Second 4-H Show of the Season

The past 36 hours have been a whirl wind. Yesterday we went to the barn by 1 pm and cleaned horses, brushes and tack to get ready for the 4-H show today.

G. got to bathe Andy all by herself.

First we brushed the horses, and then bathed them with special shampoo. This includes manes and tails and all white spots even had their own shampoo to help them be as white as possible. After the washing the manes and tails were combed out and then sprayed heavily with Show Sheen. Show sheen is like a leave in conditioner that has the purpose to make the coat as shiny as possible and also a dirt repellent. Once the coat was taken care of we worked on the feet. Each hoof was sanded to make them smoother before putting on hoof clear (horse fingernail polish). Now any respectable horse would not be seen out in public with a five o’clock shadow, so each had their muzzle trimmed, their bridle paths shaved and legs trimmed.

After bathing Pyro, R. had to walk him to help him stay warm and dry off.

Once their horses were clean and ready, each girl cleaned their saddle, saddle pad, and bridle followed by their brushes. You would not want to brush your horse with dirty brushes after working so hard to clean the horse. By the time we finished it was after 6 pm. I can’t remember the last time I spent 5+ hours cleaning my house, yet we spent that much time on two horses. So before we left the barn the trailers were packed with clean tack, and all that would be needed today.

This morning began at 5 am. We arrived at the barn at 6 am and got to the fairgrounds for the show at 6:30 am. On normal days I am not even out of bed by then. We got to the grounds and saved spaces for each member from our 4-H club. It was wonderful to be surrounded by our extended family. We are all there to support each other and we all helped each other. Sharing clippers, hoof polish and smiles; cheering for each other as each gave their best. I couldn’t ask for better members or parents. R. had 4 classes where she took Grand Champion in Novice Western Pleasure, 4th in Novice Trail, a blue ribbon in Showmanship and a red ribbon in Western Equitation. She was very excited to have received a first place and a medal. G. had 7 classes. She placed first in 4 classes, second in two classes and received a blue ribbon in the other class. In the end she was the high point winner for her division; we have to return tomorrow to receive the award.

G. and Andy in Showmanship.

R. and Pryo won a blue ribbon during Showmanship.

G. and Andy practice for bareback class.

R. and Pyro won Western Pleasure! :-) She was SO happy.

Wow, What a day! We took the horses home and got home ourselves at 6:30 pm. I am so tired and exhausted but it was a great day.