I think most of us have probably had THAT boyfriend or family member. You know, the one who insists they want to come see you horse show, but spends the whole time complaining. They’re hot, they’re cold, they’re bored, you aren’t paying enough attention to them, it smells, it’s dusty, they’re hungry, when are you going to be finished? After one or two shows of babysitting THAT person, you never want anyone you love to come watch you compete ever again.
I’ve had one of those. I’m not sure that I’ve ever wanted to murder someone more than I did that particular week, and the scars are forever on my psyche. Now when someone says they want to come watch me show, my immediate reaction is something like this:
It doesn’t matter how much you love someone or how great of a person you think they are, you just never know what they’re going to be like at a horse show. Let’s be clear – I show for myself. It’s fun for me, I have my own little social scene, and I don’t have to worry about anyone else or what they want/need. It’s a nice, albeit expensive, reprieve from the responsibilities of my “real life”. So if you march up in there and need to be babysat or ruin my otherwise good time with your whining and neediness, I just can’t do it. I’d rather you support me from afar with a few facebook likes and a really nice present on my birthday (hey, a girl can dream).
When my dad, uncle, and grandma said they wanted to come to Holly Hill, my first thought was “Oh god”. Nothing against them at all, that’s just my knee jerk reaction to anyone wanting to come to a show. My uncle is a character, he’s entertaining but you never quite know what he’s going to do. I was worried about the mud and substantial amount of walking for my grandma. My dad… he’s the most patient, sensible person I’ve ever known, so I had hope for him. Still, there was trepidation. That’s a lot of people.
Turns out, though.. they were model citizens. By far the best “horse show spectators” I’ve ever had show up to watch me compete. They would arrive right around the time I was getting on (standing far enough back to not be in the way, but close enough to hand me things I needed), bringing food and drinks with them. That’s really nice, because I don’t ever remember to eat or drink appropriately at shows. Then they found their way down to wherever I was riding, stayed well out of anyone’s way, stayed quiet, and met me back at the stalls when we were done.
They didn’t need to chat a lot, and they didn’t complain. Even when they accompanied me on the course walk they didn’t whine about the rapid pace, the crazy humidity, or the constant rambling to myself. And then, after I was done riding, they left! They didn’t want me to entertain them, they didn’t complain about the fact that I couldn’t come spend time doing other stuff with them. They just smiled, said good job, and went on their way. That right there is how it’s done. Best horse show spectators EVER.
I see a lot of bloggers who have boyfriends or parents tagging along with them to horse shows though… how does that work for y’all? Are they all just really well-behaved or are you somehow able to keep zen long enough to not kill them?
breedrideevent.com 
I just did my first show (and it was my OTTB’s first show) this past Sunday.
Hubby came with and was amazing. That being said, he did start taking lessons at my barn 2 months ago so isn’t a complete incompetent when it comes to ponies. He was my groom, problem solver for everyone – working student dropped her camera memory card in the long grass – he said use the manure fork to gently scrape through said grass and you’ll find it. Check. – rider next to us needed pliers ‘cos her pony stepped on and mangled halter – Check. – Trainer needed tape to fasten down a flapping strap on her breastplate – Check.
He set up and tore down a tent with tables, chairs, snacks and drinks for all. He walked my pony around the grounds and kept him from being a OTTB-kite. He hand grazed him. Got him on and off the trailer, cleaned up his poop. Stuffed his face with cookies. All without being asked.
And he was there with trainer as I walked outta the ring after a pretty crappy dressage test with a big smile and a “great job both of you”.
I’m pretty sure I won the hubby lottery with him.
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This post rocks. As you know I’ve had concerns with bringing Kyle to his first away show… Im guessing he isn’t going to love the amount of time watching or talking about horses but I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt…
Your Fam sound like perfect spectators!
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Good luck to you, my friend. Try not to suffocate him with a pillow.
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My husband loves coming to shows, and I love having him there. He’s quite capable with horses and as self-sufficient as I am, it’s so nice to have an extra pair of hands. He draws the line at tacking or booting up, but will happily muck, walk, wash, stud and hold. He’s also my media man. He’s mastered the art of an amazing photo with an iPhone. He loves the shows, and is sad when he has to miss one. He came to Virginia with my trainer and I last year when trainer did his first CCI* and had a blast all week and helped me groom. I love that he loves the horse show atmosphere and it’s something we can do together.
