Show Pen Prep: A Reiner’s Affirmations

Reining Horse Up Close

I will be a good rider.

I will not forget to memorize my pattern like in my sweaty dreams.

I will not drink gallons of coffee to combat the aching sleep deprivation that comes with working a horseshow. Because coffee breeds butterflies and makes me have to pee when my chaps are zipped up tight.

I will not think of judges or ribbons or a sudden spook at a random inanimate object. I will channel Stacey Westfall and Bob Avila and Sheila Varian.

I will go a faster than a comet with a yellow tail. Just kidding. I will go a little faster than I did last time.

I will look up.

I will lower my hand and relax my shoulders and sit my ass back, just like the trainer sometimes has to shout at me.

I will count my spins in my head and not with my mouth because the judge and everyone on God’s green earth can tell what I’m doing when I do that.

I won’t spin too many spins. Because I know how to count. In my head.

I will take a deep breath. The scent of leather and horse hide, and arena dirt will fill my nose. My head will fill with dreams I never thought to dream before.

I will have fun.

Arabian Reining Horse & Red Rider
Photo courtesy of Chris T. Sloan


2 responses to “Show Pen Prep: A Reiner’s Affirmations”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *