🏇 Off to the Races Live 2025 🏇

So, this was an unexpected twist. I fully expected Steel City Live to be my final show of the season. And it ended on a high note! I was on the wait list for Off to the Races intentionally - I had planned on entering for the Hoofbeats and Maple Treats Collector Club Event, and they were on the same weekend. Since the Hoofbeats attendees would be pulled after entries for Off to the Races opened, I didn't want to back out of the show if I was able to attend the Canada event. I ended up as #10 on the wait list, didn't get drawn for Canada, and assumed I would be done with shows for the year after Steel City.

Then, late in the evening on the Monday before Off to the Races. I got a private message from the show host that I was next on the waitlist, and would I like to attend? Well, several of my friends were attending, so of course I said yes! I threw together a show string, made more documentation than I should have, and packed my ponies over the course of four days. I was excited to finally have a show where I had 1) a fully healed arm and 2) no judging responsibilities. Not many of my traditionals have come out to play this year because of that, so I was excited to rotate the string and bring a few more babies out.

I think the majority of my placings ended up being in collectability, which I'm fine with. Particularly for mini! I was selecting my mini string with collectability in mind. I fought hard for the breed placings I received, especially in OF Breyer. Hindsight is 20/20, and I've learned what I need to bring the next time I show under that judge.

I also brought eight Stone chips with me to show. Of those eight, three came home with section reserve champs in collectability. The moment I Don't Collect These was announced to the show hall will forever be etched in my memory - everyone really enjoyed his name! I'm glad my meager string had success, and I'm looking forward to getting them out more next year.

The best part of the show, as always, was getting to hang out with my friends. It was a pleasure to have three-fourths of one of my hobby group chats together, and I always value getting to see my local show friends. I'm so grateful the regions I show in have such friendly and welcoming people.