Fair weather, chip connoisseur showing

[maxandpaddy]

Maybe its an age thing but this last year or two where we go and how often we go out seems to be decided by:

The weather - our boy has only just come back into work after a longgggg winter off. We stopped going out once it rained and got a bit muddy (about September) and waited for it to warm up again ( about now) We've done winter champs and the like in years gone by and been frozen and miserable ...so we stopped doing that

Food in particular chips - my husband pointed out deciding on local warm up shows seems to depend largely on "proper chips" not those oven things, if I know a riding centre/yard has a cafe and makes its own chips I tend to push for going

Distance - Now this must be a sign of old age, I dont like going far from home. About 40mins seems to be this years max and even that takes some convincing

Parking - If I cant do a sweeping turn without obstacles to get a nice roomy parking space I wont go

Local County shows are my fav, there's things for our younger kids (and my husband) to do, while my eldest daughter and I play at horses, fall out, eat, and buy a picture of the day

I'm really enjoying not taking any of it seriously anymore

[mcnaughty]

What a refreshing attitude to this very silly at times game!

I do try not to take it too seriously but that can be very difficult sometimes ;-)

Many moons ago, my parents used to show particular interest at shows they knew did a good 'double dog' and brew!

Weather is a tough call for County Shows as we all know have to be entered weeks and weeks in advance but I do still enter on the day because of this very reason elsewhere if I can!

[mamanag]

know the feeling and i think its an age thing . i much prefer the comforts of my own home now to the thoughts of a long cold and wet day of showing , a plate of cheesy chips and beans (because thats all thats on the menu..even the dog turned its nose up at it !!) and all at an expensive cost.. we must be mental..However i'm still putting my entries in ..old habits die hard x

[sarah1]

Yes we feel exactly like this! and I think my husband takes the same approach as yours! There's a certain equestrian centre nearby that does a good breakfast bun so although he isn't horsey at all he makes himself 'available' for any shows there!

[bubbles1822]

Agreed!
Been to lots of county shows the last year and plan on going back this time! Feel like even in the classes don't go to plan... ponies having an off day or odd judging.. still have a lovely day out!

I've been known to stay in bed if it's raining even if I've bathed and pre entered! 😂

Do go further to shows but only ones I like! Nps summer champs, breed shows, etc. Still do a few qualifiers a year but ones either where I know the judges like the ponies or to shows I like.. Lincoln is my favourite!