Ready, Set, Show! - Part Three
Published by GHC • Feb 10th, 2008 • Category: Junior Bloggers, Showing and Sport, by Syd
Syd, age 12
You’ve read part one and part two, so now it’s time for the final part! This will be all about what to do after you have survived your first horse show!
The first thing you should do after every show and every class (aside from taking care of your horse) is review your performance. What was it that bumped you down to third? Why did you get the blue? Why didn’t you even place? Maybe do this with a friend or trainer who was watching so you can get their point of view! I wouldn’t suggest doing this with a parent, because all you’ll probably hear is, “You did fine, honey!” or “You should have gotten first, not fourth!” and so on. Some more questions to ask are: What went well? What didn’t go so well? What did YOU like about this class? What do you think YOUR HORSE liked about the show? Whatever you review, it will be worthwhile so you do as good or better in your next show!
Also, NEVER forget to tidy up your area at the show grounds. It will be appreciated and will leave a warm feeling for the next time you compete! Don’t forget to try and watch a few classes throughout the hectic day – you might learn a thing or two! When you leave, say goodbye to your riding and showing friends. No matter how they did, make sure to congratulate them on their performances and ask them questions so you can do just as well! Maybe keep a horse show diary that you always remember to review. This will also give you something to look through at the end of the season so you can see how much you have improved and grown.
‘What’s next?’ will probably be the first thing in your mind or out of your mouth to your instructor after your first show. Well the answer is: another show of course! If you liked showing, that is probably the best next step. If you feel you are not ready to enter the crazy and demanding world of horse shows, that’s okay. Talk to your instructor about it, and play it safe and slow until you think you’re ready to give it another shot! Again, if you like showing, here are some tips on planning yours season after your first show: first, write down all the shows you want to attend that season, then use a budget to figure out how much you think it will cost for you and your horse to attend all those shows. Discuss this with your parents and trainer. Next, take care of scheduling. Do you have other things going on during your show season? If so, cancel or plan around them. Also, don’t forget to ask your parents if they can take you to all your shows; if not, can you get a ride with some one else? Now you are ready for a full season, so have fun!
Also, talk to your riding instructor about when you’re ready to move up a level. Whether this consists of higher jumps, a new dressage level, upgrading your show circuit to more difficult shows or moving on to a more advanced horse, make sure you’re ready! Another things: if you change disciplines, don’t expect to immediately be able to show. If you do move up in show circuits, for instance, from B-rated to A circuit shows, don’t expect to be at the same skill level you were at the B-rated shows. If you are supposed to jump at 3’6”, maybe tone it down to just 3’2”.
In horse showing, there are so many questions, things to prepare, classes and shows that sometimes it is so crazy you just want to scream. Of course, this is the contract you “sign” when you say, “I want to enter my first show!” I’m going to leave you with some show advice: “Always look ahead to the future, but don’t forget to concentrate on the present, and never forget the past!” Yes, I know – another horse show riddle for you to figure out on the way to your next show!
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Syd, you did a what’s the word…good? Definitely not. Great? No, not that either. FANTASTIC job on these blogs! They are WONDERFUL!
Syd, YAY those blogs were AWESOME,TERRIFIC, FANTABULOUS!!!! :D :-h
Once again, you have blown me away Syd!
Thanx everyone! I’m glad you all like the blogs!
it was sooooo kool! i can’t wait for my first comp on the 24 of Feb! you have totally insperered me to do my VERY best and i’m defently gonna use your advice from allll of the 3 parts of this blog! at one of the the comps i went to with my old pony i did a dressage test and i thought i did quite well but the second i got to my mum she was like you were late on the canter the second time and you nearly bashed into the fence when you passed it to change direction! boy was i proud that mum accally told me i stuffed up! usally she just says that was fabulous when you can see it was really bad! It ended up that I came 6/7 it wasn’t my best test! but the other test i came first!!! :D
No! This is the end! I hope you write another series of blogs like this, you’re absolutely fantastic at it! When my first show comes I’ll look back at these three blogs and thank you beyond very solemnly. {:D}
This series of blogs was amazing! I totally love it! Great job Syd! You truley are incredible!