Showing Off

Today was the first 4-H horse show. This is a wonderful place for kids to start out as there are all skill levels represented. My kids are not my kids. By their ages I was practically training horses, and they're barely staying on at a jog. But they're there to have fun and fun they had.




Becky showed our smallest Shetland, Tommy, in driving. It's totally embarrasing to see me stuffed into that tiny little buggy with her. Me thinks it's time I lost about 30 pounds.

She placed 4th. Not quite as well as last year, but it's the first show of the year and Tommy doesn't do that well in public. He's coming along though.





This is Josh's first time showing. Ever. The boy hadn't even been on a horse until last year, and Flash hadn't had anyone on her back until last year. They're both beginners in the most basic way, but they both learned today that they could love showing.

Being a boy, Josh was all for the timed events. Beth is a pro, and very good at what she does. Josh isn't quite to that level yet. He walked his pony around the barrels and poles but he made every turn, stayed on course, and didn't fall off. Which is more than can be said for some other unfortunate kids today. He came away with two 5th places and one 6th place. We were shocked. In a good way.










And this is the photo of the day.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

what an action shot for that last picture! Hope all is well afterward.

jayna said...

Oh my! That is quite a last shot! I hope he stayed on through that.

4-H shows were the highlight of my summers when I was that age. Those and the AQHA shows that followed are some wonderful memories. Good times. I hope your kids can get the same enjoyment!

Cecily R said...

I think that might be the shot of the week!!

Although a horse show is super foreign to me, it looks like grand fun! Congratulations to the kids for all their accomplishments!1

P.S. You look hot in a helmet.

Kellan said...

What fun and I love the little horse and buggy - too cute!

SEe you soon - Kellan

Michelle said...

I so miss showing! Congrats to all the kids for their ribbons and fun. I've never done driving, but I think it looks so cool -- when I went to Spruce Meadows in Calgary, the Stampede happened to be going on, so we went and I was just fascinated by the miniature horse show and the driving and everything else they did. So much fun!

Debbie @ Three Weddings said...

Becky looks so big on Tommy. Much taller and she could be walking along with him!

Irene said...

Oh my! Are they OK?

Anonymous said...

What fun! I love the shot of you and Becky in the cart - though I think it begs for an "I'm With Stupid" tee shirt! (I'll let you decide who should wear it!)

Pam said...

So what if they didn't get first, at least they are out there giving it a go and doing their best -- I'm sure you are all having fun along the way too. Good for them! Thanks for sharing the pictures- I love the last one- great action shot!

kimmy said...

That last photo is a great shot. I hope he didn't fall off and get hurt!

Looks like a great weekend!

Kimmy

Wineplz said...

Justin was exceptionally kind in his comment. The funniest thing he could ever tell you is when a horse fell on his sister's leg. It was broken. Yet he still laughs hysterically every time he says the phrase, "a horse fell on my sister." Probably a good thing he married me because I burst out laughing when I saw that last action shot...the look on Josh's face is what really got me..."oh lordy don't let me fall!" And since there was no follow-up picture of a cast, I'm going to go with that he was alright, so it's safe to laugh (at least those are our house rules). :)

Angela said...

4H!! HAHA! I was the 4H State Champion in Jumping, Hunter Hack, All Around, English Pleasure, and Halter for like 4 years, the other kids hated me. I never got to go to the nationals though as I could never get a sponsor and its rediciously expensive. I miss it.. I hope I'm lucky enough that Connor shows even a slight amount of interest in horses because the moment he does I am getting him a pony if it kills me. LOL IF I had it my way he'd already be riding. I got out all my pony tack last week and cleaned it all and kept thinking "well he is walking now.. so he can ride" Do you guys just have shetlands?

lol
-Angela & Connor

Andrea said...

Oh how much fun!! You have such cute ponies!! I love them!! I love that last photo. My son would have cried and never gotten on that pony again!! It seems like they are doing awesome for their first show!!

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

We all start somewhere! I started out as a little girl on a pony named Misty. Just like those kids of yours. What a FUN picture at the end there with the pony kicking out.

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

That child's facial expression is PRICELESS in that last photo. To funny. Much like my face must of looked when my saddle was falling off a couple of weeks ago! lol

Michelle said...

oh that last pic is priceless! He didn't fall off that time?

Momisodes said...

Wow! What a fun time :) That last pic looks a bit hairy! Great shot. hope all turned out well.

caramama said...

That sounds awesome! Way to go, your kids!

I love those horses. They are really lovely.

imbeingheldhostage said...

That is a GREAT shot! Too bad you'll end up leaving this camera in the rain someday in the future... ;-)