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September 15, 2019 by Lisa

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

New Rules On Spectators At Horse Shows This Summer

Well, fall is just about here. But you wouldn’t know it from the temperatures this weekend. It is almost 90 degrees here in Colorado, which some may not like. But for going to watch a horse show, it’s awesome.

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

And this weekend was the last Grand Prix at The Colorado Horse Park for the year. So I had to make sure to get there, and take a LOT of pictures!

I know I have said many times how fortunate I am to live close to the horse park. But I just love this place. I have been coming here for years as a spectator, and hopefully one day I will be a competitor. If I wait just a couple more years, I will be able to ride in the over 50 Adult Amateur classes. Which could be good or bad, depending on how you look at it.

And while I will probably start in the Hunter Division, my heart is always drawn to the big jumps of the Grand Prix classes. But maybe, just maybe, the hunter classes will be my gateway to the bigger classes.

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

And I don’t have to justify going to watch the horse shows. It’s something I so love to do, and being able to capture some great pictures make it even better, in my opinion.

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

It’s the little things I like to capture.

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

The Grand Prix

show jumping course

So this is a far away view of the course laid out for the competitors.

And this is the course. There were 13 obstacles with 16 jumping efforts over a course up to 1.6m (5’3″) tall. And some of the jumps were a bit formidable for the riders. Out of 16 riders, only 4 went clear to the jump off. And then, only one rider went clear in the jump off.

show jumper

The Competitors

And the horse and rider teams were outstanding and so much fun to watch.

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

And of course I was looking at the jumps, and wondering if I could make something like this for myself.

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

I hadn’t seen this Platinum jump before. It was pretty awesome.

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

And they had my favorite jump that was my inspiration for making my Voltaire Design jump rails.

Karen Cudmore and Southern Pride

And seeing my favorite riders, like Karen Cudmore always makes me happy. While we were waiting for the class to start, her husband Mike even chatted with Linda and I for a bit. I will admit I had a little fan-girl feeling while we were talking.

Horse show jumping rider

But Lynda had even a bigger fan-girl moment when Karen Cudmore and Southern Pride stood behind her and watched fellow competitors. She said she wanted to pet his nose soooo bad because he was literally right behind her. I think she was in heaven.

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

But there were other great riders too!

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

And being able to see the joy on their faces as they were flying, just wow.

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

And from our vantage point, I was able to capture some pretty great moments of the horses.

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

While I like looking at the photos for the pretty factor, I also like studying them to see what the riders are doing, or how they are riding a line.

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

And just trying to learn what they are doing and why they are doing it. Each one of them approached jumps differently.

But many of them ended up with similar results, getting over the jump clean.

Watching how they release their horse over the jump,

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

To their seat and leg position. For me, I learn best by watching which is why I love watching the big classes. The riders that participate in these big classes are bold as well as talented. And very inspiring to watch.

And again, the class seemed to be predominately women riders.

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

Some were young, and some were older. This type of class isn’t subjective. It is all against the clock. And whoever does it the fastest, wins.

Armando Hassey and Lomax

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

I just love watching this class. Maybe it’s the speed, or the talent, or the challenge. It’s probably a little bit of all of these things. But I think my favorite thing to see is true sportsmanship

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

And genuine love of the horses.

A pat on the neck for a job well done, or a big rub as a thank you for a safe trip.

Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park

Whatever it is, I love watching the Grand Prix’s. And I may not be able to jump to this height, but I dare to dream, and dare to dream big.

Related

Category: Articles, Horse Jumps, Horse Show, Horse ShowTag: grand prix

About Lisa

I am horse crazy and love DIY projects, and finding great deals on everything horse related. When I have a new idea, or find a great deal I love sharing this information with you……..AND just to have FULL Disclosure:

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the blog posts on my site will allow you to purchase different products and services online provided by other merchants, and not myself. Some of the links that I post on my site are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission.* I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn a commission by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
*Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Hi! I’m Lisa. I started The Budget Equestrian to share what I’ve learned about owning and caring for horses. If there is a budget way to do something with horses – I’ve tried it!
I’ve spent my whole life around horses, and I have recently adopted a Quarter Horse gelding named Timon and a little pony named Pumbaa. You can learn more here. Thank you for stopping by, and happy horsekeeping!

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Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the blog posts on my site will allow you to purchase different products and services online provided by other merchants, and not myself. Some of the links that I post on my site are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission.* I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn a commission by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. *Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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