Getting ready for the horse show

This weekend we're going to the third in a series of Open Shows. This is Lily's first time chasing points, but I don't think that's all that's fueling her excitement. It's a fun, informal show where the competitors encourage each other and the judge will take the time to help a child who isn't fully understanding something. In other words, it's not The Big Time, but it is A Big Time.

Last time we went Buddy was so "overjoyed" to be there that I had to get on him in the warm-up. But he settled in and they ended up doing very well.

Lily spent the weekend grooming him. She gave him a bath on Saturday, Showsheened him and walked him around until he was dry. So of course the minute she let him go, he rolled. We're hoping the Showsheen acts like teflon.

I didn't realize until this morning just how detailed her planning is for the show. Here's the dry-erase board in her room (click to make big enough to see):

There is one little thing that really touched me. Last night we watched the movie, "Facing the Giants," which is a little cheesy and amateurish, but was still very touching and inspirational. I didn't realize how close she was paying attention. Look at what she wrote on the very top of this horse show planning chart (click to make big enough to see) :

If you haven't seen the movie, one of the themes is that it's not about winning, it's about giving God your absolute best in everything you undertake. You praise God if you win, you praise God if you lose. But whichever way it goes, you give it your absolute best.

I can't think of a better way to prepare your mind and spirit for a competition. Maybe keeping horses is worth it after all....

Comments

[Donna]

She only allowed 3 minutes to Catch Buddy? I hope that was enough time so she didn't mess up the rest of her schedule. Thanks for sharing.

[Anne]

Buddy is very easily caught because Buddy is a Golden Retriever who romps up glad to see you and hangs around even if you don't have anything for him. However, just getting the halter out probably takes more than three minutes, so I think the schedule got messed up. Plus he was dirty, and it was in the 90s so she delayed her ride. I hope we have a fall and it doesn't go from hot to cold with no middle ground.

Thanks for your comment and for stopping by!

[Kathy C]

The inspirational "Ride for God" was truly priceless.