Horses, Hope,
& Hustle

Guest post by Steve Love- The Horse Show Husband

Every horse show has an unsung hero: the guy hauling the trailer, holding the camera, and knowing exactly when to keep quiet. We’re excited to welcome The Horse Show Husband to the HHH blog with some hard-earned (ahem, “secondhand”) wisdom for surviving the final day of the show.

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Well, the Good Lord blessed the HSH (Horse Show Husband) and his Way Better Half with a safe trip home. You fledgling Horse Show Hubbies, beware: that last day of the show can be a dooozy! Here are some things to keep in mind.

Read the Room at Supper Time

Remember that she is tired, nearly exhausted, by the end of the show. A good barometer for exactly how exhausted is to gently mention supper and see her reaction.

Now if your bride is like mine, anytime eating out is an option, she pounces on it like a barn cat on a mouse. The more tired she is, the less excited she’ll seem. Comments like “it’s your night to pick,” “truth be told,” “if I’m being honest,” or “I need a shower/bed/drink” usually mean she just wants to hit the hay.

I recommend grabbing something light to take back to the hotel, RV, or LQ. Maybe you have some leftovers from the night before to munch on. Either way, going out for supper is likely not in the cards. Pray like hell that she sleeps well, otherwise it could be a very long day on the ride home.

The Morning After

Just know you will be tending to the dogs, getting the ball rolling in the morning, and absolutely stopping at a swanky coffee shack on the way to the show facility.

Once you’re loaded up and on the road, let her start any conversation. Good Lord willing, the show went well and she’ll be in a great mood once the caffeine kicks in. She might replay some of the details of her classes with you, even though she’s reviewed the video many times (sometimes before you’ve scarcely stopped recording). Eventually, though, despite the double-shot latte, she’s gonna drift off to sleep. It will be a quiet ride home, but a happy one.

If the Show Didn’t Go Well

On the other hand… if the show did not go well, you keep your trap shut! Respond only with one-word answers, and do not, under any circumstances, ask her to repeat anything because you couldn’t hear her (or worse, weren’t listening).

The Fuel Stop Play

Either way, when you eventually stop for fuel, now is not the time for “his” and “hers” snacks. This is the spot to grab her favorite salty snack along with something sweet, whether she says she wants anything or not.

My foxy lady is partial to Swedish Fish, so that was my play on the ride home from our last show. There were Pringles as a backup plan. (It doesn’t hurt that I also love the Swedes, so there was a good chance I might get a few bites.)

Unloading Is Her Call

Once you’re home, it is completely her call when it comes to unloading everything. If she decides to do it tonight, then it’s tonight. But if nothing is said, just leave it alone. Tomorrow or next month will also work… remember, she’s exhausted.

A Disclaimer

Now, these helpful hints are just a few things I’ve picked up over the years through my investigations and interviews with veteran HSHs. I have no firsthand knowledge of such things, only anecdotal information passed on by others… and if you believe that, I’ve got some oceanfront property for sale in Arizona. 😉

(Does my wife love me or does my wife love me? I mean, who else would put up with observations, commentary, and social media posts like these?)

Until next time, Horse Show Fans, God bless!

-Steve Love aka The Horse Show Husband

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Got a horse show hubby in your life? Send him this one. And if you’ve got a story of your own, we’d love to hear it. Find more genuine stories from horse people on the Horses Hope & Hustle podcast.