Take A Chill Pill Mom! – When Parents Help Too Much

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188 – October, 2018

by DELORES KUHLWEIN

Standing outside the show arena, unable to help your child, who is managing a 1,500 lb. animal, can be frustrating.

It certainly doesn’t help if you:

a. Are insanely nervous
b. Are worried about a new partnership
c. Love your child more than life itself
d. Are running on no sleep
e. All of the above.

Whether you’re a parent who has shown in the past, or even if you’ve never shown before, it’s normal to be nervous when watching your child compete. But knowing how to help your child without helping too much, in any competitive sport, is a skill that’s difficult to master. As a result, the behavior of parents on the sidelines is a much-publicized topic…

Never fear! Parenting at horse shows can be done gracefully, productively, and in a healthy manner. If you’re in need of a little advice from parents who have learned the ropes, or straight from the youth competitors themselves, The Equine Chronicle has what you need.

Our mother/daughter lineup:

• The Neibergers of Argyle, Texas: Lisa Neiberger shows No Question Im Lazy in AQHA Amateur all-around events. Her daughter, Payton Neiberger, shows Willys So Good in AQHA Youth allaround events and is the sister of former youth exhibitors Alyssa and Emily.

• The Grallas of Norman, Oklahoma: Tonya Gralla shows A Sudden Legacy in APHA Amateur Western Pleasure. Her daughter, Lauren Gralla, shows A Sudden Legacy in APHA Youth all-around events, as well as Bad An Boujee in AQHA Halter. She’s the sister to Nicholas, who also shows in APHA Youth Halter.

• The Nelsons of North Logan, Utah:Julie Nelson shows Mr Verifiable in APHA Amateur all-around events. Her daughter, Amanda Nelson, shows Especially Fancy in APHA Youth all-around events and is the sister of former youth exhibitor Andrea Nelson.

Click here to read the complete article
188 – October, 2018