by Syd, age 12

Okay, so you’ve read part one, an introduction to the different types of shows. Now you’re ready for part two! You’ve chosen your show discipline and what kinds of classes you’re geared toward. Now it’s time to get prepared for the big day!

The first and definitely most important thing you will do leading up to your first show is choosing what horse you will be riding! If you take lessons and ride at a riding stable, chances are you will be going to your first show with many of the riders at your barn, which means your barn has lesson horses. Most barns will probably let you lease one of their lesson horses for a show if you take lessons there. However, I would suggest leasing the horse you ride in your lessons so you can spend as much time as possible training, bonding and preparing together! If you already have your own horse(s), that’s great. But is that horse the one to start off your showing career? Hopefully! If not, you can always invest in a trusty show partner and still keep your other horse, or you can always lease someone else’s horse until yours is ready!

Training: this is the most important thing after you have chosen your show partner. Ride as often as possible. That is, if you have your own horse, ride as much as possible; if you lease a horse, ride that horse every day you have him or her, and if you take lessons, make every one count! Riding is important to maintain you and your horse’s physical condition. Training also helps maintain you (and your horse’s) mental condition. ‘Isn’t riding the same as training?’ you may ask. The answer is no. Riding can be part of training, but it isn’t the only thing involved. Training can include teaching your horse to trailer (I would suggest having your instructor or a friend help you teach your horse this), teaching your horse good manners, and/or teaching your horse how to behave at shows. This helps maintain your mental condition because it keeps you on your toes, which comes in handy at shows. Now, I suggest taking your horse to one or two shows (without entering any classes) to get him used to the atmosphere and schedule. Maybe accompany a friend or trainer (who may be taking some of your fellow riders) to one.

Planning: the best way to avoid last minute confusion is to PLAN AHEAD! First things first, make sure you register. Usually, you will register before you arrive at the show or right when you get there. Either way, always do it immediately! The day before, organize what you are going to wear and pack everything you need. It would be best to bathe and braid your horse and clean all your tack the day before the show. That way you aren’t left scrabbling for extra time! Don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep! A cranky rider makes for a cranky horse, which means a bad and disappointing showing! Also remember, whoever is taking you to the show needs to know what time you need to be there!

Show time: it’s the day you’ve been waiting for — show day! Make sure you wake up early enough to have plenty of time to get ready! Get to the show grounds early to warm up and walk your jumping course, go over your dressage test or practice your showmanship pattern. Also remember to keep a blue ribbon positive attitude throughout the whole day! Have good sportsmanship, don’t go sour when you lose, congratulate the winner and also don’t let it go to your head when you do win. Congratulate the other riders! Dealing with nerves and pre-class jitters can be pretty tough, but here are some tips:

• Breathe deeply (or at least remember to breathe!)
• Visualize you and your horse having a decent ride
• Sit quietly and talk with your horse or fellow competitors
• Have confidence and don’t forget to smile!
• If you do get frustrated, DO NOT — I repeat, DO NOT — take it out on your horse. Figure out what is frustrating you, and figure out how to cope with it.
• Go out there and have fun!

Now, the long grueling day of competition is over. Maybe you and your horse took home everything and had a totally awesome showing, getting blues in almost every class! Or maybe you had a moderately okay showing and have a few things that need improving. Whatever the case, CONGRATULATIONS on making it through your first horse show! And please read the final part to my three-part blog on what to do afterwards!

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