On a dusty May weekend in western Colorado, the Grand Junction Horse Show Association didn’t just showcase equestrian skills — it honored the hands that hold the reins behind the reins: mothers.

At first glance, the GJHSA’s Mother’s Day Show might look like any other regional horse event. Riders polished boots, horses pawed at gravel, and spectators shaded their eyes under wide-brimmed hats. But beneath the usual routines was something tender — a deliberate celebration of moms.

Held over May 10–11, the show marked the group’s third outing of the season, with two distinct flavors: ranch versatility classes on Saturday and performance horse competitions on Sunday. Yet between the action, the GJHSA carved out time for gratitude, laughter, and handmade Mother’s Day cards that carried more weight than ribbons.

A Pause for the People Behind the Riders

At midday on Sunday, the show took a break from the stiff competition. Instead of scores and stopwatches, the arena filled with something softer: thank-you cards, flower drawings, and a crowd-wide raffle for floral gift baskets.

Jessica Ferro, the GJHSA President, was visibly moved. “Parents give so much at these shows,” she said. “It’s long, it’s hot, and emotions can run high. So it’s really heartening to watch the kids pause and show some appreciation.”

Every child had been asked to write or draw something for their mom ahead of time. Some created colorful messages filled with hearts and glitter. Others kept it simple. One young rider simply wrote, “Thank you for driving me here every weekend.”

Ferro said the group intentionally added the Mother’s Day element years ago — not just to acknowledge parents, but to teach young equestrians to recognize the community supporting their journey.

Giving Space to Learn — and Belong

Beyond the holiday gestures, the GJHSA’s larger mission has remained remarkably consistent: creating space for riders to learn, grow, and connect in a region where those opportunities can be rare.

“Western Colorado doesn’t have a lot of equestrian programs,” said Ferro. “We’re filling a gap. We pride ourselves on being that training ground — whether someone’s here for their first show or their 15th.”

And it shows.

The group’s events often attract riders from all over Mesa and Delta counties. Many are amateurs or teens, some are hobbyists — and all are welcome.

Here’s a snapshot of this season’s attendance so far:

As numbers rise, so does the group’s visibility — and their ability to host events that celebrate more than just blue ribbons.

Performance, Patience, and Personal Growth

The two-day format provides a blend of competition styles. Saturday’s ranch versatility events test practical skills — working gates, dragging logs, completing controlled patterns. Sunday’s shows lean more toward finesse: English riding, horsemanship, showmanship at halter.

But regardless of event, Ferro said the goal is always growth.

“My favorite part is watching someone who’s totally nervous at their first show — unsure of themselves, unsure of their horse,” she said. “By the end of the season, they’ve made friends. They’re confident. They feel like they belong.”

This season has already seen new riders move up from walk-trot to lope divisions. Others have learned to properly tack up, execute show patterns, or handle a spooked gelding with grace.

One 13-year-old girl, whose horse balked during her first event, returned Sunday with a polished performance that drew quiet applause. Her mother, beaming, stood at the rail. “We worked hard this week,” she whispered.

A Family Affair — And Not Just for Mother’s Day

The GJHSA isn’t just a club. It’s increasingly a family tradition.

For many local families, the shows are weekend commitments — part sport, part bonding time. Grandparents hold leashes while parents adjust stirrups. Siblings pass water bottles and cheer from folding chairs.

And that’s why the group is planning something special for Father’s Day Weekend, too. Their June 14–15 show will include a “Daddy Lead Line” — where kids lead their horses around while their fathers ride, reversing the usual roles.

“We try to make these shows fun, memorable,” Ferro said. “Yes, it’s competition. But it’s also joy.”

Horses, Heart, and the Road Ahead

As the sun dipped low on Sunday, riders began loading their trailers, brushing down their horses and folding chairs. The scent of hay mixed with sunscreen and the last scraps of barbecue.

But the mood wasn’t tired — it was fulfilled.

The kids had thanked their moms. The moms had cheered them on. The GJHSA had, once again, delivered more than a horse show.

It delivered community.

And come June, they’ll saddle up again — ready to honor a few good dads and keep teaching western Colorado what horses can bring to a town, if you let them.