So for my big adventure of the vacation I went to watch the first Quarte Horse show of the year. For those not too familiar with these things its usually a two day show with a different judge on each day. There are classes offered for just about every person/horse. The only (well, main) requirment is that the horses are registered American Quarter Horses. The main classes offered are:

Halter (judging the horse's conformation)
Showmanship (judging the handler's ability to show a horse)
Lungeline (young horses judged at halter and movement in both directions at all gaits for 90 seconds)
Hunter Under Saddle ( also commonly refered to as "English Pleasure", the horse is judged on movement and suitability at all 3 gaits for the old school hunting field)
Hunt Seat Equitation ( rider judged on correctness of position during a pattern posted by the judge and in one direction at all three gaits, riding a hunter under saddle horse)
Barrel Racing ( a timed event where horse and rider make a clover-leaf pattern around three barrels without knocking them down)
Pole Bending ( a timed event of weaving around a series of poles set in a straight line)
Trail (horse is judged on carefulness and calmness through a pattern of obstacles set by the judge)
Western Pleasure (horse is judged on movement, and suitability as being a pleasure to ride at all three gaits in both directions)
Horsemanship ( rider is judged on correctness of position during a pattern posted by the judge and in one direction at all three gaits, riding a western pleasure horse)

There are many other classes offered that would take me too much time to explain well :P As well, all of the classes where the HORSE is being judged is offered in youth, amateur, and open divisions. Youth being anyone under 19, Amateur being anyone over 19 that is not riding a horse owned by someone else or is not recieving money for training or teaching others to ride. Open is the division for the trainers, this is the tough competition, although youth and amateurs are allowed to show in this division as well.

Back to my day... I arrived shortly before 10 AM, just in time to see them finishing up the Halter geldings. It was raining steadily which put a damper on my spirits due to lack of photographic opportunity. However shortly before noon the rain began to taper off and it remained overcast for the rest of the day. I was quite happy running around from the show ring to ingate, to the two warm up rings snapping pictures. I got about 200 shots, most of which turned out ok. Thanks to Dad lending me his camera :)

I got to see familiar faces, and a lot of new ones in the show scene this year. I got to say hi to a couple aquaintences that I've come in contact with over the years. It was so nice to be back in my element, at least for a day. It made me want to quit school and just become a trainer LOL But that probably wouldn't be the best idea. Hehe. Instead I will pine away for my own horse which won't happen for another 2-6 years LOL. But when I do get a horse I'm going to kick everyone's asses in the showring and have a few of the big-guys take notice :P

I just finished editing my pictures, but I haven't uploaded them yet. Keep an eye out for them tomorrow I'll post a link for you.