Should I go to New York State Fair with my 20 year old Appaloosa??

Question

I just finished the Genesee County Fair yesterday and my mom asked me if I wanted to do State Fair. I said that I would think about it, and I have quite a few first places and second places. My Appaloosa gelding is 20 years old, so I know that this would be a good experience to do while I'm still a Junior and competition isn't that tough like Seniors, and when my horse still has a few good years in him. But it would also mean giving up going to a Civil War place with my grandpa, and it really means a lot to him. I would also like to go with him, because the Civil War really interests me. But I also was thinking about how the State Fair would be a good experience, and I think it would earn me points for the Champion Junior Reserve Champion Junior thing at the end of next year when we all move up to Senior. And my horse does really well in a few classes, definitely trail (we got Champion against one other Junior and two other Seniors!!). So I know we would do well, but I wanted opinions.

Answer 1

This is a tough one.  I hope you treat your horse well.  You sound like a very responsible and considerate person, so you probably do.

Could you go to the Civil War place another time?  If not, you might ask your mother for advice.  Maybe your grandfather could go with you to the state fair?  Of course, grandfathers don't live forever, and it might be worth giving up the fair experience for the time with him . . . I'm sure you'll make the right choice.  :)