Championship season is upon us now. With American Quarter Horse Congress and Morgan Grand Nationals already underway and Arabian US Nationals, NRHA Finals, Color Breed Congress, and so many more championship shows coming up soon, it is only fitting that we reflect on these shows and how we got there.

Behind every equestrian, there is a village that has guided them to where they are today. You cannot do this on your own, and if you think you can, then the world of being an equestrian has not humbled you, yet. There are several horses, trainers, judges, friends, and family that taught you the lessons you needed to make it to a championship show. Without them, you probably wouldn’t have wound up here. Before you leave for the show take a minute to thank them all for shaping you into the equestrian you are now.

Before you show you should take in your surroundings. You are at one of the world’s most prestigious horse shows. If this is your first championship show, then let me paint you a picture. This is bigger than any other show you have been to before. Barn decorations are bigger and fancier than you can imagine. The facility will be so big that chances are you will not cover every inch like you can at your shows at home.

There will be barns you didn’t even know existed. If you show at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds you will get chills each time you and your horse through the “Gateway of Champions” into the Coliseum arena. All around you are trainers, historians, and experts that have a wealth of knowledge just waiting for you to learn from them. Don’t pass up that opportunity. Go to the free clinics that the show hosts, watch the trainers their workhorses between breaks in the arenas, or go watch a discipline you might not be familiar with. You never know what you could learn!

After every class turn on your pride. You made it all the way to the big leagues. This may be your first or thirtieth time you have attended your championship show, but no matter how many times you get to go, there’s still people at home who could only dream of competing there or even being there in person. Some, myself included, can only watch the live feed from home and dream of being taking in the atmosphere.

You worked too hard to get to this moment to be bitter because you didn’t win. Every ribbon and every ride is a victory. Enjoy the ride and that victory. Celebrate every placing, whether you win or you get a top ten ribbon. You have already won so much by making it all the way to a championship show. And let’s be real, there are no ugly ribbons at championship shows, anyways.

Championship shows are the pinnacle of every competing equestrian’s show career. Thousands will dream of getting there, not all will make it. If you are one of the lucky ones who do, do not take it for granted. Soak up every moment in the saddle, cart, or leading your partner at “The Big Dance”. Have fun, learn lots, make lasting memories, and enjoy the ride you are about to embark on.