By Chelsea Carlson:
Looking back on 2011, I am elated with how last year has played out. I had always talked about how I wished we could travel to other states to show, and also go to more big shows. Now, recalling this past year, it’s hard to believe that I was truly living my dream.
For those who don’t know me, my name is Chelsea Carlson, I was the 2011 President of the Oregon Quarter Horse Youth Association, and devoted horse-crazed girl. My horse show years started early at age four in the lead-line division. Between four and 12, I went through a few trusted senior partners before taking over my mom’s all-around gelding, Deelux A Ward, at age 13. I went from him to a few futurity horses before purchasing my current partner and all-time favorite horse, Cruzin For Cocktails, Riley, in 2009; and then in the winter of 2010, my pleasure gelding, RL Do Good Sudden.
For the most part, my show experience had been in the Pacific Northwest, but once accomplishing my goals locally, my desire to show nationally grew stronger. I felt like I finally had the horses that could compete nationally, and I was ready to hit the road! Not to mention this was going to be my last youth year, so, I was determined to make it happen. My mom was all for it, but, she was concerned about the depressed economy, and the gas prices being at an all-time high. Traveling back and forth, North to South, would take a big bite out of the budget. So, we decided it would be a good idea for me to take my horses and head South for the summer.
We met Saul and Farley Sliss through my mom’s best friend, Debbie Schleiger. She had a futurity filly with them at their place in Gainesville, Texas. So, after I attended the Arizona Sun Circuit, and the Silver Dollar Circuit in Las Vegas, I headed south. From there, we worked out the plan, the budget, and the show route.
The big shows are expensive, and usually hard to cut costs, but, even they are starting to offer savings. However, my mom and Saul also planned some great weekend shows that are known for having good numbers, and are less expensive.
For instance, some had very reasonable stall costs that would include shavings, or would have a day entry fee which really helps if you’re showing in the all-around, or even better yet, we went to a few shows that had a flat fee that included your stall and entries for one incredible price. Those were my mom’s favorite. Finding shows like that are a great way to cut your show bill.
When we weren’t at one of the “thrifty” shows, we would try and keep cost down by sharing a hotel or renting a RV with one to two other people. We also try to haul our own horses when possible, and when doing so, we try and get another horse to haul to help cut fuel costs.
After multiple wins, circuit championships, and some all around and reserve titles at the Corporate Challenge, Nebraska Corn Husker Classic, and the Tom Powers, I went to the AQHYA World Show. Since 2011 was my final year attending, many nerves and emotions were running through me, but, since, I had made several friends at the new shows, they helped keep my nerves down while competing at the World Show. Overall, it was a great show. My horses were great for me, and I was a semi-finalist in several events and enjoyed cheering on my teammates and friends in the finals.
Next up was my first attendance to at the Reichert Celebration. A very memorable show where I went home with not only many class wins in some of my all-around events, a Circuit Championship in the Youth Hunter Under Saddle, but I also accomplished my first and biggest goal with Riley…to get his AQHA Youth Championship!
My last show of the year was the Congress. I had never thought this would be a show I would be able to attend, being from Oregon and all, but my mom figured since I was already in Texas, how could we not put Congress on the map?
Of course, it was huge, amazing, and slightly overwhelming, but I felt right at home. I had a great show–making the Finals in nearly all of my events, and even came home with a Top Ten in the 15-18 Youth Hunt Seat Equitation.
Overall, not to bad of a year for an Oregon girl no one had ever heard of showing on a small town budget.
I would like to say thank you to all who helped in my journey. Saul and Farley Sliss who taught me so much as a person and rider. To my family and friends who have always been supportive, and most of all, my mother, Jennifer Carlson, who has been my coach through most of my youth years, and has gone out of her way to make all my dreams become a reality. I love you mom!
I’m looking forward to competing in my first year as an amateur, and meeting more people who share the same passion as I do.
Watch out for amateur Chelsea Carlson with her new Ziprageous filly, Too Outrageous, in all the futurities and in the all-around events with Riley at a show near you!
Photo © Jeff Kirkbride
