9 Things You Remember if You Showed in the 80s

by Kim Ablon Whitney

1. Rocking the rust breeches.

2. When you were forced to wear a chinstrap.

3. Going to a different show each week.

4. The USEF was the AHSA.

5. Nearly every trainer smoked.

6. Competing on grass was the norm, sometimes courses even had hills, and you didn't scratch when it rained.

7. Riders prepared their own horses for the ring.

8. Even local shows gave beautiful silver plates and trophies.

9. The U.S. Equestrian Team was #1 in the world and you had a poster of Gem Twist or Touch of Class in your bedroom or barn.