I was Just Thinking About Chicago Horse Shows...

It’s not the facility – it’s the heart

I was just thinking about Chicago Horse Shows, past, present and future.  There have been a few articles popping up and a lot of rumors about horse shows in the Chicago area, which got me thinking.  

I showed there as a kid and for over 30 years as a professional, remembering when our trainer, Jack Rockwell, who trained at Linda Valetic – Bieniewski’s family farm, first said we should go to Ledges back in the 70’s (yup, dating myself there, Linda was still a junior!). I vividly remember my mother’s response, “What’s Ledges?”

And so it began, like many other riders and professionals who have experienced “Ledges” throughout the years, we quickly learned what that meant. It wasn’t about the one ring indoor arena facility with attached stabling that has been added onto over the years. It wasn’t about the schooling ring with stalls in it and one jump (no stalls there now). It wasn’t about the convenient location or the list of classes that have run on the same schedule for years. So many faces of great riders have come through Ledges throughout the years like Kent Farrington, Will Simpson, the Alex Jayne family, Chris Kappler, Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Todd Minikus just to name a few. So what was it that made showing in Chicago special?

Will Simpson and Bremen Star in 1980 at Ledges, Photo On Course Magazine

I think when people have fond memories of a show it’s sometimes based on the championships, the victories, or the experience of the first win. In Chicago, it’s the camaraderie that comes from hours and days spent with friends and peers. It’s not the “what” that makes the show a favorite, it’s the “heart”, the emotion, the fun, and the sharing of everyday horse show life. Chicago is blessed with a group of supportive and yet competitive trainers like no other area in the country. By the end of the circuit, you know what your friend’s lunch order is and how they take their coffee. It’s the lunch ladies who make the grilled cheese just the way you like it or the office staff that couldn’t be nicer when you need your paperwork finished. That’s why trainers have returned to Ledges for years and how it has earned it’s hashtag #weloveledges.

Ledges aside, what do you think of when asked what your favorite horse show is and why? Show manager Patrick Boyle, has produced some of the most memorable shows in Chicago including shows at the Lamplight facility (many of us remember when it only had one ring). Most Chicago horse-people will say their favorite show of the year was either Showplace Spring Spectacular or the Showplace Fall Championship, but not just because they were at Lamplight but because they were truly special. 

Fun but challenging competition got riders ready for finals. 

Boyle always made sure there was a fun factor.  Junior and amateur riders got to ride in a Gambler’s Choice or a 1.30m Jumper Series, something they didn’t get to do other places. Local medal finals were dreams of all the kids growing up because you got to ride in the grand prix ring and ride through chutes and trees. There were glorious victory gallops and elaborate prizes right down to the Short Stirrup division. Grand prixs were exciting and drew exhibitors and their families back to the ring after their day of showing to cheer on their favorites while socializing with friends.

Creative courses and jumps made the show extra special.

All exhibitors got invited to a party in the VIP tent with food and bar second to none.  Trainers organized baseball games and BBQ’s for all to enjoy. Boyle had ice cream socials and drove around in a golf cart back in the barns to give trainers lunch.  Maybe it was the mimosas served in the office during Sunday check out or the trainer’s steak dinner at Jimmy’s Charhouse that made your day just a little nicer.

Chicago Equestrian Hunter Derbies offer opportunity to riders of all levels.

Let’s not forget the B circuit shows with the Chicago Equestrian Hunter Derby for all levels of riders and the Equitation Finals that get riders ready for the next level. Boyle makes local level and B show riders feel just as important as the Premiere level riders. The stability of nice jumps, beautiful courses and top judges week after week has provided tons of opportunity for riders to show and trainers to generate income for decades. 

As properties change hands and Covid-19 changes our lives for a while, the Chicago area remains a cohesive group and will always prevail. Realizing great horse shows are not just about the facility, but about the heart and feel of the horse show staff and managers, it may be a tough crowd to please with high expectations.  It’s not only the stabling, the footing and the prize money offered, it’s the spirit of the whole package that makes Chicago riders return year after year. 

I remain positive that Coronavirus will be just another stumbling block that we will overcome.  Chicago will always be innovative and create solutions. I am hopeful that up and coming riders will get to experience the great memories that I have had a chance to experience during my career showing in the area.  I will always be grateful for the amazing people I have met along the way. 

Stay positive Chicago – wherever you decide to venture out, remember why we do this and that the opportunity to show and be with our horse show family is a gift. Stay safe and we’ll be back to business as usual before you know it! 

by Brenda Mueller

Photos by Marketing4Equestrians