Gena Janetka
I started my relationship with horses in my mid-thirties. We bought a house with land and I thought it would be fun to have horses and trail ride into the sunset. I had no plans to compete, yet alone care about would I be riding western or English. I also had no idea, that horses could be so addictive. Did I mention, that we now have 3 quarter horses, and 2 miniature horses?
I fell into the NVRHA world when they first came to Minnesota and had the opportunity to participate in their very first clinic/competition here. I loved the fact that the first day was a clinic where we got trained by the judges who would be scoring us the next day in competition. That bit of education is what has allowed to me grow and build on my equestrian skills. I also found a great deal of support and camaraderie from the other competitors. I have made great friends.
Today, I have to admit I am somewhat of a competition ‘junkie’. I love being a little bit nervous, going into the show ring and seeing what Rooster and I can accomplish together that day under the gun. Seeing what part of our preparation has paid off and analyzing where the holes are, so we can do better the next time. By having the score sheet after the event, I can see exactly where we performed well, or in some cases, not so well. With five events and one horse, we never get bored. There is always something to work on, so you can mix it up while you are at home and your horse thinks you are pretty creative while you are on his back. Knowing there is a competition that I am going to, gives me the impetus to continue to improve, learn, and focus.
I fell into the NVRHA world when they first came to Minnesota and had the opportunity to participate in their very first clinic/competition here. I loved the fact that the first day was a clinic where we got trained by the judges who would be scoring us the next day in competition. That bit of education is what has allowed to me grow and build on my equestrian skills. I also found a great deal of support and camaraderie from the other competitors. I have made great friends.
Today, I have to admit I am somewhat of a competition ‘junkie’. I love being a little bit nervous, going into the show ring and seeing what Rooster and I can accomplish together that day under the gun. Seeing what part of our preparation has paid off and analyzing where the holes are, so we can do better the next time. By having the score sheet after the event, I can see exactly where we performed well, or in some cases, not so well. With five events and one horse, we never get bored. There is always something to work on, so you can mix it up while you are at home and your horse thinks you are pretty creative while you are on his back. Knowing there is a competition that I am going to, gives me the impetus to continue to improve, learn, and focus.
