EC Blog: “Excuse Me Judge, I Need You To Move So I Can Finish My Pattern…”
Allyson Hicks and No Fun Being Good.
The Joys of Learning Showmanship
EC Blog by: Allyson Hicks
So, it looks like my family might be spending a few holidays at horse shows. I’m not so sure they realized this when I signed them up by buying my first all-around horse. Thankfully, the breaking-in period was over Valentine’s Day weekend.
Do we show on Christmas Day? If so, I better break that to them a little later on in the year…
Last week, I spent a gorgeous seven days at the Murieta Equestrian Center. The weather was a balmy 70 degrees, and the early mornings often greeted competitors with the sight of hot air balloons drifting in the early morning sunshine.
The Murieta Center is a huge equine complex with everything from cross country jumps to cutting arenas. They have over 900 stalls and 19 pens. With the green grass surrounding the complex and the wonderful weather scheduled for the week, it looked like everything was shaping up for a perfect show, until I got into the show pen…
My show day started with Showmanship. Now, I have to admit a few things. First, it looks MUCH easier from the sidelines. Secondly, I can’t dance, really, I can’t dance at all. As a result, I can’t lead, and I can’t follow. Also, I now know that I suffer from a small case of stage fright.
When the nod came from the judge, I forgot the pattern as well as my name, and, by the time my brain caught up, it was a little too late. So, I ended my pattern and walked out of the show arena, none too happy with my performance.
A little while later, a very nice lady from our barn was completing her go in the same Showmanship class. As she made her pivot, she realized she was in such a position that, if she made one step forward, she was going to take out the judge!
She said something to the judges. They laughed and moved so she would have room to finish her pattern. As she trotted away, she smiled and uttered something, which left the judges and ring stewards all laughing.
In the stands, we were all wondering… What just happened? She almost took out a judge? They laughed? She laughed?
I learned an important lesson from my friend. The next time a judge gets in your way, just smile and say, “Excuse me judge, I need you to move so I can finish my pattern.” Smile, thank them, perhaps share a laugh, and try again next time.
Even the most experienced showmen make mistakes from time to time, but how many of us can reflect on those mishaps with a winning attitude?
Thank you Mary for showing me what having the attitude of a winner really looks like!
Allyson Hicks and No Fun Being Good
Penn Valley, CA
Check out other EC Blog posts by Allyson Hicks:
“It Didn’t Go Unnoticed…” – 2015 AZ. Sun Circuit
Stay tuned for most posts coming from Allyson as she shares her adventures as a newcomer to the AQHA all-around circuit.
Do you have something to say or a unique perspective you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. E-mail b.bevis@equinechronicle.com to find out how you can become an EC blogger like Allyson.