My mom is the opposite. She’s the one who complains about the walking, the weather, the footing, why are you doing that to the poor horse (making him jump) etc, etc. She hasn’t been to a show in a few years and that’s A-OK with me. She makes me much more nervous.
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I am lucky in that I come from a horsey immediate family, so my mom and sister both ride, and not only don’t need babysitting, they are often actually productively helping me. My dad is very good at being quiet and disappearing until I suddenly see him .5 seconds before I go in the ring. He is chatty so seems to always end up talking to a stranger the entire day. My boyfriend on the other hand… he needed some training. He didn’t exactly need babysitting at first, but he was clearly bored and is easily overwhelmed by the masses of female equestrians (he’s v scared of us). He has transformed into a great spectator, and even become helpful too! He’s an expert horse handler now… after cross-country he holds Justin for the entire duration of icing, poulticing, wrapping and packing. He’s the best! He’s also learned to just stay away from me if I have a bad ride, which keeps me zen enough from killing him 😀
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I have to admit, I’m kind of fascinated by the idea of a boyfriend that goes to shows. Every one I’ve ever had has been the type to where I really don’t want them to go. I’d rather them stay home, or go do whatever their hobby is. I have a whole different social group at shows that I spend my time with, so introducing an “outsider” into that is just kind of awkward for everyone. But I also think if I had one that was actually super helpful and genuinely didn’t mind being there, I’d probably feel differently.
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Blech. No. My husband has been to approximately three shows in over a decade. Two because we were still newly dating and he thought that would impress me (even though I told him multiple times not to come) and once to pick me up and take me out to dinner. He’s bored and I don’t have time to entertain him. I’d much rather he stay home, then watch my videos, appropriately ooh and aah in all the right places, and tell me I did awesome even if I hit all three barrels and the trash can in the parking lot.
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LOL I totally get it
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My mom grew up showing and still has horses, so she’s typically pretty awesome to have around at shows. And my husband acclimated pretty quickly (with training, haha) and is great when he can make it to shows. And on the flip side, I’ve been horse show wife for him before too when he ventured into the show ring with his horse. His work schedule doesn’t always cooperate though, which sucks.
On the non-horsey side of the equation, my dad and step-mom came to a dressage show I competed in near their house, and they were great! Showed up early, entertained themselves when I needed to focus on my horses, took pictures for me, then headed out once I was done showing. Very low stress! 🙂
That said, I *greatly* prefer inviting people to shows where I have a set ride time (like dressage) than a show where class 5 could be anywhere from 9 am to noon. And I want them to have their own transportation, haha.
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My mom was the quintessential bad ass horse show mom, and both my parents were very supportive of my horse habit, but my mom also rode, so she knew what to do at horse shows.
Now? How can I possibly convince anyone to come see me show in h/j land when I don’t know when I’m riding? I just tell people there will be video.
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I’m not even sure that I want anyone to come, unless they can be like my dad/uncle/grandma. If they can’t, yeah no, do not come.
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Uh, this post brought up a lot of bad memories. As a kid, my parents were the ones trailing me around the horse show, telling me it was hot, boring, dirty, smelly and stupid. And that all I did was go around in circles in a ring, and that anyone could do that. I was 8. Yeah, I’ve never really gotten over it. 😦
Now I go and show for myself, sometimes with horse friends or fellow boarders. My husband has come to the occasional horse show in the past, and is positive and supportive, in a kind but generally clueless way.
I’ve always been extremely envious of people who have had interested and supportive family.
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My husband is AWESOME at shows! He knows I need to be in my own headspace to focus, but is happy to hold a pony, hand me a gatorade, etc. and is fairly independent. I.e. if he is hungry/tired/whatever he will go to the food truck/take a nap/etc. and not complain. Plus, you know, the whole being a pro photographer thing is really helpful! He also rides a bit and knows what he’s looking at, so he can say “Wow great dressage test!” or “Man that wasn’t your best free walk, was it?” or “You looked awesome on XC!” and actually be relevant. I love having him at shows. He can also explain what’s going on to any non-horsey spectators. My parents, while non-horsey, are also pretty good, and they LOVE that I started eventing since there are ride times. If the day gets too uncomfortable for them, they have no problem saying, “Dad’s allergies are getting bad and he’s hangry. We’ll see you later!” They don’t expect to be entertained. Other non-horsey friends and family are iffy… I give dire warnings of the long/uncomfortable/dirty day and express the fact that I am TOTALLY OK if they don’t come! Plus, then there is the added pressure to not totally suck if there are people watching.
