The day before the 4H show at the Skowhegan Fair Grounds, two of our young Pony Club friends arrived at Thistle Ridge Equestrian Centre for a 7 A.M. lesson. They had made arrangements to groom their horses at the barn and then have the horses stay overnight. We were pleased to be able to be part of the excitement.

The girls turned their horses out in our back paddock for a couple hours before they began their show preparations. Winter had her bath first since she was expecting the farrier to arrive in the afternoon to reset one of her front shoes. Her owner held her while her good friend hosed her down and scrubbed her with shampoo. Then it was Breanna's turn in the wash stall.

The girls trim the long hair around Winter's fetlocks and hooves. Hooves were also given a coat of polish. The girls worked together to help each other when they needed an extra hand. The atmosphere was charged with the excitement of getting ready for the show. I watched and took photos as the day wore on.