I have conflicting feelings about showing right now. I can't wrap my head around them. It's confusing and tricky and in some ways, I feel like I'm abandoning a really big part of who I am. But it's also freeing. I'm thinking about my horses in new, quieter, simpler ways. I'm looking at them and appreciating their "undesirable" traits, grooming them longer, working with them on the ground with patience and understanding. I'm learning a new way to be with the horse and until I feel completely exciting and chomping at the bit to get back in the show ring, I'm going to keep exploring this new, beautiful, meaningful zone.

If you're down to clown in this special realm, let me know. There's always room.

What do you love about showing horses?
Do you think competing has helped you as an individual? In what ways?
What is your favorite show ring memory?
Do you ever view your time in the show ring or simply being at a horse show as a break from reality? Explain!
Do you think that some of the training methods used on horses competing in your horse’s discipline are physically and mentally humane for the animal?
If no, how does that make you feel about your discipline as a whole division of competition?
Sometimes, I feel like show horses (especially on the Arabian halter side of things) are unapologetically commoditized. They are bought and sold and turned into objects of wealth—not appreciated for the wonderful, intuitive animals they are. Have you considered this perspective before? What is your opinion?
If you had the resources available to you, would you like to incorporate holistic horse care, natural horsemanship, and connecting with your horse on a more emotional level?
If yes, what about these alternative routes of horsemanship (in comparison to the competitive show world) are attractive to you?
Would you like to explore some of these different routes with your own horse?