Every year the Hampton Riding Centre hosts a one-day horse show that is open to both students who take riding lessons at the Centre and other riders from the general area. Attendance usually ranges from 60 to 80 horse/rider combinations varying from young children and ponies to adults trying their skills at a show for the first time. Today began with foreboding skies, but the rain held off for most of the day. Since the Centre is near Saint John, NB, some of the famous fog drifted in and out but the mild temperature made it pleasant for horses, riders and spectators.
It takes months of planning to put a show together and many, many volunteers to look after all of the details. The show ring footing has to be groomed and prepared, and jump standards and poles freshly painted for the occasion.
Everyone gets hungry when they’re outdoors for any length of time. Volunteers stock and run the canteen located in the garage (sheltered from the elements just in case) and this year “My Mother’s Kitchen” catering was on site providing excellent coffee and pastries.
A show wouldn’t be complete without some shopping opportunities. You never know when a piece of equipment might break or be forgotten and need to be replaced – any excuse will do. Marr Saddlery was on site with an assortment of brand new items and the HRC Equestrian Exchange was open too with an opportunity to peruse a wide variety of gently used clothing and gear. There was something for everyone’s interest and budget available!
Ringside several volunteers were needed – to keep track of the ‘order of go’ for competitors so they’d know when to enter the show ring, ring crew standing by in case an element of a jump got knocked down and had to be put back up, monitoring the warm-up area (in the arena), a show announcer and runners to deliver results from the judge’s booth, ribbon organizers and presenters and this year, the official photographer was “Andrea Brewing Photography“. (My job was ‘behind the scenes’ images).
Attendance was good. Cars were parked along the Lakeside Road as far as the eye could see. Parents, grandparents, siblings and friends came to watch the competition. Horse trailers were parked on-site near the barn and in the upper field. Regulars knew to bring lawn chairs for comfort ringside watching the competition.
Details – like this beautifully braided tail, matter. It shows that the competitor cares about presenting themselves and their horse in the best possible manner – neat, tidy and as clean as possible.
The Hampton Riding Centre overlooks the Hammond River and is a beautiful venue for a day out with friends and horses! Check out the website for more information on lessons, clinics and other events hosted by the Centre.
Capturing Cherished Memories 