Under the Big Top

The impressive indoor ring stretches over a huge piece of ground that lies back behind the big barn. It’s bold, shining white enormity seems out of place among the other smaller, red, wooden buildings on our farm. It was constructed in less than a week, about nine years ago, and no one remembers how we functioned without it. It has become like the kitchen in a home. Even though there are plenty of other spaces to be in at the farm, everyone seems to wind up in the indoor ring. It’s the place where Veronica gives riding lessons, where we hang out, where the vet works on sick horses, and where we hold special events.

The shelter of the giant hollow marshmallow allows us to ride comfortably year round. In the winter, the sides are rolled down and tightly secured to the ground. It may still be cold inside, but we are protected from the whipping winds. Six or seven horses can be ridden at once without feeling overcrowded. When huge snowstorms are expected, we remove everything from the ring, and convert it into a sandy, indoor pasture for the many horses that don’t have a stall on the farm. I think the horses are grateful for a short vacation away from the harsh weather. In the summer, the sides are rolled up revealing bright green pastures in all directions. The canopy protects you from the heat of the sun, and you still feel like you are riding outside. Summer campers love to spend their day in the indoor ring because whether it’s raining, or a sunny, ninety-five degree day, they can be active while being shaded all day long.

Over the years a lot of memories have been made in the indoor ring. Preparing for horse shows, celebrations, like graduations, baptisms and birthdays, football games, sleep overs and cookouts are a few that come to mind. The thing that sticks out most about the indoor ring for me though, is that I know whenever I walk through the giant doors I’ll be greeted with a big, “Hey Ty, what’s up?” by someone who genuinely cares about me.