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Ugh, hate when my husband comes to shows. He is clearly bored and has no idea what is going on (hopefully the switch from hunters to jumpers will help that a bit), and is super judgey of the sport in general (thinks it’s pretentious). I generally do my best to keep my horse life separated from my marriage life, and I like it that way. Like you, riding is my reprieve from life and I’d like to keep it that way. My family, on the other hand, all have been involved with horses in some way and are awesome. They kinda know what they’re looking for, they can offer critique, they know how to video appropriately and when to stand back and let trainer be in charge. They also aren’t scared of horses so that helps. Love when they come!
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I have the same reaction! Oh you want to watch me show? Really? Are you sure? It could be a long day….
Maybe your family could teach a course on this? They sound like model horse show spectating citizens for sure.
Now that I’m thinking about it, the only boyfriend I’ve invited to a show was the one who was a horse trainer… and I didn’t invite him technically since he was riding.
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Well… my mom used to come as a photographer and my dad as a spectator, but they were forever bored with the “Hurry up and wait” on the Hunter/Jumper scene.
I have a rule with my SO that he can ask me questions when I am not on a horse. He likes to be very chatty when he’s bored (“What’s that? Why are they doing that? What are they wearing? Why? How?”), and I’m a nervous horse-shower. It’s like how I have to leave him alone while he’s tuning his guitar/setting up his amp at his shows; we’re both trying to focus. He will video me, and hand me water/food, but usually, I do my own thing and hang out afterwards.
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My mom and a few family friends would come to nearly every show in my junior days. The one family friend would always video my rides, which I am so grateful for. My family or any of the friends were not horse people, but they were supportive, never complained and were the best support team I could have asked for.
I don’t show much anymore, but usually my husband gets stuck coming with me. He’s a good horse husband, but he really doesn’t like standing around at shows all day. One thing he is really good at is making me do things I’d otherwise chicken out of. Oh you fell off in the warm-up and your back hurts? Too bad. You’re getting back on whether you want to or not. He was right, it was the best thing I could have done. He holds my horse when I get on, helps me carry gear and is very nice to have around. The complaining is usually minimal, but not non existent.
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That first gif is amazing. Simply perfect. I too have that reaction and breathe a sigh of relief when the boy ends up deciding not to come. he’s great and all, but I worry too much if people are bored, tired, hungry etc to enjoy myself.
I love that they even took pics for ya. Model citizens indeed!
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Oh man, I grew up with a Mother that I flat out banned from coming to shows due to her gasping and worrying along the rail. Because I basically rode anything I could (we didn’t have a ton of $$$) I was generally showing on naughty pieces of shit that barely stayed in the ring:) So that sort of ruined having spectators for a very long time. My ex was extremely needy at shows and was decidedly NOT okay around horses, but the new SO? Well, he’s like a fucking unicorn. He really loves coming to the barn and helping out with the horses. He wants to know the “correct” way to do things with them. He’s come to shows and he’s like human Xanax… calming and supportive but leaves me alone (which is really how I want my relationship to be in all aspects!!!) He’s seen me at my best and my worst at shows and seems to know just what sort of “help” I need and that’s worth so much to me!
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sooo true!! i usually have people drive separate so if they need a break or want to leave they have the freedom to decide.
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my mom is mostly an ok show attendee – she stresses me out a little bit, but is mostly pretty pleasant to have around. she likes the horse, and the horse somewhat curiously ADORES her. she likes to walk the horse back to the trailer for me after xc, it’s kinda sweet. the parents always manage to miss dressage (fine by me) then show up just in time to hang for a little bit, watch jumping, hang for a little longer, and then leave. also fine by me!!
tho… she has excitedly mentioned a few times bringing my 3yr old nephew and… just, no mom. sorry. no.
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My parents come with me because I use their trailer, so I don’t have much choice, but we have been doing it for so long that they know to sit back and watch unless I ask for something. My dad fills the water bucket, feeds my horse donuts, occasionally scoops a poop or two, and spends the rest of the day being a social butterfly, trying to judge the classes, or doing a crossword puzzle. My mom is a rider, so she just gets it and stands by with water for me and peppermints for my horse.
My boyfriend is newer to the whole thing, but so far so good. I think he secretly likes the horse thing, and he is better than I am at making sure my horse always has hay, water, and a clean stall. And he has me figured out, so he knows when to help and when to back away.
I definitely like having an extra person there—whether it be to hold my horse so I can run to look at the course, to wipe away his slobber before I go in the ring, or just someone to recap with after my class.
