Another adventure from fair week. My 7 year old son is new at showing, just doing leadline with his big sister's horse this year.

He innocently asked how one of the "senior division" girls got all the ribbons on her horses stall.

A random parent (not the Senior girl) chimed in "A lot of hard work".

Really? That is all it takes? Is that saying the other kids in a class of 18-20 kids in the class didn't work hard? They only place the first six, so that is about 1/3 that get any ribbons at all.

At least in my fair/open showing experience, I think it takes a lot more than "hard work".

Lets be honest. It takes MONEY.

Someone has to afford a nice horse.

Several western outfits (1 pleasure, 1 equitation, chaps). Then another English outfit, and all the tack for both disciplines.

Finally, the kids that win in our area all are working closely with an instructor/trainer. At least weekly lessons, if not several times a week.

To say it is "hard work" alone is insulting for the kids that spend every day on their horse but still don't get any ribbons.

BTW-- My son took first in showmanship and my daughter (in the tough senior division) took 5th in showmanship, and 5th in versatility.

My daughter rides a lot, but we haven't been able to afford to get her lessons this year, and it shows. I am proud of her, and I think she did as well as she could on the horse she has with out professional lessons.

We had the same experience when my kids were in 4H with horses.