Imagine yourself sitting by the fire, the air outside is crisp, and you are surrounded by loved ones from near and far. As the show season comes to an end and the holiday season approaches us, it is time to take a deep breath and reflect on the year. Whether it was successes in the show pen, new horses, new friends or even a new barn family, there is so much to be thankful for.
As we all know, the year can slip by in the blink of an eye. As a competitor or even a trainer, there are always things you can do during the downtime that will help make the upcoming year just as successful.
During the past year, you may have faced challenges, felt defeated or questioned why you loved showing so much. During December, it is a great time to step back and see that the strengths outweigh the weaknesses. For many trainers and competitors, time doesn’t slow down, but instead they are starting the new crop of horses for the following year.
Michigan native, Kelly Boles Chapman, an industry judge, trainer and competitor, has provided us with tips and tricks that we can do this December to regroup for the upcoming year. She has also shared her story which explains what they do during the off months. Kelly mentions things to try such as playing fun games while horseback, buying a new hat to freshen up a show look, and even helping out someone in need.
“December is a great time to regroup after a hectic fall that, for many, started with the AQHYA, NSBA and Select Worlds back in August. The entire Fall can seem like a blur and it’s important that we take a little time to regenerate, relax and regroup,” Chapman says.
Here are some tips from Kelly on how to regroup over the holidays
Relax and enjoy your horses
From Thanksgiving through this week, we’ve experienced some beautiful sunny days with above-average temperatures for Michigan. Last week, we rode outside as much as possible, even out in the hayfields, loping up and down the hills. The horses had as much fun as we did. A couple of my youth are taking advantage of some extra time to ride and I incorporated a volleyball into their lessons — but it’s much more like a fun game. They have to throw the ball back and forth while posting, without stopping or dropping the ball. Riding out in the fields, loping up and down the hills, and playing a simple ballgame on horseback are just fun activities that you can try as a reminder that it’s important to sometimes step out of our routine to competitively prepare and have the kind of fun we did as kids.
Do something for others
We are very fortunate to be able to participate in the sport we do — the opportunity to be horsemen and horsewomen is a gift we shouldn’t take for granted. Find a place to volunteer, do something kind for some less fortunate. My family volunteers at a community kitchen on Christmas Day where we serve around 400 folks that would otherwise not get a Christmas meal, and we get as much, if not more, fulfillment out of it as those we serve.
Reflect on the past year
In the whirlwind weeks of shows, sometimes our goal is just to survive the day; the long drives and flights, late night/all night practices to perfect a pattern and endless preparation to strategize for our class. Take a moment to think back on what was the most memorable part of each show. It might be the prize you won, but more often than not, the best memories are the good times you have with friends and family; visiting at the stalls, going out to eat, riding around on the golf cart. All while enjoying your horses at shows around the country.
Say thank you
The horse industry is a business for sure, but it’s a lifestyle as well, and no one gets it done in a standard 40 hours per week. So, thank those in your life who work hard to keep you and your horse together – the person who cleans stalls and feeds, your trainer, your farrier, those who work tirelessly to put on the shows and events we attend and the rest of your support team. They don’t hear “thank you” nearly enough.
Plan and prioritize for next year
Many find it best to plan out and budget for a few items annually as most can’t just buy what they need whenever they wish. Identify what can make the biggest impact on your plans for next year. For example, maybe you can’t get a whole new show wardrobe, but a new hat may help you upgrade your look. Plan your show calendar out enough in advance to put practical steps in place to meet your goals.
And above all else, remember why we do this: for the love of the horse.
Do you have other ways you regroup over the off-season? We would love to know your thoughts.
About the Author: GoHorseShow intern, Kinsey McDougald is a junior at Oklahoma State University where she is a part of the equestrian team. Originally from California, she grew up on a ranch and showed registered Hereford cattle and Quarter Horses. Since the day she was born, horses have always been a part of her life.