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I have only had boyfriend or family come to a horse show once in the last ten years.
My Dad was good when I was younger, he would sit in the back of the stands and let me do my thing. My Mom gets way to anxious about anything horse-related, and then passes that stress on to me, so not good.
My boyfriend works most weekends so coming with me to horse shows isn’t even an option most of the time. I generally like that I can do my own thing and not worry about him, but I would like him to come see me ride at least once.
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My dad came to a horse show once. I ran my kind horse right up underneath a big oxer. He spent the rest of the day trying to help me understand how bad that looked and complaining that it was not fair that I had to compete against my trainer. Husband is often forced to come help. He can be useful and hand drapes, load and unload the trailer, he is a pretty decent hand on the lunge line and can pick feet. He gets bored easily. The purchase of anti-gravity recliners means he can sleep a lot at the shows. It’s a good thing for both of us.
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The Boyfriend has come to numerous shows with me and has always been really great – he’ll go off and do his own things on the grounds, but then will meet me back at the ring or whatever. He doesn’t come to every show with me, but it’s a bit nice knowing he CAN and still be a good “cheerleader” for me
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My husband is a trooper. I can tell his bored standing around waiting most of the day, but he doesn’t complain. He offers to come along, and I appreciate that support, plus he is good about getting me to eat and drink. Sometimes he shakes his head at silly things like digging for the correct hunter crop, when I have my glitter crop right in my hands. He mostly occupies his time by taking pictures. He watches riders before me to figure out the course so he knows which jumps to aim at and when, this back fired when I did some hunter courses last year and there were multiple tickets open at once. Next show, I’ll teach him how to read course maps.
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We’re just starting the show scene, but it’s not me who’s showing. It’s my daughter, who’s ten. And a hunter-kid-in-training. We’re still figuring out the spectator thing 😉 I’m a horsey-mom, and know how to assist my girl where & when she needs it, be it “brush that pony”, “time to saddle up”, “it’s okay, you fell, you’ll do fine, breathe!” or directing her to where she needs to be when and holding pony or finding missing equipment. But she’s pretty independent, which is what I’m working towards with her. I’m there on the periphery & step in where she needs it. I’m also trying very hard to *not* be That Horse Show Mom.
Hubby & The Boy (who’s 8) aren’t horsey at all. And so far tend to hang out on the outskirts of the action…which is really a good spot at this point! But I will also be certain to tell them what’s up when it needs doing! So we’ll see where it develops and grows as far as their spectator-ship is concerned 😉 It’s all a developing thing, at this point.
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I totally lucked out with Joseph, because he’s figured out how to be a useful horse show boyfriend and is great about staying out of the way when he needs to, or holding someone’s horse, bringing food/drinks, taking pictures of everyone, and even entertaining other non-horsey people who come watch so they don’t get in the way or drive anyone insane. It’s pretty great. He’s also had the benefit of knowing me since I was a working student, so he’s had a few years to learn. It also helps that he makes friends everywhere he goes, so he’s not dependent on me for entertainment, plus he used to do stock shows and totally gets the whole “hurry up and wait” thing.
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My boyfriend comes to every show. At first, it was a bit difficult because he didn’t have much horse knowledge, but now he tries to be as helpful as possible and has a decent idea of what’s going on and where to be when (he helps me keep my head on straight). I took my parents and grandmother once, and felt like I was neglecting them… so haven’t again… and once a friend came with me and was just in the way the whole time. The babysitting analogy was correct. Now , only my boyfriend is invited. If my parents show up and he can get them pointed the right direction, they will come and it’s no problem. But as a rule, I tell them it will be boring for them, as it usually is.
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This is extremely timely as my husband just announced his intention to groom for me at my upcoming schooling show, which…hm. We’ll see. He’s never been to one before and has only been to the barn…three times, maybe?
My mother is an excellent horse show spectator, because she can take Tristan for me and plies me with food and drinks. Other than that I’ve never had anyone else tag along.
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My husband is a pretty awesome horse show husband…. But, it took time to figure out our routine. He shows up right before I show (he has his own golfcart for WEF and gets a rental car for away shows so he doesn’t have to be stuck at the show or get there early). He sits in the golfcart and doesn’t get in the way, but he’s a polo player, so is great at holding while I walk or switch horses. He takes that job pretty seriously and even bought me a custom scrim with our barn colors and logo for our anniversary. He noticed all the other horses had scrims at the ring and said mine needed them too! He’s the designated beer supplier and treat giver and always buys me food after my classes.
