Being at the Show

First of all, I'm sorry for missing a day of blogging. Been crazy busy with the showing. And when we get back at night it's almost straight to bed. I'll confess, I have slept in. Although when you show until midnight, I'm not sure sleeping till 8 or 9am can be considered sleeping in.

Jane rides in the spotted class.

Shows start at 5pm each night, as it gets much cooler. Um, like 90s vs 100s. Ive begun anticipating 8pm when the temperature breaks. Until then, believe me that getting into a show suit is torture. Literally you feel like you are melting. Wearing jeans and T-shirt is bad enough, but the formal suit, vest, shirt and tie and derby hat, well need I say more? Okay then add in the championship attire, and my black suit is wool! Urghhhh.

Pretty in pink - getting ready to go into our class.

Bobby has been bringing multiple FILLED trailers to the show each day. Plus Jane and I are hauling the AOT horses separately on top of that. At the show each trainer sets up their tack area. For the colt center it means dozens of western and English saddles, equal amounts of bridles, girths, and untold other brushes and gear. It's a team effort and multiple trips from the trailer to the warmup ring where we are stationed. Our corner is convenient. Our trailers are parked outside the doors, right by the show office and ladies room. Btw, the show office and ladies room are air-conditioned....a major bonus for changing or just catching a break from the heat.

Carlan exits in the ribbons with Vegas.

Upon arrival it's hoof black and braid work, Grooming and primping. The announcer can be heard well in the warmup area...so you can keep track of what's going on inside. By the third and fourth days of the show the class numbers are beyond 100, In fact more than 165 total classes in 4 days. I think at one point they announced more than 1000 entries. Wow! Some of the participants are stalling horses too. One trainer is from the west coast, Hanna Pulvers is from Oregon! So I'm not the longest distance traveler. The semi trailers are amazing with rigs to match. My little two horse trailer parks next to a a semi truck all decked out for horses. They literally have two! hydraulic ramps come down, and the horses are brought down the ramp from what seems like the second floor. Not sure how many horses are onboard, but it it totally amazing. Some of the riders have fresh horses for every class. And it seems like they are in dozens of classes. And then there is little o me putting one horse in multiple classes. LOL. Were not in Kansas anymore Dorothy.

The coliseum is about the size of a football field I'd say, and it has stadium type seating. The spectators are sparse despite the size of the show in entries. Typically the participants run to the ringside to watch a particular class and the go back to the warmup ring. It's more of a constant buzzing of motion, than folks sitting to watch. Like a bee hive of activity. Swelling towards the rail side as a class starts, and then back out with the tide.