FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES SEPTEMBER 2012 61
By Sarah Ward
It’s almost time for school to start back up, meaning summer
shows are wrapping up and most of the kids are rushing to
fnish their summer reading. It’s so strange to me that I no
longer have to worry about that; but instead I am dreading my
21 hour course load for the fall semester!
This is about the time that I listen to Boys of Summer on
repeat while I pack up my bags and head back for classes. This
year is different from all the rest for me, as I will not be able
to ride until at least December (if I listen to my doctor, which I
have learned over time, is probably for the best), meaning that
I will be missing Derby Finals and Indoors. However, I will be
watching from the sidelines as my sweet boy Onassis shows
with Liza Towell. Hopefully I will be able to miss class so I can
be in Kentucky; but regrettably my course load will probably
force me to stay home. While that is frustrating, technology will
keep me from missing any of the action.
Nowadays, most of the big classes are broadcast online
somewhere – so while I won’t be sitting in the stands, I’ll still
be able to be there in some way or another. I suppose this is
the way that I will make it through until I can be on the back of
a horse again!
How anyone lived without the Internet or smart phones is
completely beyond me, because I, for one, would be totally lost.
One thing that I have found really comes in handy, especially
for trainers, is the USHJA iPhone application that gives you
anything and everything you need to know at a horse show.
There are also applications to keep track of your horses’
e
My Line
records so you never can forget a thing (unless of course, you
forget to put it in your phone!). There are countless other apps
and websites to keep me updated and busy enough until the day
I’m back in the saddle. Think about the wonders of technology;
you can make your entries via your phone, fnd out the order
of go, learn about everyone from the judges to the competition,
get directions to the horse shows or even directions to your
favorite food tent on the grounds if you want! Photos and videos
can be sent to loved ones with a click of the button…about the
only thing that technology can’t get in the way of is the actual
thrill of being on your horse as you stride round the ring at a
nice pace and meet every fence correctly. There is no software
program or app that
can compete with that!
Some of my favorite
websites are
the
obvious -- Sidelines,
Chronicle of
the
Horse, Phelps Sports,
USEF and Practical
Horseman. I also like to
get on ShowNet, Horse
Shows Online and any
of the photography
websites to keep up
to date on everything!
What are some of your
favorite websites and
apps?