Winter Show ... Yes or No?

Deciding when it's time to stop participating in shows for the season is something both staff and exhibitors face. There are a few show managers that run shows in November through April here in Wisconsin. For many of us these months are “winter” and not part of our regular show season. This is partially because the weather can change pretty fast during these months. If the weather changes too much to the extremes, the effect it has on a show can be drastic. There are pros and cons to most things and participating in a winter show is no different.

Winter shows often have a lighter atmosphere because the pressure's off and the goal is to relax and have fun. Usually, show clothes are not required and fuzzy, minimally groomed horses are perfectly acceptable. Many winter shows are geared toward training and keeping you in the show groove without the full-on show expectations and preparation. There’s lots of laughter and socializing at a winter show inside and outside of the arena. This is often a time for competitors to try new classes or introduce a horse to the show life for the first time.

Last fall, I got to see a pony come out of retirement. She had recovered from an injury which was supposed to mean permanent retirement. But this tough little pony, that I’ve known for years, proved everyone wrong and got the green light for “light duty”. She was brought to the show just to see how it would go and if she could truly handle it. She did great! That little pony strutted her stuff all day long and never missed a beat. One of the many memories that makes winter shows worth it.

Watching kids on pleasure horses try a barrel pattern for the first time always makes me smile. From the announcers stand it seems like a lot of work to laugh at your confused horse while trying to keep your balance. I’ve even seen a few journeys begin with a tiny tot wandering around the ring with a mini that’s almost taller than the exhibitor. Some of those kids have been showing for may years now and I smile every time I see them in the ring.

Yes, all of this happens while you’re realizing the longer the day goes, the more numb your toes are (even in insulated boots with wool socks), your fingers can barely move, the non-battery hand warmers are done, and your heated clothing battery is dead. Even if you’re inside with a heated arena, sooner or later, you’re cold through and through. By the end of the day, you’re just as worn out as a fair-weather show, but you're looking forward to heated seats on the drive home twice as much as usual.

As I get older, working winter shows gets to be more of a debate. My first question is always whether or not the facility is heated. Either way, I wear multiple layers but I don't end up frozen to the core quite as fast if the facility is heated. Other things I consider are the showbill and number of classes, if there is a food stand on site or not, whether it is a single show or series of shows, and the typical driving conditions that time of year.

Do I regret agreeing to work a winter show from time to time? Occasionally, yes. I was at a show once that had a good turn out so it didn't get done until late afternoon. Unfortunately, the weather had changed throughout the day and the hour long drive home took an hour and a half because the roads got worse the longer I drove.

On another day, the arena heaters died and the temperature was barely freezing outside to begin with. I always wear lots of layers and pack extra no matter the time of year, but sometimes it just doesn't matter. I only had one glove layer on because it’s hard to turn the microphone on and off if you can’t move your fingers from too many layers. The rest of me was in a blanket with both my spare layers on and I was still shivering.

So, why consider working a winter show at all? I do it because my passion for horses and horse people doesn't go away in the winter. I love the relaxed atmosphere and camaraderie; it is so good for my soul. Watching journeys begin or take a new direction are memories very dear to me. Let’s not forget increased cuddle time with warm fuzzy horses. It all makes working a winter show worth it to me.

I had a chance to announce a three-show series last fall and I booked it. The first two shows were in November and December. The third show is coming up in February. The November and December shows were chilly but doable. I will be watching the forecast closely and prepare the best I can for the February show. I can’t wait to see who braves the cold with me and earns the series high point. Then I will be done until May … unless something pops up in the meantime.

I’m curious about the things competitors and other show staff consider when making the winter show decision. What makes you decide to go to a winter show or not?