I'v been riding this pony for a few years in lessons, and my instructor owns her. She asked me to show her all summer at some pretty big shows, and I have only been riding for a couple years, but she convinced me I have a natural ability and the skill to take her to the top. It is my first time showing, and I'm really nervous already. The first show im doing is in May, and its a local Pony Club show. I need tips on grooming, riding, ANYTHING!Oh and I ride english so I will be jumping this summer, so keep that in mind.
Thanks a ton ! :)
Anonymous2009-03-17T11:05:58Z
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My tips are as follows: 1. Pay attention in the ring, I know you might be nervous but be paying attention to you and everyone else. :) 2. Enjoy showing, its a learning experience. 3. Have someone tape you and watch it later with your instructor. 4. Do your best, look your best, and have your horse looking its best! 5. Above all, have fun! :) Good luck and congrats on showing!
Grooming- The horses mane should generally be kept short, about 4 inches. Give the horse a bath a day before the show and blanket them if you can. Wash the mane and tail too. Braid the tail and put it in a tail bag until your about to show. A sleezy works nicely to keep the mane all on one side of the horses neck and also gives the horse and nice shine. Hoof polish is usually used. If your like me with a horse that has some black feet and some white ones then you would generally paint them black.
Riding- As soon as you arrive on show grounds walk your horse around and let them get use to things. If the arena is open lunge your horse. Use the warm up rides! You dont want to go into the arena with a horse that has cold muscles. Walk trot classes are useful to warm you horse up, get them use to the arena, and help the judge notice you before bigger classes.
:D your going to have soo much fun! Showing is so great. I always found that getting ready can be the best part. My tips would be always try to look good when the judge is looking at you, if you have to fix something do it when the judge isn't looking. Another thing is, dont be to competative, it brings out the worst in us sometimes, and why horse people have been given a bad name when it comes to showing. Just have fun, win or lose its all about the experience! And one more thing just run everything through your head; keep your heels down, eyes up, and dont forget to smile!!
goodluck! I'm sure you'll bring home lots of ribbons ;)
I was really nervous at shows at first, and chicked out on my second show, but this year I plan to do 2 shows in one year and plan to actully compete in them...lol. try to stay calm, its best to get there early and ride, ride, ride! right up untill its your turn to enter the ring. This prepares your horse and you for the show, and it really works! if your not confident to do that at first, then lunge your horse first for a few mintues and then ride. but its very important to ride lots before you enter the ring, don't make him sweaty, but just work on transitions, lead changes, a few jumps, ect... this will really help your confidence. Oh and don't rush! this will only make you and your horse all wound up before the show, leave LOTS of time between your wake up time, to the show ring time.
grooming is a snap just make her look SHINEY and ride like you normally ride don't forget toes up, heels down, back straight, shoulder back, and head up. JK! remember that though the judges are looking around you don't want to be Raggedy Ann on horse back. trust me you'll have a lot of fun!