First horse show

Hayley’s first horse show went really well. She had three sections in her class, she took a first (blue ribbon!) and two second places. Then 2nd place overall, which is called reserve champion and she got a bowl for that. She loved it and wasn’t even nervous. She got there and took off - had no need for me, just wanted to find her friend and help with the horses.

I don’t know squat about any of this but I liked it to for some random reasons:

1. Good crowd of kids. Nice polite kids with good manners. Great influence.
2. Nice clothes. A preppie onslaught which thrills me to no end. My kind of people - the women wear caps, either boots or sturdy shoes and fun grosgrain belts. I can’t wait to wear duck boots and not look out of place.
3. Kids are poised and have great posture. You can’t minimize the benefits as you get older with those two.
4. Smart outfits to buy for Hayley. I can’t wait to get her a blazer and some blue oxford shirts.
5. You have to work with horses. Tacking, cleaning, etc. You have to take care of the animal. Chores are important.
6. Watching my child so unflappable up there and my admiration for her being able to do that since I surely cannot.

Don’t like - horse poop smell, horseflies.