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Your dad rocks. He brought not one, but TWO Powerades.
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He’s good at thinking ahead and making sure everyone is taken care of. It’s amazing how a Powerade at the right moment can be a lifesaver.
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I trained Johnny to be useful from the earliest days of our relationship when he would come watch me play polo. He liked horses, so I taught him how to brush them.Then I taught him how to saddle and bridle them. Now he’s learning to identify various pieces of riding equipment. He’s handy to have around at shows, because I can tell him something like “Can you please put the dressage saddle on Moe while I tie my stock tie? Don’t forget the half pad,” and he just does it.
My mother is way too nervous, my dad gives way too much advice, and everyone else asks too many questions.
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My boyfriend is great at coming to horse shows. He knows that it’s an important thing in my life and he wants to be a part of it. The first time or two I was so nervous about him being there because I was sure he’d be bored, hungry, hot, tired, etc. But he doesn’t complain at all. He is helpful when needed (like filling water buckets!) but can also stay out of the way when I need to focus or get ready. One of my favorite photos of us from a show was a candid where I’m holding the horse and he has a boot rag in one back pocket and a water bottle in the other. He is excellent to have around!
That said, we always drive separately (since he probably doesn’t need to be at the barn at 5am…that might change his attitude!). After I’m done riding, he has no problem letting me know when he’s had enough and is ready to head out. He can leave and I can stay and finish caring for the horses/hanging out with the barn group/watching the show. It works out great!
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I HAD to chime in here because whether it’s a dog show (professional me) or a horse show (serious hobbyist me) I’ve HATED people watching/helping/supporting me due to countless bad experiences. I’ve had people SWEAR at dog shows they’ll help and then… bail. At the show. With me holding 3 dogs ringside…
When I was doing eventing in the 90s, my mom would just wait at the finish line near the EMTs to “make sure I made it.” I told her not to come anymore after 3 shows of that. Fast forward to last year (20+ years from her watching me in eventing), my first set of recognized dressage shows, and was talking strategy and training thoughts with my trainer during the warmup. After my ride my mom pulled me aside to tell me I was being rude and to listen to her (trainer) because well, she was SOMEBODY. I just shook my head and walked her back to the trailer trying to explain I wasn’t 15 anymore. Or even 25. Or 35 oh hell….
Now flip side, at the NEXT show I decided I wanted to stay in the RV on site so I asked hubs to drive it down and back. He opted to stay. It POOOOOUUUUUURRRRREDDDD that whole weekend and him and the child were stuck in the RV most of the time (watching TV and playing Xbox). Since it was dressage (whoop), we had set times and the facility was way nicer than “out in a field” (sorry eventing!) and he decided that it “wasn’t too bad” by the end of the weekend. Now, he didn’t help a whole lot (he tends to treat $4500 saddles like $10 hookers) but he was there, he videoed, retreated to the RV, had my video up for my review upon return (dawww because I wanted to relive it RIGHT after the horror *cough* although it did end up being rather helpful) and was someone to hang out with while we ate at nearby places and let the kid run crazy around the nearby mall. They played football in the green areas and unno, it seemed like my lives might actually be able to cross over and cohabitate. Not that I’d ever ask him to grab my tack or braid a horse, but I think we’re all ok with this.
P.S. We just upgraded to a fancy pants HUGE RV with the idea that he was “going to come to dog and horse shows but no more often than once a month on average”. o.O What is happening?!?!?
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I have spectator-a-phobia too from similarly bad experiences! I feel guilty that they are not having fun and then I lose focus, so I would rather just be alone. I am glad your spectators behaved themselves. Maybe it was because you brought several? Like horses, people, are social and travel better when they have buddies 😉
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My husband (who had never touched a horse before meeting me) has showing down to a science now. Pilgrim comes off the trailer and he immediately takes the lead rope and walks him around to graze and see the sights while I organize myself. He cracks jokes while we tack him up, leaves me alone while I warm up and wanders around to find a suitable videoing spot. It’s taken some training (in the form of me yelling and throwing tantrums), but he’s the best now. Growing up my parents never came to shows so having Matt with me is my first real spectator experience. It doesn’t always go perfectly but it’s nice having the help if I don’t have a stall for P! And nice having videos.
