LASH show. Let's just say it could've gone a lot better.

A few weeks ago, I went and competed on Tex in a stock horse show for the first time. I wanted to do it so I could see where I need to improve in my training on him. For two weeks, I rode as much as possible to prepare for my first time to try the Louisiana stock horse association show with Tex. Doing one of these shows, and eventually competing in a whole season of them, has been a goal of mine for a long time.  

During the weeks before, I practiced hard with Tex on transitions, because I knew there was a ranch pleasure class involved. But, it looks like I should've focused on a lot of other things, much sooner.

Collection, starting in a smooth, collected lope, and correct leads were very important for success in the stock horse show ring. Guess whose horse stinks at ALL of those things?? 

I didn't expect to win. My first goal was to not be the last place in each part I competed in. My second goal was to learn things to work on with Tex. 

The good news is, according to my goals going into this, I succeeded. I came in 2nd to last and 3rd to last on pleasure and reining, respectively, but I did come in last on the trail competition. And oh boy, did I realize that I have a lot to learn. 

The bad news is that I was VERY discouraged when I left the show. The level my horse needs to be at to begin competing in the "novice" (lowest) class doesn't even seem achievable to me with the knowledge I have now. I don't see any way that I could ever teach a horse how to do the things these horses were doing. I would have to hire a professional, I think. 

The horses against me in the novice class were sooooo nice. Apparently, the novice class is for "novice to this competition" riders, but not necessarily for "novice to this competition" horses. 

I felt honored to see such great horse men and women around me, and I definitely saw some talented horses. But I won't be going back to compete for a while. I really do wish that there had been a class for truly beginner horses AND riders who were just starting out in these ranch horse competitions. The whole experience left me discouraged and disappointed in myself.

TM