Ranch Riding & More

We're excited to announce our Ranch Riding & More Virtual Show Judge for July, 2026 - Lindsay Grice.

Have You Ever Added Up the Real Cost of Showing?

Most of us know showing costs money.

But have you ever added up everything?

Even when you know the numbers, it can still be shocking.

For me, attending a sanctioned breed show often means a 1,000–1,200 km round trip. Fuel alone can easily be $600–$725+, depending on diesel prices, wind, road conditions, and how hard the truck has to work.

Even a show that is “only” 2.5 hours away is still a 500 km round trip, and for many rural riders, that’s considered close.

Using real posted fees from a recent sanctioned breed show, an Amateur/Open exhibitor entering 4 classes could be looking at:

Class fees: $264 (4 classes × 3 judges)
Office/processing fees: $95
Horse stall: $150
Tack stall: $150
Shavings: $30–$50
Camping/power: $120–$180
Fuel for 500 km: about $300

That’s already $1,100+ before the extras, and that’s before meals, memberships, warm-ups, extra supplies, time off work, chore help, and truck/trailer wear.

If your trip is closer to 1,000–1,200 km, the cost climbs even higher.

This isn’t a criticism of live shows. Their costs have increased too.

Live events matter. They offer atmosphere, community, and the chance to test yourself in a real show environment. They’re valuable.

But the truth is:

Most riders never add up the full cost.

They pay for entries one day, fuel another day, stalls another day… and it doesn’t feel like one big bill, but it adds up.

Even local shows or small fairs still require fuel, time, preparation, and often a truck and trailer. You may still need meals, help at home, and a full day or weekend out of your schedule.

And then there’s the weather.

If you live where I do, you might be dealing with 36°C plus humidex, emergency weather alerts, and winds strong enough to make you wonder if you and your hat are leaving the grounds separately.

It’s all part of the adventure.

⭐ Why the RR&More Virtual Show Series Has Real Value

For many riders, virtual showing is the difference between participating… and sitting out.

For example, you can enter:

Option 1
Ranch Conformation: $15
3 regular classes, score only: $60
Admin fee: $10
Total: $85

Option 2
Ranch Conformation: $15
3 regular classes with scorecards & feedback: $75
Admin fee: $10
Total: $100

No fuel bill.
No stall.
No tack stall.
No camping.
No hotel.
No hauling.
No 5 a.m. mornings.
No long show days waiting around.
No time off work just to travel.
No truck and trailer required.

Yes, you still need to set up your pattern, video your ride, upload your video, and submit your link — but that process is valuable too.

When you set up your own pattern, you start to see it differently.

You notice transitions, spacing, preparation points, and where your horse needs more support.

That’s part of the learning.

Make it a barn day.
Invite friends.
Set up the patterns together.
Video each other.
Cheer each other on.
Order pizza or have a potluck.
Turn it into something fun.

If you’re part of a small riding group that would love to bring in a judge but can’t justify the cost of travel, facility fees, or minimum numbers, this may be a fantastic option.

You still set a goal.
You still get scored by an accredited judge.
You still get feedback, if you choose it.
You still get a way to measure progress.
You still get a reason to ride, practice, and improve.

Virtual showing isn’t here to replace live shows.

It’s here to support riders, build confidence, keep people involved, and make the live show opportunities you do take part in even more meaningful.

Try the virtual show — you might find it’s a fun, motivating option.

Ride. Learn. Improve.

The horse world has changed a lot over the last few years.

Maybe the show pen you once knew doesn’t feel the same anymore. Maybe you’re still riding, but without the same structure or reason to keep working toward something.

That’s where Ranch Riding & More comes in.

This community was created for riders who still want a reason to saddle up.

A reason to practice.
A reason to learn something new.
A reason to set a small goal.
A reason to keep enjoying the ride, even when life is busy, confidence is shaky, or the old version of the horse world doesn’t quite fit anymore.

You don’t have to be chasing points.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You don’t have to be in a big show barn.

You just need a horse, a goal, and a willingness to keep learning.

Different paths.
Different goals.
Same community.

Ride. Learn. Improve.

THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU HERE

Not everyone is chasing a world title.

