Room for Two

For competitors and their teams, it is often normal to sit with the group laughing, learning, and bonding between classes or after the horses are tucked in for the night. It isn’t unusual to find a makeshift buffet table by the trailers or a section in a restaurant taken over because hanging out with the gang and sharing a meal is the best combination. Whether you’re sitting around a table at a restaurant or scattered in camping chairs between trailers, time spent together is a precious gift. Those moments are one of my favorite things about horse shows.  As part of the show staff, we rarely get to be part of these moments. When we get the chance to join in, we are often unexpected additions.  Even so, our horse show family has always made room for us.

One time last fall, a show got done earlier than expected and we knew our friends had talked about going out for supper after they were done showing and feeding horses. I took a chance and reached out to see if they had headed out yet. They had just been seated and said, “we’ll make room at the table for two more, no worries.” When we arrived, the 11 people already at the crowded table in a packed restaurant all shouted greetings to us.  The staff looked a bit shocked as our friends started asking neighboring tables for empty chairs. Everyone quickly rearranged their chairs around the table and squished together even more. It didn’t take long to create two spots for us. It didn’t matter that we were all elbow to elbow, straddling table legs, or barely had space on the corner for our plate of food. What mattered was getting to be there.  We spent the next couple of hours telling stories, drinking margaritas, and munching chips and salsa. Supper was good, but the camaraderie was priceless. We teased each other, told old stories, new stories, probably re-told a few, and generally created a big loud bubble of friendly chaos as we created more memories and stories to tell later.  Our sides ached from all the laughter by the time we left the restaurant. The whole team was included, it didn’t matter what role you had, everyone was equal and shared the ups and downs of the day together.

On another occasion during our lunch break, the line at the food cart was really long. We were debating if we could order and eat before we needed to go back to work or if we needed to find snacks to just get through until after the show. An exhibitor saw us in line and came to the same conclusion we were coming to. She came over and pulled us out of the line so we could share lunch with their crew. We were grateful and soon found out “we have plenty” was an understatement. As we approached the trailer, camping chairs magically appeared and we were cheerfully offered food and drinks. We returned to the show with time to spare and full tummies. Even quick visits over lunch with friends are awesome. As the show ran later into the evening than expected that unexpected nutritious meal carried us through.

It isn’t unusual for shows to run past the typical supper time. We often get to eat with other staff and/or the judges once the day is done. One night, the judges told us they had heard about a steakhouse in the area which would probably still be open and invited us along. Steak sounded good to several of us, so the caravan loaded up. There were three cars in total and one phone with an app for directions, but they weren't very good directions. We all followed along for over 20 minutes until the leader pulled over in an empty parking lot. We all shrugged our shoulders not sure where to try next. The person with the fancy phone looked up restaurants in the area. There was a different steakhouse nearby supposedly and so off we all went. We found it, but without reservations the wait was so long they couldn't guarantee we'd be seated before the kitchen closed. They kindly gave us directions to a third option which didn’t require reservations and should have seats available. At this point, we were starving and with no other restaurants in sight, off we went again. We found the third restaurant despite the now pouring rain. The sidewalk was crazy long and nothing was well lit. The parking lot hid sinkholes in every shadow. One judge stepped ankle-deep into a sinkhole full of rain which soaked her to the skin halfway to the knee. By the time we were seated, we all needed a stiff drink. The good news is that we got our steak finally! Even though the hour plus it took to find a restaurant was harrowing, we laughed and joked all through supper.  We compared notes about the journey from each car's perspective. Reliving missed turns, unexpected stop signs in the middle of nowhere, and generally feeling lost in the dark and rain. When I think about shows past, these are the memories that last.

 Listening to each other's perspective, learning from one another, generally just goofing around, telling “behind the scenes” and “remember that time when" stories are the memories that stand the test of time. We treasure these opportunities when our friends and horse show family make room for two more. I’ve learned so much about our friends while hanging out and sharing a meal. Getting to be part of those moments, and being welcomed with open arms is a gift we will treasure every single time. 

Sometimes we forget everyone has a life outside of the show pen. We all deal with health issues, life challenges, and work schedules. Experiences like these are needed, necessary even.  They bring the team together and help us empathize with one another.  They remind us we are all humans and that we all have ups and downs. These moments allow the mind and body to reset and relax. I hope this blog brings a smile to your face because you couldn’t help but think of your memories when there was room for you.