I love going to horse shows. It is something that just makes me happy, and I don’t even have to be the one showing! Just being at a show is enjoyable for me. I am sure some of you feel the same way. Being around people that share a love and passion for horses is just awesome. And I get to practice my photography, as a spectator at a horse show.
I am fortunate enough to have a large horse facility that has large shows very close by. And sometimes I can even convince my husband to come along and watch with me. The Colorado Horse Park has so many shows throughout the year, I can convince my husband to go to at least one with me! And even if he only comes once, that’s ok. I can go multiple times a year, which gives me many opportunities to practice my photography.
Have you ever tried to capture the perfect moment when a horse is going over a jump, and have the picture turn out sharp? It isn’t easy, but with practice it does get easier, I promise!
Going to these shows as a spectator allows me to see what the current trends are, and also gives me the opportunity to brush up on my photography skills. Because just like riding takes dedication and practice, so does photography.
I also feel that by taking photos, I can get a close up ideal of what the judges are looking for, as well as what kind of jumps I can expect to see when I am a participant in a class. And even though my passion is the jumper ring, I will participate in equitation classes too. Because I do want to be judged on how I am riding my horse because this will help me to improve all aspects of my riding.
I have been going to the Colorado Horse Park as a spectator for the past 5 years, and I finally feel as if I may actually be ready to go to a show or two next year. I will probably start off with smaller shows though. Because I want to use the Horse Park as the final test of my skills. And it is always better to start small, and then build upon those successes. But these classes are my ultimate goal.
The Hunter Classes
These riders are timeless. They are always impeccably turned out, and their horses are simply perfection. And although they are really pretty, I don’t feel this is the division for me.
Although I do love the natural jumps, it is just too polished for me. And there is nothing wrong with that, I just prefer a little faster pace, well for now anyways.
The Jumpers
This is where my heart is. I can express a little more of my own individuality, and the skill that I and my horse have will determine if we place in a class. The jumper ring is by far my favorite.
The jumps are almost as intense as the horses.
The excitement is almost palpable as the team makes their way through the course. And everyone is clapping and cheering for them as the finish their round. The smiles on their faces are contagious, and the excitement is as well.
Learning at a Horse Show as a Spectator
Just because you are a spectator doesn’t mean you can’t earn anything. For the longest time I was afraid I would forget the course, or not know the correct etiquette of a horse show. But by going year after year to multiple shows, I have become familiar with what happens at a show, and just like anything, the more you do it, the more comfortable you will become. So that is my reasoning for going to all of these shows. It is my research for when I will finally be a participant in the show.
You can learn what the trends are, as well as see people who possibly shouldn’t be there. I try to learn from every aspect of a show, so that hopefully I will be prepared for when I go.
I wish I would have done this when I was younger, you know, taking the time to really learn what goes on at the show, before just jumping into it. I think I would have done better, and been more prepared.
Also by using my photography, I am able to compare my own riding with that of the competitors. I look at the photos, and think about how my heels look, or am I sitting up straight. I watch how they take a turn, or make a flying lead change. It may sound odd, but I am a very visual learner. So by seeing people doing it correctly, helps to instill in my mind what it should look like to complete the task.
And it is also a lot of fun to capture the moment a horse is taking off over a jump, or when his rider gives him a well-deserved hug for a round well done.
I love horse shows, even as a spectator. It gives me the opportunity to learn, and become the best rider I can be, as well as becoming a better photographer of all things equestrian. This also means a lot of shopping for the upcoming horse shows, and finding the best bargains I can. More on that later, but for now, I hope you enjoy the photos of a very fun horse show, and remember to follow your dreams!
