07/31/2026
Being an out of state International Grand Championship contender as an Amateur Owner Trainer isn't for the faint of heart.
For those of us who live far removed from the heart of the gaited horse world, being competitive comes with challenges that many people never see.
It's an 850 mile trip one way. We haul our horses, tack, feed, grooming supplies, fans, show clothes, tack room setup, banners, and everything else needed for several days at the show. By the time we arrive, we're already tired before we ever setup our living space for the week and step into the ring.
When the show is over, there's no time to relax. We get a few hours of sleep and the very next morning we tear down our tack room, load everything back into the trailer, and then head 850 miles back home.
For me, this is usually a one woman operation. I don't have a barn family helping me. I'm the one packing, driving, unloading, setting up, caring for the horses, showing, packing everything back up, and driving home again.
Showing at this level is brutally expensive. Fuel, entry fees, stalls, shavings, feed, and countless other expenses add up fast. Yet I continue to make the trip because I believe in this breed and I believe in supporting our association.
Have I won much? Not really.
The highest ribbon I've earned at the International Grand Championship was a third place in the Novice division in 2020. Most years, we don't come home with any accolades.
But I keep coming back when I can.
Not because ribbons define success, but because I love my horses. Every mile, every dollar, every early morning and late night is worth it for the opportunity to represent my Rocky Mountain Horses at the highest level for our breed.
Win or lose, I'll always be proud of the horses standing beside me. They give me everything they have, and that's enough to make the journey worthwhile.
Sometimes, the greatest accomplishment isn't the ribbon. It's simply having the determination to make the trip, walk through the gate, and give it your best.
(PFA from our 1st international in 2020. We've both changed a lot since then.)
