No Viva Las Vegas For Me… Don’t Let FEAR Keep You Out of the Show Pen
Allyson Hicks and No Fun Being Good. Photo Credit: J. McClain Photography
No Viva Las Vegas For Me…
EC Blog by: Allyson Hicks
I missed the Las Vegas show last week. Then, first thing Monday morning I was up and ready to start the week. Coffee in hand, computer up, Facebook on, and now reality really hit me pretty hard. I missed the Silver Dollar Circuit.
First, I want to say congratulations to everyone. Great photos! Boy, did that look like loads of fun. I can visualize the show grounds quite well. At least, I know what the South Point Equestrian Center looks like; I went last year to watch the AQHA Level 1 Novice Championship West show. It’s a beautiful facility not only for the horses but also for the riders. There are great restaurants, bars where you can party and dance, and comfortable, cozy rooms. The Silver Dollar Circuit seems like a great place to show your horse and enjoy your friends. Now, I have to ask myself, one more time, “Why didn’t I go?”
The easiest answers that we all use are: too short on cash and long on work; horse isn’t ready; I’m not ready; I have no time… really the list is endless.
But I got the go-ahead from the husband, and I had the work bases covered. My horse was ready and my trainer thought it would be a good show for both my horse and myself, yet I didn’t go. So, what’s the real answer to my question?
Photo Credit: J. McClain Photography
The answer is very personal, but I’ll share it with you. Take a deep breath in… and tell the horse world… I was afraid. Yep, that’s the real reason. I’m still learning about my horse, myself, and the show arena, and it has been a rocky road. There are some really good show moments, some really bad moments, and I am trying my hardest to figure out how to do this all-around stuff. It’s really, really challenging, and all of my fellow competitors make it look so easy.
Also, there is another part to this showing horses that makes it a challenge. It’s the fact that my mistakes don’t only affect me. They also affect all of you. I want you to know that I am so sorry every time I get in your way, cut you off, or make you remind me with a whisper of “ON THE RAIL!”
Also, I’m thankful when you all remind me where to line up, that my shirt needs to be tucked in, that I’m at the wrong cone, and all the other things that I can’t quite get right. My trainer can’t keep track of me all the time, so it takes a village to train one “almost 50-year-old” women how to become an all-around horseman. The jury is still out whether I may need the entire AQHA membership, but let’s hope not…
I still regret not going to the Silver Dollar Circuit, but I’m thankful that there’s always another show. In fact, there is another show next week.
Gotta go, I need to clean my saddle and pack my bags. I’ll do my best to stay out of your way in the pen and hope for a little help along the way.
– Allyson Hicks and No Fun Being Good
Click on the links below to read other EC blogs by Allyson.
“Excuse Me Judge, I Need You To Move So I Can Finish My Pattern…”
Stay tuned to www.EquineChronicle.com for most posts 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.
