Whether I’m competing at a local show or out of state, I usually receive a mixed bag of opinions. The most common reaction is curiosity! I have people come up to me in the ranch warm-up and say, “Wait, weren’t you just in Horsemanship?” or “Isn’t that the same horse from Trail?” Those questions are also followed by comments like “That’s incredible he can do that all in one day,” and “I wish my horse could do both.” Through all the positivity, there is going to inevitably be some negativity. I have been told in the Horsemanship line to “Stay on the ranch with the cows,” and to “Go back to where you came from. You aren’t good enough for this.” The most common one is “She didn’t deserve to win. She’s not a true ranch rider like the other girls.”

This is not a sport; this is a love story. It’s a story about the years and hours spent to prepare for this event. It’s a story about the tears, the smiles, and the happiness. This is riding a Quarter Horse.

By: Erin Grace Wieldraayer The Grace Of Life Blog- “Show The Horses” Horse shows are a place of camaraderie… and the most passive aggressive adults you will ever meet. This is a place where we all look like the walking dead with great acceptance. It’s a place where eating last night’s dinner (insert whatever the […]

It’s often difficult for Amateur riders to find a dark color (apart from black) that’s elegant and appropriate to show in. In my opinion, dark gray is perfect: it’s different, but not too odd.