If you don’t already know why your parents dislike your fiancé, you should ask them. Once you know exactly what their concerns are, you can take steps to address them and hopefully improve the relationship.  You might say, for example, “Mom, Dad, I know that you don’t care for my fiancé very much. But I’m not sure why. Could we talk about it?” Or, you might directly say to them, “Could you tell me why you don't like my fiancé?” It may be easier for you to begin the process of overcoming your parents’ dislike for your fiancé without your future spouse’s presence.  You’re likely to have a greater comfort level this way, and your parents may be more willing to speak freely.  You don’t have to hide this from your fiancé, though; say something like “I’m going to talk to my parents about why they seem to dislike you. I think it will be best if we bring you into the discussion a little later.” Listen carefully and calmly to what your parents have to say. Find out if the problem is finances, prospects, attitude, background, beliefs, or some other factors. After you’ve spoken to your parents alone, or, right from the start if you prefer, sit down with them and your fiancé and talk about the situation. Having open and honest communication about what is going on and how your parents feel may bring a peaceful and happy resolution to the situation.  Try to talk at a neutral place like a restaurant or a park. You all may be less likely to get upset in a public place like this. You might tell your parents and your fiancé,  “We’re all going to sit down and talk about this situation so that we can work it out.” Be calm but firm in your insistence that your marriage plans will not be derailed and that an accommodation must be reached. Sometimes parents have concerns about their future in-laws because of worries they have for their child’s happiness. Talk to your parents about your decision and let them know that they have nothing to worry about. This can help alleviate some of their worries and help them like your fiancé a bit better.  For example, you could say, “You guys raised me well and I hope you can trust that I’ve thought this decision through. I know that I’m making the right choice and that I’m planning for a successful future with my fiancé.” Or, you might say, “I know that you want the best for me. If you give my fiancé a chance, I’m sure that your feelings will change.”

Summary: Ask your parents what their concerns are. Talk to your parents alone. Talk about the situation as a group. Reassure your parents.


Keep the graphic or child’s name visible and facing outward. Slide the ring toy through the top so they hold the two blanket ends. Slide the toy until it is almost all the way down to the diaper tire. Check that it fits snugly. Slide a small piece of rolled-up light cardboard inside each handlebar roll.  Try to pin in place if they don’t hold naturally.  You may need to pin the toy in place, especially if the toy is pliable. You now have a fun, cute and very useful gift to give to the expectant mom.

Summary: Pin the bib to the top of the front diaper tire. Hold the ends of the front diaper tire blanket upward. Insert the baby bottle above the bib and underneath the ring toy. Create more definition and strength in the handlebars. Stuff the baby socks with a small amount of tissue paper to puff up the garment. Top the handlebars with one sock on each side. Add the second bib to the back diaper tire the same way you added the first bib to the front. Prop the stuffed toy on top so it appears that the toy is riding the motorcycle. Finished.


Because shows are often stressful areas for horses (with all the other horses and people present), it is important to try to keep as normal of a feed schedule as possible. Get all their regular food and at least two buckets for water. When you get to the show, try to feed them at the same times as you normally would at home. The worse thing is showing up to a show missing some of the necessary tack and equipment that you will need. Make a checklist of everything you will need for the show, including any riding or exercise gear and blankets. Put all of these together and check them off your list prior to leaving, just to make sure you’ve gotten everything you could possibly need.  Clean and polish all tack before heading to the show for the best presentation. Check with your show circuit's regulations; some bits, aids and pieces of tack are prohibited. For example, 4-H has severe restrictions on the types of bits used, and some riding clubs or associations don't allow figure-eights, draw reins, etc. Driving long distances in a trailer can be especially stressful for some horses. Rather than arriving at your show with a frightened, anxious horse, help to minimize their anxiety by bringing another horse along for the ride. They’ll be much more calm upon arrival than if you hadn’t. Call the event venue that you are showing at, and see if you need to bring your own bedding for the stall. Many shows require that you bring your own shavings to fill the stall with, as well as any hooks or chains, and a wheelbarrow/bucket and pick for cleaning. See what will be available for communal use at the show and what you need to bring from home - and make sure what you’re bringing meets any guidelines the venue may have. No matter where you travel, it is always important to have a first aid kit prepared for your horse. Bring all basic supplies to treat for basic cuts and abrasions as well as bruises or swelling. Be sure to do the same with a human first aid kit, should you encounter an accident of some sort. You’ll be away from home, so it’s best to prepare for everything and anything. Pack a spare set of show clothes in case something happens to your own, making them unusable for the show. Additionally, you could choose to pack a pair of more comfortable clothes/shoes for the ride to and from the venue.
Summary: Prepare your horse's food and water. Gather all your tack. Get a trailer companion prepared, if necessary. Prepare the necessary stall equipment. Get a first aid kit prepared, for both horses and humans. Bring a change of clothes.