Thirteen year old Lauren Reynolds and Stormy at Lauren’s first horse show. Lauren is in the sixth grade and has been riding horses for just over a year.

Lauren takes weekly riding lessons at Crimson Stables in Bloomington, Indiana. Crimson Stables is a full service lesson facility that was founded in 2016.

The evening before the show includes several prepping tasks such as bathing Stormy, cleaning tack, and loading the horse trailer with equipment.

Lauren cleans her saddle with leather soap and a small sponge.

Lauren observes the show ring while her mother, Emily, registers Lauren for the show. Registration begins early in the morning on the day of the show, allowing for event staff to finalize the rosters for each class that will run during the event.

Tacking up on a chilly show morning.

Lauren and Stormy were horse and rider pair number 152. Competitors are assigned numbers at random when they register for the show so that they are able to be placed by a judge.

In the show ring, it is important that Lauren remember all of the basics of riding she has spent the past year learning, and exhibit them well for the judge. Her performance is being judged against other riders in the arena by a judge who stands in the center.

Lauren and Stormy return to the show ring after warming up for their jumping classes in a separate arena.

Lauren is handed a ribbon from a show volunteer as she exits the ring. Horse shows are large events that often rely on volunteers (no matter how big or small!) to keep things running smoothly.

Lauren competed in four classes at the horse show, and in those classes she placed third, second, and won two first place ribbons! Lauren is excited for how her placings will affect her chances for the Bloomington Equestrian Team

A light stomp of a hoof, a swish of a tail, a soft whinny.  An old gray horse pricks his ears forward as a rider approaches his stall.  This is a rider he knows well, for she has ridden him every week for the past three months.  Each week, she brushes his coat and picks his hooves, saddles him, and they’re off.  Practicing trotting and cantering, along with various jump patterns.  Heels up, toes down, eye’s forward, thinks the girl as she makes her way around the ring.  This particular ride is important, because it is her last chance to practice for her very first horse show, happening the next day.

Thirteen year old Lauren Reynolds has been riding horses for a little more than a year at Crimson Stables in Bloomington, Indiana. Lauren practices her riding skills each week, learning the basics in the beginning and then moving on to more advanced riding maneuvers such as jumping.  As Lauren progressed in her riding abilities, competing in a show became a new and exciting opportunity.  On September 22, 2018, Lauren went to her first horse show which was held at Maple Ridge Sport Horses in Clinton, Indiana.  Lauren rode Stormy, a 22 year old gray Thoroughbred who is a barn favorite lesson horse at Crimson.  At the show, the pair competed in the walk/trot class, the walk/trot/canter class, and two jumping classes.

The evening before the show, Lauren and Stormy make final preparations.  This includes giving the gray horse a bath, which can sometimes be more difficult than it seems. “We actually use dish soap for his tail,” explained Lauren, “it’s the best way to make it look white again.”  After his bath, Stormy eats hay quietly in his stall while Lauren moves on to the next task of the evening, cleaning tack.  Preparations come to a close as Lauren loads the horse trailer with her tack and equipment, ensuring a smooth departure in the morning.  Lauren wishes one final goodnight to Stormy before going home to get as much sleep as she can before she is back at the barn, bright and early, to leave for the show.

The morning air was cool and filled with excitement the next morning.  By 7:45 am, Stormy was loaded into the horse trailer, and ready for the hour and a half trip to Maple Ridge.  The show began at 10 am, but it was important that Lauren arrive early enough to allow time for registration and more show preparations.  Lauren’s mother, Emily, accompanied Lauren to the show and registered her daughter for the correct classes.  After a good grooming, Lauren carefully tacks Stormy, ensuring his saddle fits correctly and looks clean.  A clean appearance is important in the show ring.

After final preparations are made, Lauren begins to warm up her horse.  Walking, trotting, and cantering around a warm up ring to ensure Stormy is settled and prepared for the show ring.  Luckily for Lauren, the old school horse has been to many shows and is calm and confident.  Without much time to spare, it is time for Lauren’s first class to begin.  She makes her way towards the show ring and holds her breath as Stormy takes his first steps into the soft sand of the arena. She studies the tree line just outside the ring as the gate closes behind the final rider. “Riders,” the announcer booms over the megaphone, “you are now being judged at the walk.”

A few hours later, Lauren and Stormy have finished their first competition together.  Competing in four classes, Lauren took home one third place, one second place, and two first place ribbons!  As a prospect for a competitive riding team at Crimson Stables, Lauren is excited by her results in the show.  “I want to be able to ride on the team, and thought riding in a show would be the best way to prepare.” Lauren explained.

As she loaded Stormy into the trailer, this time headed for home, Lauren gave the old horse one last pat for his good performance.  While the pair may have been headed home, Lauren already had her sights set on her next show with Stormy.  With ribbons in hand and horse in tow, the young rider smiled at her successes and settled in to sleep on her ride home.