I’m sure it’s pretty much horse show season everywhere. But I am super excited because the horse show season has begun at the Colorado Horse Park! And even though I’m not showing, I do love going to the shows. It is a wonderful distraction and just what I need right now.
I’m not going to pretend that I was not sure if I wanted to go to this show. But I decided it would be best for me to get out and enjoy some horsey time with one of the best horsey people I know. She has a way of cheering me up. So even though I wasn’t quite sure, I kept trying to talk myself out of going. It was just what I needed to do.
Colorado Spring Preview
So this show is the first in a series of 3 shows at the horse park. It is put on by Langer Equestrian Group, as it has been for as long as I can remember. And this is the first show season with the new owners of the horse park, Singletree Equestrian Group. I wrote a post about that a while back when it was announced they were purchasing the property.
And in true Colorado fashion, earlier this week we got some pretty intense weather. In 48 hours, Parker, Colorado received over 7 inches of rain. At least it wasn’t snow, right? They did end up postponing the classes for those 2 days and moved the classes to today. Which was awesome, because today was the day we went to the show.
And with all of that rain, I was anticipating the grounds were going to be a muddy mess. But they weren’t – it was gorgeous! If I hadn’t experienced the rain for myself, I would have never known it had been so bad.
And with this being the first week of the shows, the turnout is pretty small. But I thought that would be a good starting point for the new owners to use it as a dress rehearsal for the big series coming up in a few weeks, Summer in the Rockies.
But the competitors were there to win. And it seems that everyone was very happy that this show is here. We are so incredibly lucky to have a facility like this. I feel very fortunate to live close by so I can keep track of the shows, and go whenever I want to see a top-rated hunter jumper show.
Show Me the Vendors!
I was really impressed that so many vendors were here for the preview week too. Wild Willy’s is my favorite food truck/trailer to visit. And they are always at the horse park.
The people working there are always kind, and funny too. And their burgers are amazing. Lynda and I always have to stop by Wild Willy’s when we are at the shows.
There were also a lot of little ‘shops’ to stop by, even in this early show. My favorite saddler was there which I was happy to see. I am almost out of my Hercules Leather Balsam. So I will have to stop by and pick up a new container.
They always have a beautiful saddle on display too.
I love my Voltaire saddle. I saved up in order to be able to afford it. And even though I bought it used, it is the best saddle I have ever owned.
We also found a new little shop that we haven’t seen before. And oh my goodness, the lady that runs it, Jamie, has the most beautiful things. Oh my goodness. I found the most beautiful halter. And the leather was the softest leather I have ever felt.
It’s from a French company I have never heard of before.
Pénélope Leprevost is a French equestrian who actually competes in show jumping. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, Leprevost placed 12th with the French team, and she won a team gold medal at the 2016 Rio Games. She has designed her own line for the everyday equestrian to the competition ring. How incredible is that?
The Grand Prix Class
Now this is our favorite class at the horse show. The Gran Prix. And while this wasn’t a huge class, there were still 12 horses that entered the competition.
There weren’t many people watching either. But that’s ok, it was as if the riders were there for just us!
I would say that if I were getting ready to launch my career into show jumping, I would definitely enter this class. With this being a smaller show, with less competition, this would be an excellent class to start with. That is if your horse were ready for this level of jumping.
Horse Show Season has Begun!
And the horses looked like they were ready to be jumping these monster jumps.
Bjorn Ikast started the class. He had 4 horses entered.
And he ended up finishing first, second, and third in the class.
My favorite was one horse that he rode. His name was the Great Dane.
But Bjorn wasn’t the only rider in the class. Charlie Carrel had 2 horses entered as well.
The way this horse jumps. Just wow! So beautiful. And his other horse was pretty incredible too.
He did very well in the class finishing in 4th and 5th place with his two horses. And these men are staples for the summer shows at the horse park. I know I can count on them being here. And there were a few other horses entered as well. And what was awesome to see, many of the riders owned the horse that they were showing.
They weren’t owned by fancy corporations. No, they were people, like us, that love riding and competing.
There was even a Thoroughbred entered. I don’t believe I have ever seen a Thoroughbred in this class before. So that was awesome.
It was great to see a lot of femal riders in this class. Talk about brave ladies.
Very impressive indeed. Over all this was a wonderful first show of the season at the horse park. And I’m sure as the season progresses, the shows will get better and better. I’m sure the owners of the park were a little worried. But there are so many people that are grateful for this venue, and the shows.
And all of the little extra details that the Langer show group adds, really makes this a fun series of shows. Even for those of us that are spectators only. I am so excited to see the rest of the shows this summer.
And as the last of the hroses made their way back to the barns, Lynda and I made our way out of the park to go home. I think she is as excited as I am for next weekend when we will go back to the Colorado Horse Park for the Spring Classic. I bet it will be even better!
And if your in the Parker, Colorado area, and love horse shows – you should come watch! Lynda and I will be there for sure.
Happy Riding!
