SHOWS!!!
Showing is one of the ways in which we stretch ourselves.  Shows can be used as a measure of accomplishment - however, the results of most shows are one person's opinion on one day, and as such, have to be taken with a grain of salt.
We at Serendipity use shows as a way to gauge what we can do for our horses, not what our horses can do for us.  Ribbons are not important; interaction with the horse is.  For that reason, we do not show a great deal, preferring instead to test ourselves in other ways!
However, since it is great fun to get the horses all polished up and to go somewhere else and ride at new places, we attend one or two shows each year.

We emphasize sportsmanship, that winning is not everything, but instead we should focus on trying to achieve our goals.
We attend two types of shows: local schooling shows, open to all breeds of horses; and Arabian "A" rated shows, open to Arabians and Half-Arabians, where we show in a variety of classes.
While there is nothing to compare with the feeling of being a show surrounded by nothing but beautiful Arabian horses, often the competition at Open Shows is not only larger, but sometimes better!  Not to mention, much cheaper and has something for everyone!
Either way, we go to enjoy our horses and have a good time.
And most of the time, even though we are not there just for the ribbons, we end up pleasantly surprised!
As long as it's about the horses, it doesn't matter what we do - show, trail ride, or stay home and play:
As long as we're enjoying the horses, it's a good day!
(but winning makes it more fun!)