IDS Ride-Off Recap

Arriving on Friday to set up stabling and practice ride, I was struck by the calmness of both horses and riders. This is only my second year attending ride offs, and I must admit last year was a blur as both riding and competition were still very new to me. So, this year I was able to appreciate everything a bit more.  The pace and the atmosphere on September 29 were one of congeniality and appreciation for our horses and fellow riders. Rider Ariel Stanley put it this way: “One of the things I appreciate most about this show is the mutual encouragement of the riders and the friendly attitudes.”  Even though there were year-end championships on the line, I, too, felt the support of other riders as we all sought our personal best scores and great teamwork with our horses.

Each year this show seems to fall on the same weekend with the equine vaulting competition at the Hoosier Horse Park, so it’s always fun to sneak a

peak at these talented young riders. Walking into the ladies’ room facility and seeing all the sparkly costumes and moms doing makeup and creating little girls’ fancy hairdo’s is quite the contrast to our pristine (well, not after our horses slime us!) white breeches and neatly slicked back hair.