Horse Show Mom's Survival Guide

 By Susan S. Daniels

At some point in a mother's life, her child -- most likely, her daughter -- will smile sweetly and say, "Mommy, I want to learn to ride a horse. And then I want to win lots of blue ribbons." What's a mother to do?

Riding to the rescue comes Susan S. Daniels, an experienced and accomplished Horse Show Mom. Taking the perplexed parent under her wing, she provides advice for the following: Locating a suitable lesson stable; Deciding when or whether to buy a horse or a pony; Outfitting horse and rider; How to tell when your child is ready for competition; What's expected of horse and rider at various levels of proficiency; What supplies moms should always have on hand; How to deal with your child's triumphs and tears; and, how to understand complicated but crucial point systems for regional and national championships.