Horse Shows
For the last decade of my life "horse show" has left a bitter taste in the mouths of my non-horsey family members. I've ended up doing horse shows on various holidays that don't have the same date every year like Mother's and Father's Day, Easter Sundays, along with anniversaries and birthdays. The non-horsey people in my family still don't understand the amount of planning that goes into competing in a horse show. They still don't seem to understand that I sent in entries about 6 weeks before the show, and have to make various arrangements like trailering and hotels. They don't understand the scratch fees, non-refundables, and pre-show deposits to trainers. So one week before a horse show, when my other family members are all trying to plan something last minute for say, a holiday like Mother's Day, my phone blows up and I am left hateful voicemails on what a selfish bitch I am for pursuing my own interests over celebrating my mom. This seems to happen with birthdays or anniversaries as well, even though I know when the actual day is, we never know when we will get together and celebrate until about a week before. Sometimes I skip a horse show because I know there's an event and nobody ends up celebrating anyway. This year was my step brother's 50th birthday and when I told his wife way back in March that I had a horse show planned for that week in July so I may not be able to attend. I got the guilt trip of the whole party being cancelled because I wouldn't show. So, it's all my fault. I've walked in on birthday parties and holidays in my breeches and tall boots to be given dirty looks by my family even though I did my best to still show up. I just really wish they'd understand I never intend on missing out on these events. But horse show planning for me is planned out by my trainer at the beginning of the year, I begin saving as soon as possible and send entries and confirm arrangements 6 weeks in advance.