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I enjoy showing alone, but the husband isn’t a terrible show companion. He doesn’t complain, just gets real quiet and sullen. That’s fine. I can ignore him like crazy when he gets like that. Plus, he’s a help when I need him to video, hold the dogs, keep the horse from visiting the neighbors, etc. My mom is the worst, though. She’s constantly asking me to leave in the middle of the afternoon (Dude, mom. Who the hell do you think feeds this massive quantity of hungry and angry horseflesh?), and bugging me as I get ready. She’s also deathly allergic to horses, which usually results in her nearly dying from asthma attacks and hives at some point in the day. I love that she supports me and wants to see me ride, but she needs a class on the basics.
The perfect show set up is as you described. I get my day alone, non-horse experienced supporters show up as I go in the ring and get untacked and get my placings, then they vamoose so I can dick around, graze my horse, and drink my wine in peace.
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You’re a woman after my own heart.
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I’ve been going to shows alone ever since I got my driver’s license so it usually throws a wrench in my plans to have people come along with me. Occasionally my mom comes and it’s nice to have the company (since I don’t have other friends/trainer to hang out with at shows) and a helping hand to hold the horse, the course map/test, etc. Also bring me food because I never remember food for myself. The BF has come to 2 shows and after the second one I don’t think he’ll be returning… I just don’t have the time or capacity to pay attention to someone besides myself and my horse. I rarely remember food and water for myself, not to mention another person, who then complains about being hungry/thirsty, who doesn’t want to help hold things/take pictures (an expectation of all spectators that come to watch me ride), who’s bored and then irritated when I’m stressed… it just hasn’t worked out for us sadly because I’m super jealous of everyone’s SO who have learned to be helpful!
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My husband goes to (almost) all my shows with me and he’s very helpful and I love having him along. Of course, he’s a horse person and essentially acts as my groom so it’s not quite the same as dragging along your average friend/SO. I had some friends come to a show much husband missed and that was also fun and helpful. My parents used to come to my polo games and that was good too. Of course, polo’s a much more spectator friendly activity than eventing.
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So, I’m still in that “come watch my show” phase. Somehow I expect to be able to be prepared for the show, not stressed, and be able to spend ample amounts of time with family/friends/whoever comes to watch, and not feel like I am disappointing them with how little time I can spend with them. O I’ll spend all of my horse show time worrying that I am not spending enough time with them. At some point, I really really hope I can just admit that it isn’t fun when non horse people come to my shows. There’s hope for us all, right????
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The one time my Dad came to a show was…. a mixture. I’d left my stirrups at the paddock so he picked them up for me on the way out. For an extremely non-horsey person he was alright company & I was touched that he’d come out to watch me. BUT he’s an ‘instant expert’ & quickly started being vocal about it. He even told me (loudly, ringside) to leave a ribbon on my horse for the next class so that ‘the judge will know how good you are’. Cringe…
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You’ve been to shows with me when my family is there… I probably don’t need to comment on this one 😝
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I’ve been showing on and off for years. My family didn’t bother coming to watch me show when I was a teen, and so I kinda got used to doing it on my own. Fast forward to being an adult, and I still prefer going it alone. My hubby has shown up once or twice.. and each time I end up choking so bad in my classes it ends up being a total disaster. After last time he showed up my coach banned him because he makes me too nervous with his un-ending fear that I’m going to fall off and break something (again).
Sometimes I wish it looked like I had someone who cared enough to humor my need to do this sport.. but when they show up I end up wishing they just sent cash.. LOL
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I am lucky that my parents are much the same. They show up a little bit before my ride times, stay out of the way, watch, snap some pictures, and then go home. Something that I really appreciate. I am nervous enough worrying about myself, and don’t really want to worry about somebody else at the same time.
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I just found out that one of the students who’s showing this Sunday (only mine and Coal’s 2nd show) will have what sounded like a dozen of her family there as they are all in town for a reunion bbq the day before. O_O!!!
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That sounds awful.
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All yeses to all this.
And then. The pictures that they take.
And sometimes post on FaceBook “for you.” Great.
I have a lovely “candid” shot my husband took from my last show up in my blog post today… We look completely askew, and I’m not even ON the horse… 🙂
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I totally get this. Depending on the person I feel the exact same way. There are 3 people that no matter what I’ll always appreciate them showing up. My mom, because even though I know she’s terrified and closes her eyes for most of my trips she keeps me calm just by being there. My sister, because she’s always good for a laugh and never has a problem finding ways to amuse herself. And of course the fiance, he very quickly found himself a job as my horse show photographer/holder of all the things. I guess those are my tips… anyone you let come should not create stress for you. They should reduce stress, be able to entertain themselves and bonus if they will take on jobs that help you.
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