another observation (ponies)

[quietann]

I think I figured out why I'm liking Windrush Farm so much. It is a big, professionally-run stable that is not a show barn. So everything's run right and tight, but no one looks askance at a rider who won't bring the barn glory in the show ring, because no one there is really even interested in the show ring.

I am getting to know the stable hands, who are a variety of young adults with developmental disabilities, all very different and very sweet. They work very hard under the watchful eye of the barn managers, and do a really good job. Someone who takes joy in mucking out a stall to *perfection* wins mad props from me!

The lack of lessons in the summertime is really the only big drawback. They do have trail rides (under the moniker "Ladies Who Lunch") on the property a couple of times each month, though.

Comments

[unclebooboo.livejournal.com]

I agree with you to a point- most of the people who are into showing horses in the mid level shows have more money than brains and are attempting to buy ribbons (or in the western world, buckles and saddles!) Lots of professionals make their money training push button horses for these folks and giving them lessons. Somehow it becomes more about how much money you can put into an expensive horse and tack and lessons than about how much effort you've put into learning how to ride well.

A big part of the problem is that some classes are judged more on the quality of the horse and the presentation of the horse than on the rider's ability to ride. You can reasonably try to win by buying the most expensive horse and tack. In classes where the rider is being judged on equitation or the horse and rider are being judged on performance this is less of a problem.

Sometimes a weird interpretation of the rules becomes a fad, and suddenly everyone is doing the same wrong things because "that's what the judges want." This is why you see the infamous four beat lope and "peanut rolling" in western pleasure classes.

On the other hand, there's a whole world of shows where riders go to learn and judges take the time to give the riders a few pointers.

One of my best learning experiences was being the volunteer ring steward for a 4H district horse show. There were kids at this show with $100,000 show horses and kids riding 20 year old ranch geldings. The judge made it his job to speak with each of the kids at some point during the day, and he always seemed to have some positive advice to give. A lot of learning was going on at this show.

When you're ready, I'd encourage you to look for shows to participate in where you can get useful feedback. Often times these are "training shows" or shows at county fairs as opposed to shows in a competitive series associated with one of the major organizations.

Not having lessons over the summer is a real bummer. Is this because
they're too busy with their therapy program? Are the horses off at summer camps doing trail rides? Whatever the issue, you'll really miss the opportunity to ride during the months with nice weather!

[quietann.livejournal.com]

I'm actually not interested in showing at all, really. If I ever got to be good enough, I might consider hunter paces or other "fun" not-competitive events. (which would probably require getting my own horse, which isn't likely to happen anyway.)

In the summer, Windrush's therapeutic riding program is mostly on hiatus, and they run a day camp for horse-crazy kids. I should still be able to ride Minnie, and might look into lessons at another barn near me. (This one is actually very close, but I don't quite fit their "rider profile.")