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My Trip to the Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show and Morgan Grand Nationals
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Posted: Nov. 12, 2009
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by Ashlee Wheaton
I was so lucky to be able to compete in the Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show this year, it was a completely different experience compared to the local showing I'd done before. When I first walked into the coliseum I was in awe. I could have spent hours just watching everyone work their horses, and in fact I probably did! As I walked through the different barns and buildings, I found myself taking pictures of almost every barn stall, horse, and occasional dog I came across (I'm sure that everyone knew it was my first time there). The Decor was outstanding in Massachusetts. The theme this year was 'My Big Fat Morgan Wedding'.
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At center ring there was a huge wedding cake on display. The size and detail was amazing. I can only imagine the hard work and effort put into this cake. The size of this display made it almost impossible for the judges to view the entire ring at once. This was a bonus because if you needed to make any corrections in your ride, behind the cake was the place to try and make it happen. The experience taught me how hard one person must work to take a victory lap in a show that big. I assumed I would be nervous from the time we arrived at the fair grounds, but the nerves didn't really kick in until I was in the warm- up ring outside the coliseum. Once in the show ring I did my best to not let my nerves interfere and focus on my ride. Although I didn't leave with a blue ribbon, I feel the experience will help me prepare for next years event if I am fortunate enough to participate. The level of experience at these shows was outstanding. I found it incredible to watch everyone's technique and different ways of doing things. Some of the ideas and contraptions the trainers came up with, to fit their particular horse's way of learning, showed a lot of creativity. The lead line classes were so cute, some of the riders were no more than three or four years old. I'm sure some of the competitors in my classes probably got their start at a very early age as well. I consider my self lucky to be able to compete against them.
I spent most of my summer this year at Porter's Equine Centre. Being able to watch my trainer, train for Oklahoma was a fun thing to be a part of. Getting to know my horse for the 2010 show season was just an extra. When I found out I was going to Oklahoma and attend the Grand Nationals live I was so excited. Finally getting there was awesome. I could have never imaged all the extremely talented horses and riders out there. Every horse, in every class, could have won. It was really just about who made what tiny mistake, and where. A neat part about watching the classes was being able to see the generations of horses. It was cool to see the father or even grandmother of a horse from our barn win or place in a class. Knowing their families I could see the resemblance in their personalities.
The stalls in Oklahoma where absolutely amazing. Some of the stables I passed by in the main barn had stalls with plasma screen televisions, refrigerators and nicer furniture than in my living room! Some stables even had an extra stall for their dogs with heated beds.
The 2 year old in-hand classes were fun to watch. The trainers knew exactly what would make this horses go off and exactly what to do too make their horse look it's best. I hope to be able to watch these horses grow and see what they turn into.
One unique thing about Oklahoma was the judging. I think in total there were about twenty-one judges. Each judge had specific categories, and every category had 4 judges. This meant that you had no room for mistakes because someone was watching you at all times! As an exhibitor, I think this would be bitter sweet because someone would see all of your mistakes, but they would also see all of you best moments. Being lucky enough to compete in the Mass Morgan horse show, Massachusetts and watch The Morgan Grand Nationals, Oklahoma were the highlights of my summer vacation. I have learned so much from everyone, especially my trainers Don and Tina Porter. I also need to thank Marg Porter for always helping me look my best in the show ring.
Thanks Alex for giving me the opportunity to write this. It has been an incredibly fun year, and I am looking forward to the 2010 show season!!
Wishing everyone a fun and productive winter,
Ashlee Wheaton
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