Getting Ready for the Fair Shoot

Tomorrow is my absolute, most favorite shoot of the year! It takes place during the Hillsboro County Fair in New Boston and we get quite a crowd. It is tons of fun to shoot with lots of spectators. All the Mounted Shooters dress in their best attire to wow the crowd. One year we even had young kids coming up to us for our autographs! With all that goes on around the arena, it can get tough to concentrate and remember that it's not all about the clothes (although some may differ on that), but we actually want to win! Regardless of how we place, it's always a good time.
This past weekend, my husband & I had a young couple over who just started shooting last year. We have a large arena in our backyard (225' X 90') and not many people in NH have access to that size arena let alone one they can shoot in! Rob B. had stopped in my store last year because he knew I was a Cowboy Mounted Shooter and wanted to get involved. I don't think I've ever met anyone with such a desire to get into the sport. He made it very clear that he was not one of those people who say they want to do something and then don't do it. In fact, he was so determined to get involved that he stopped in the following day and then brought in his wife two days later. The next clinic was being held about 2 1/2 hrs. away the following weekend and I didn't think they'd go that far just to give it a try but they did! They're such a nice, friendly couple. They've fit right in and have many mentors to help them. Mounted Shooters like helping each other out because that's what helps grow the sport and stir the excitement. It's great to start someone and watch them grow as a competitor.
This season we hadn't seen much of Rob & Dina. They were at the first shoot of the season but then seemed to disappear. We'll last week, Rob stopped by the store still sporting the enthuasiam I always love. (I found out later he was sick as a dog and should have been home in bed. Once his wife was out of the house he snuck out, unable to stay away any longer!) He explained that his horse has been recovering from a leg injury but Dina was going to come to the fair shoot and they were excited. (See, I told you everyone likes shooting at the fair, no matter what!) Realizing that she hadn't shot off her horse for a few months and both Dina and the horse were new to the sport, I mentioned that they should come over to our house to get in some practice before the shoot. So they did, the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. We had a blast (pardon the pun) and I felt really good about being able to help out. Our babysitter wasn't available so I stayed with the kids and watched, occasionally stepping in to give my two cents. It didn't matter that I wasn't riding, my husband, Rob and Dina were and to me that's what the day was about. Besides, sometimes I get more out of watching than participating. After the practice we all sat down for some burgers and cowboy chat. What a great time, what a great couple. To me, it's the Rob & Dina's in this world that make this sport what it is.