Scared of JUDGEment…
EC Blog by: Steven Pelzer
It was an overcast day when we pulled up to the show grounds. Looking out the window, I saw beautiful horses being warmed up on the longe line. I thought, “What the heck have I gotten myself into?” I got out of the truck, unloaded the horse, and made my way to the show office. As I approached, I kept thinking that people were going to think I was a groom, not a participant. I got to the office and I softly asked, “Excuse me, how do I sign up for my classes and membership?”
To my surprise, the people in the office were so kind and patiently helped me fill out my AQHA membership form and class entries. After signing up for my classes, I saw a group of young women going to the outdoor arena to school their horses. As they schooled their beautiful Hunt Seat horses, I thought to myself, “I’m glad I don’t have to compete with them.” They ride so well, while I, on the other hand, look like a large bird trying to hang on to the saddle for dear life.
I got my horse ready and changed my clothes. My palms were so sweaty that I could barely hold the leather lead. We walked down to the indoor arena. I was in complete awe of the outfits people wore for Halter and Showmanship. Women wore Show Diva Apparel and the men looked so dapper in their blazers. Meanwhile, I had on a button up shirt, jeans, and old brown boots. I did have a cowboy hat, but I felt the judge wouldn’t approve of the awkward shape and lack of Shorty’s label.
Finally, the show started and my first class was Aged Mares. The first mare to go in was a huge, bay mare just shy of 17 hands. I just knew I wasn’t going to beat that mare. We were third in line. We had a lovely trot in, and we set up for inspection. I knew the judge wouldn’t like me or my horse.
I looked over my shoulder, and there he was, Judge Tony Burris. I almost fainted. All of a sudden, he spoke to me. “How are you doing today?” I almost replied, “Not good! I’m on the verge of fainting right here in front of you!” Somehow I managed to reply, “I’m doing good, sir. How are you?” He said he was doing fine and proceeded to ask me to show him her teeth. At the time, I wasn’t familiar with the procedure. I looked puzzled. My first thought was, “Why on God’s green earth does he want to see her teeth? And second, “I hope her morning breath doesn’t kill him.” I showed him her teeth. He thanked me and moved on to the next horse.
My legs were about to buckle. My nerves had all they could take. The ring steward asked to have our numbers facing the judge. I turned around. Just like that, the class was over. I patted Coco and I told her, “I don’t care how the class places. I’m never doing that again. NEVER!”
The announcer called out the results of the class. The big bay mare won. I wasn’t even surprised. I turned, looked at Coco, and I told her, “I’m sorry I let you down girl.” Then, I heard, “Second place goes to Red Dee to Talk and Steven Pelzer!” I heard cheering and clapping. I gave her the biggest kiss. I teared up, overwhelmed with happiness. I thought, “Don’t let these people see you crying. Butch up man, butch up!
I walked over to the ring steward to get my pretty red ribbon. She informed me that I had to go back in for Grand and Reserve. I was beyond overjoyed! I marched back into that ring with my newfound confidence. I trotted that mare back to the line up, and I set her up. I thought to myself, “Oh yeah, I got this.”
Once the class was over, the results came over the loud speaker. I had won Reserve Champion! I could of died a happy man that day. As I walked back to the trailer, I came to this conclusion. It doesn’t take the fanciest clothes and hats to be noticed (Although sometimes it does help). Winning takes hard work, determination, and a horse that you love and trust to get the job done. I didn’t win that class, but I actually won so much more. I had gained a new confidence in myself.
As we all know, not many African Americans compete at AQHA shows. I found a sense of pride that I am one of the select few who does show in the association. I have AQHA to thank for my new confidence. I was able to make so many friends that day. I also realized you’re not really judged on what you present on the outside. You’re judged on what personality you have on the inside. I will always remember that for my future shows in the American Quarter Horse Association.
