Why we do it :0)

[maxandpaddy]

Positive thread for a change time....It'd be nice to hear why we all do it, enjoy it, our reasons for getting up at the crack of dawn juggling younger children/jobs/family/money, the joys of late night plaiting and the picnic/pack up to go with it, the exhaustion afterwards, the experience:

For me its the buzz, its going out as a family with our younger 2 excited about the prospect of chips and cheering their big sister on
Its enjoying time and memories with my nearly 18 year daughter before she flies the nest
Seeing her smile
Seeing her nervous, working hard, trying hard, and loving every second (even when the nerves make her grumpy)
The chatting about it afterwards!

Lets be honest there's plenty of easier hobbies!

So why do you do it?

[Deleted]

We do it because we love to see our hard work paying off. We're only amateurs but have had a fair amount of success this year. Also we've had our fair share of completely awful show days But when you get a good result from a pony who you've either had from a foal or who has taken two years + to bring on, it gives you a feeling of accomplishment like no other. It's also a great way for my grown up daughter and I to spend the day together. I guess whilst it's fun, we will keep on going

[kateanne0]

Seeing the hard work put in at home paying off Still out there with the grandchildren (grown up now) but one likes competing in hand and the other is on horses.

It's lovely to win or be placed and to see the happiness on their faces

It's not always about the winning, its the doing and enjoying it

[comanchediva]

We do it because after all these years (31 since I got my first pony) the sheer hard work and graft is paying off and the pleasure of our home produced ponies being up there with the best gives such a massive sense of achievement.

I sometimes wish we had gone down the showing route sooner but I suppose we would not have gained the knowledge and experience that the years following other disciplines has given us.

And whether the judge likes us or our pony on the day makes no difference, our boys always do us proud and I know we are going home with the best pony, rosette or no rosette

[sarahp]

It's the breeding side I love, and the only aspect that now goes on at home. Showing is done by others to show off home bred stock, usually youngstock, but at least I can still do the bit I enjoy most. Four foals born here this year, the most for some years as the my youngest are now 4yo, and more foals are expected next year by a leased stallion but I expect to throttle down again after that - the object is to get some daughters from old mares to replace them, I don't breed to sell although inevitably some may be for sale. I do love to hear of my babies doing well for new owners, most actually doing things rather than showing which is fine with me!

[catkin]

The 'its' vary for me. The most basic one, being that I really love to be around horses and ponies.
I love starting young animals - so satisfying when things work out.
I love showing - yes, some of us still do. To me it is an art form. Yes, basic good schooling and excellence in conformation are the goal to some degree, but actually successfully presenting the animal is another thing.
I like the social side of horses. Some of my best friends have been met at Pony Club, showing, hunting etc.
And now, I really love doing something with my daughter that we can both enjoy.

[sarahp]

Yes, I love giving the foals their early education over their first winter. Once that is in place they are set up for life. I'm sometimes totally amazed at the manners of ponies I meet and wonder how their owners put up with it.

[Karen, garrettponies]

For me, the ponies are an extension of my family. Having been lucky enough to have born into horses, they are just part of life. For the few years I didn't have one I literally couldn't even bear to go to shows to watch, I relented one day and by the following weekend is found myself a new pony! I think it's in my DNA!

I've always loved showing from being tiny and the novelty still hasn't worn off and I'm in my mid forties! However, I don't treat it as the be all and end all and if I don't have a good day then I move on to the next. I never had easy ponies as a child so had to work hard to get them going and have success. i learned from an early age there is no such thing as a quick fix, some things that go on these days concern me.

I enjoy just spending time with the ponies, helping my daughter learn the ropes. She's not brave in the saddle but has an affinity with animals and loves just messing about with them. They are family but family that happen to be nice enough to win prizes.

[sarah1]

For me its riding in the ring on my best friend and enjoying every minute!

I can remember a class I did on him at East of England showground a year or so ago and when pulled into line (he was pulled 2nd in a huge championship class) had given me the most amazing ride around the big ring - I felt like there was nobody else in the ring with me! When my dad walked over to strip and I had tears running down my cheeks! I was bursting so much with pride that my emotions got the better of me! god knows what other people thought!

It's moments like that (not always the winning) that make all the early mornings/sweat and tears worth it!

[ponymum]

I have ridden from an early age so to me ponies and horses are in my blood. they have got me through the 2 most difficult times in my life , losing my parents . they do not judge me , they often excell themselves for me . My daughter rides more than me now , but to watch her in the ring is magical , she is (to me) a natural and it makes me burst with pride while also a bit of sadness that her grandparents didnt get to see her grow up into such a capable jockey. Win or lose , we always have a good day because we love being around our 4 legged family x Thats why we do it x