[quote=@Zapdos]
<Snipped quote by CloseEnough>
I've never heard of competitive cosplaying, that's interesting. I've never been to a convention either (it's the kind of thing I'd probably only do with someone else and most of my friends aren't into that scene). I did ride horses maybe once or twice, but that was maaany years ago (I was maybe 5 or 6) and it was because there was a horse farm right by my house.
[/quote]
Yeah its a lot of fun! You make your own costumes and document the progress. Take it to judges and than have to find a way to portray your character as closely as you can. 
Sometimes cosplay is not for everyone, lot of work goes into it so you have to be dedicated to a character to want to portray them right. That or have money and commission someone. Though you can't take that on stage.
Been doing it for 6 years now. Hell if you look up Close Enough Cosplay on face book you'll find me XD

Been riding since I was 4 and upgraded to training when I found out you can get paid to ride crazy animals if you don't die! Can you believe that!? XD