Like eating healthy or exercising, showing horses can have positive results.

I hauled horses from Texas to Ohio for a customer and decided that it would be fun to go to a horse show while we were here. My son, Joshua, came along to Stacy Westfall and her horse Newt in stallshow his horse too. Horse shows are full of emotional ups and downs and tons of learning opportunities.

Everyone has worked hard to be here and although there will be only one class winner it is still possible to view the experience as a success if you were able to learn from it.

While talking with a friend at the show he asked me what I liked about showing. In my sleep deprived state I decided that, at least for today, what I like best about showing is NOT all of the work. It is the results. Not the results of the class but rather the end result.

Eating healthy is done for the results…not because it tastes better or is easier but because because the results of being healthy are worth it.

Exercise is done for the results…not because it is easier or more enjoyable than other activities.

I have learned how to take the pressure of showing and use it to shape my relationship with my horse. I would never have been able to achieve the relationship I did with Hailey, or Roxy or Vaquero if it hadn’t been for showing them.

Much like eating right or exercise the results aren’t always instant and sometimes it is hard to believe that this hard work is leading somewhere. But I have seen the results before and I am willing to put in more (almost) sleepless night to get there again.

Joshua won his first plaque!

Joshua won his first plaque!

 

10 Comments

  1. mary ann meyers on May 12, 2014 at 8:47 am

    Congratulations!! and Happy Mothers Day!

  2. Paula on May 11, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    Congratulations Josh!!

  3. judy simmons on May 11, 2014 at 9:28 am

    Congratulations, joshua! Stacy, where are you training in Texas?

  4. Lindsay on May 11, 2014 at 12:21 am

    Congratulations Joshua !!! Great job !! Congrats to the horse and coaches too !

  5. Nikki B on May 10, 2014 at 10:38 pm

    Congratulations Joshua, can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! With such talented parents I’m sure you will be educating our future riders.

  6. nene on May 10, 2014 at 10:02 pm

    I am so excited for you both! It is great to see lessons taught turn out so well!! Great job Joshua and mom and dad!

  7. Marilyn J. Hatfield on May 10, 2014 at 7:14 pm

    Congratulations, Joshua, you have learned from your Mom your lessons well.

  8. Brenda on May 10, 2014 at 5:13 pm

    Congratulations!

  9. al stenhouse on May 10, 2014 at 4:33 pm

    way to go Joshua..

  10. Lesia Lowe on May 10, 2014 at 4:15 pm

    Awwwwwww CONGRATS Joshua…. I hope you videod him Stacy…… memories made!!!

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