Why?

The list of things I need is always a long one and absolutely always beyond my means. The list that also includes my wants is even worse. From the relatively cheap things such as fly spray ($20) to the ridiculously expensive but still needed show saddle ($1,200 - $5,000). Really when I'm faced with such expenses, I think about how ridiculous it is that we put all this money into showing horses for what? Why do we want to do this? Lord knows it isn't for the $.49 ribbon you get if you actually are good enough to win. Is it the recgnition? What is it about those of us that show horses that drives us to shell out thousands of dollars? Every single time since I've been the one shelling out the cash, I end up asking myself "Is it worth it?" But apparently it is, because I'm still doing it. And I still get a thrill when I buy something new for my horse. And I'm still nervous the day of the show for the possibilities that lie ahead.