Animals of the outside world. YouTube, Jonny Devaney: How Dog Breeds React to Robbers (With Pictures)
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The trip to Tennessee was a time travel adventure. [Trip to Tennessee, Show Report, Southeast Academy Championship 2025]
First big show in two years. [The Red Queen Returns, Show Report, Alabama Charity Championship Horse Show 2023]
First overnight by myself at a show in seven years. [That Elusive Sunday Blue, Show Report, National Academy Championship Horse Show, 2018]
There were overnight shows in 2019, but those were with husband and were as much about schooling Milton. Even at Nationals in 2018, husband drove up during the day to support. Yes, he is amazing.
The point is that it has been a while since I’ve been on my own for days on end at a horse show. Not my fav.
Looking farther back, this showgrounds was my second big saddle seat show, 13 years ago. [Show Report: ETSA Spring Classic, Cleveland, TN]
Getting ready. I can’t say I was particularly nostalgic for these grounds in particular. It was more a matter of remember all the things that one needs to do for a big show. Of finding all the bits and bobs. Of hoping my show clothes still fit. They did, or at least they buttoned.
At the show. It was fun to find out that I could still dress it up. It was fun to ride in a big facility arena rather than in the riding ring of a local barn. It was fun to watch the evening classes. The performance horses often sit out fun shows & winter tournaments.
Looking Forward
Will I jump back into the bigger ASB shows? Probably not. I am not interested in being away from home by myself. I prefer going to shows with husband & our horses. With the possible exception of this show again next year. Eight classes is hard to turn down.
OTOH, I have proven singularly unable to predict my show career. We shall see.
Onwards!
Katherine
I’ve been following Jonny Devany on Facebook. He’s got a good grip on every dog breed I know except pomeranians!
That was quite an adventure you had in TN. Maybe a bit of a confidence booster you’ve still got more in you than you realize? Ya done good.