WSCA Digital Spotlight www . wsca . org 2024 - May - 17
Hello Everyone !
Meet Your
ROYALTY Natali Steffensen
2023-2024 WSCA Ms . Horsemanship
April showers bring May flowers , and horse shows ! April was a blast between the WSCA Royalty Clinic , Minnesota Horse Expo , and spending time with family and friends . It was an absolute blast being able to meet so many amazing ladies at the Royalty Clinic , and to get to visit some of our favorite vendors at the Minnesota Horse Expo .
As much fun as I had in April , I am beyond excited to get my horses back into the show pen- starting May 5th at Northwest Saddle Club . My mare , Angel , turned 30 this year and we will be trying our hand at pleasure classes . Angel has never shown pleasure before so it is going to be a learning curve for both of us . Wrangler , who turned 27 in March , continues to be a force to be reckoned with at game shows . While he does not show as often as he used to , he still loves to come out and remind me that he ’ s still got it . As we head into show season , I want to highlight a few things that I find to be important .
First and foremost , be kind- to your horse , to other exhibitors , to the judges , and to yourself . Showing horses can be extremely stressful , especially when things aren ’ t going your way . Take a deep breath and focus on the positives . You are out here competing with a 1,000lbs animal and that is amazing . Somewhere , there is someone watching , wishing they could be just like you . Make sure you set a good example by being kind .
Secondly , treat your horse , and yourself , like the athletes you are . For my horses , this means having an amazing vet to address any concerns with , a fantastic farrier , a nutritionist , a massage therapist , and a chiropractor to keep them feeling their very best . We enjoy spending a lot of time trotting down the trails to condition and build muscle ( for us both ), along with a short sprint and some arena work once to twice a week .
My final point today : have fun ! Showing horses is a huge commitment and is something we put a lot of time and energy into . It ’ s easy to get caught up in the competition and forget the reason we are here- to have fun ! It brings me just as much joy to be standing outside the arena cheering my competitors on , giving advice when asked , and helping others when needed . I encourage everyone else to and do the same- cheer for others , and volunteer to help ! I promise no matter what show you are at , they are always in need of another barrel setter or someone to watch the gate for a bit . Be the person to step up and help .
See you at the shows ,
Natali Steffensen
2023 - 2024 WSCA Ms . Horsemanship