It took only 20 minutes in the show ring, but it represented months of hard work and dedication.
How to make this a compound-complex sentence?
Although it took only 20 minutes in the show ring, it represented months of hard work and dedication, which shows how important preparation and training are in achieving success.
To make this a compound-complex sentence, you can add an independent clause that provides additional information or contrasts with the main clause. Here's an example:
"It took only 20 minutes in the show ring, which represented months of hard work and dedication, yet the sense of accomplishment was unparalleled."