Patience, love, and an endless supply of wet wipes. Three things I go armed with as I enter any horse show with my Small Fry and two Leadliners. Seriously! If you ever need a wet wipe, find me. I keep an endless supply in my groom bag. It is amazing the number of uses that a single product has for the horse and child.
Parents and trainers of Small Fry’s face many of the same challenges that all horse show parents face. We work hard at practices before ever entering the ring. We spend hours making lists of what to pack, spend hours packing, and then still forget a few major things that we set aside to be packed and likely walked by a half a dozen times.
We rush to the show pen and fret over whether we have everything in our groom bag. We don’t take nearly as many pictures as we’d like while the kids are showing because we are holding our breath the whole time and realize after the child and horse are exiting the ring that we forgot to take a deep breath and snap the photo. We celebrate the victories. We gave hugs and comfort when the ride wasn’t all we had hoped for. And then we get ready to do it all again.
But there are certain characteristics with Small Fry’s that we have to take into consideration: shorter attention spans and an opportunity to shape their whole love and appreciation for the sport. It is important for the trainers and parents of Small Fry’s to remember that we should “give the child a chance to learn and love the sport of showing,” says Mark Harrell, a longtime horse show manager.
In interviewing some of our best horsemen, women and show parents, the following sage advice was given:
Pre-Show Preparation
1. It is imperative to start learning the patterns at home. Ginny Vieth Tauer – Small Fry Mom from Indiana
Not everyone has the year-round facilities for practice on a regular basis, but there are some creative ideas for getting in extra “study” time that is often needed when helping the Small Fry.
One idea is to draw out the patterns and practice with a model horse figurine through the pattern. Another possibility is to use wood, props, plastic cones, or other toys that can serve as markers in the living room and have the child walk through the pattern.
While not ideal, you will be amazed at how well the little ones can absorb and retain the information when they have an opportunity to see the pattern outside of the show ring.
2. Lope at home. Making sure that the Small Fry kids have “loped” before they get into the show pen ensures that in the off chance that someone gets spooked or unsettled and the horse hits third gear, the child shouldn’t be surprised by the speed or the feel. AQHA Professional Horseman – Chris Gray
3. Extra Day at the Barn. An additional day at the barn before the show ensures that you are just a little more prepared. It is an opportunity for an extra practice and helping to pack the trailer, clean the tack and just get prepared overall. Amber De’Loach Maher – Mom of a Small Fry
At the Show
1. Plan ahead. It is important to start early so that you and the Small Fry do not feel rushed. Also, be sure to take something fun for them to do while waiting (otherwise, they seem to find that digging in the dirt is extra fun regardless of the fact that show clothes are involved). But above all, make it fun. Lorie McCarney Misenhelter – LM Expectations Show Apparel and More
2. Consider packing games and non-horse related activities. For example, bicycles, bathing suits, coloring books and other items for the down times. Non-horse related activities allow for the kids to focus on something aside from the show and help minimize burn-out. It can also be a great icebreaker with other children and allow for more socialization. Ginny Vieth Tauer – Small Fry Mom from Indiana
3. Snack Time. Keep a healthy amount of snacks and juice boxes available. You never know when they will need a little pick me up to keep their attention. If all else fails, “give them sugar!” AQHA Professional Horseman – Blake Weis
While our Small Fry’s sometimes have a shorter attention span and practices often have to be abbreviated or broken up into more frequent, shorter periods of time, the passion and love that can be imparted at this age is priceless and cannot be replaced.
So as the summer days’ heat up, and the shows get long in the day and little attitudes get short, hang in there. Pick up a football or a soccer ball, and go in the yard and play a game. Get their attention refocused and create the memories that will certainly last a lifetime.
Happy Showing!
