions of a First Time Show Go-er: Day Two

Lingo Starr: Weird Words That Are Only Weird For a Newbie

Getting the gate sounds really violent to a kid who doesn’t know what exactly that means. I think when I first heard the phrase being used my internal reaction sounded something like “Oh no. Wait, what happens at the gate?!”

Lope. What it is: it’s basically canter for western horses. What it sounds like: Painful.

Posting. What it is: rising out of the saddle for the trot in English and Hunt classes. What it sounds like: Hanging advertisements. I first noticed it was a thing that was happening when I realized its absence from our Western riding friends.

I couldn’t possibly write about the fun (and pretty weird) lingo without mentioning all of the things different colored horses are called. I’ve pretty much mastered them at this point thanks to my incessant question asking (apologies to everyone I was around at the beginning. It was really touch and go for a while). Let’s see. We have Bey, Chestnut, Grey (even though it seems that most of them are pretty white, let’s be real), Palomino, Pinto, and Black (Fun name, creative kids).

Martingale. What it is: a piece of equipment used only for working horses in order to get better leverage and control while training. What it sounds like: A bird masquerading as a Vegas showgirl.

Surcingle. What it is: A piece of training equipment used for long lining. What it sounds like: Sir Single, the most eligible of all of the bachelors!

Green. What it is:  A word meant to describe a young and inexperienced horse. What it sounds like: A color. It might be exciting to see a horse that is literally green.

Show Hack. What it is: A class with tight white pants and far too many gaits. What it sounds like: Dangerous. Don’t do that. Just aggressive, horror movie stuff. 

-Lindsay