Some riders are just getting started.
Some are returning after years away.
Some are rebuilding confidence.
Some are starting a young horse.
Some are riding an older horse.
Some simply enjoy learning and spending time with their horse.

At Ranch Riding & More, we believe progress matters more than perfection.

That's why our Virtual Show Series includes opportunities for riders at multiple levels—including our Intro (Walk/Walk) division designed for those who are not yet ready to trot or lope.

Because every rider deserves a place to learn, grow, and participate.

📖 Learn more in the June issue of the RR&More Digital Magazine:

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/bc995c05ac.html

👉 Tap the link above to open the magazine.
👉 Swipe or use the arrows to turn the pages.
👉 Tap any page to enlarge it for easier reading.

Ride • Learn • Improve

🎉 WOO HOO! The first issue of RR&More Digital Magazine has arrived! 🎉

What started as a simple newsletter idea quickly grew into something much bigger. Along the way, I learned a lot, had a few late nights, changed my mind more than once, and discovered that creating a magazine is a much bigger project than it looks from the outside!

This first issue was built from the RR&More newsletter and will now replace it going forward. My goal is to create something that is easy to read, enjoyable on phones, tablets, and computers, and filled with stories, ideas, opportunities, and inspiration for real riders and real horses.

A very special thank you goes to Linda Jackson for being our very first Member Spotlight feature.

Inside this issue you'll find:
• Member stories
• Riding and horse keeping ideas
• Community features
• Ranch horse information
• A few laughs
• And some exciting news about what's coming next for RR&More

📖 Read the June 2026 issue here:

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/bc995c05ac.html

Grab your favorite beverage, put your feet up, and enjoy the very first issue of RR&More Digital Magazine.

Ride • Learn • Improve

📖 RR&More Digital Magazine – June 2026

Before you click the link, have a quick look at the image below if you've never used a digital flipbook before.

✅ Click the magazine link
✅ Wait for it to load
✅ Use the arrows to turn pages
✅ Zoom in anytime for easier reading

Then enjoy the magazine!

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/bc995c05ac.html

Thought for the Day

Have you ever sat in the warm-up pen or at the gate and changed your plan after watching the riders ahead of you?

Did it work out well?

Or did it leave you wishing you'd trusted your original plan?

There is tremendous value in observing others, especially those who are consistently successful. If you're attentive and objective, you can learn a great deal by watching how they approach a pattern, set up a maneuver, manage their horse, or recover from a mistake.

But observation and imitation aren't always the same thing.

I've seen competitors arrive with a solid plan, then begin second-guessing themselves after watching a few rides.

Suddenly they're changing their line, adjusting their speed, altering a transition, or trying something they hadn't planned to do—all because someone ahead of them did it differently.

Sometimes that adjustment is an improvement.

Sometimes it's the moment they abandon a plan that was perfectly suited to their horse and their abilities.

I've also seen riders make much bigger mistakes—including being disqualified because they followed what someone else did instead of following the pattern or rules themselves. It's amazing how quickly doubt can creep in when you're standing at the gate watching others ride.

The problem is that the rider ahead of you may have made a mistake. They may have misunderstood the pattern. They may be taking a risk you're not prepared to take. Or they may simply have a horse capable of something yours isn't.

Watch. Learn. Evaluate.

But before making changes, ask yourself:

**"Is this actually better for my horse and my skill level, or am I simply reacting to what someone else did?"**

The most successful competitors often observe everything around them, but they still ride *their* plan.

**Confidence doesn't mean ignoring new information. It means knowing the difference between learning from others and losing trust in yourself.**

Sometimes the smartest thing you can do is trust the preparation you did before you entered the arena.

**Learn from everyone. Follow carefully. Think for yourself.**

What's coming Sunday?

Maybe a few things you never knew you needed.

— Ranch Riding & More Magazine —

Weekend Warm-Up is now live in the Practice Pen & Ranch Riding Essentials group!

This week's challenge:
⭐ One Obstacle, Many Possibilities ⭐

We've included Ranch Trail patterns, ideas for all levels, and some questions designed to get you thinking, planning, and exploring new possibilities with your horse.

Want to learn, build confidence, and connect with a supportive community of horse people?

👇 Join the group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1342925636499545

📋 Please take a minute to answer the membership questions when you request to join.

See you in the Practice Pen! 🤠