I went in a horse show yesterday...? (read more!)?

First of all GOOD JOB!

Next, to answer your question:

One thing you can do is to ask the judge why they placed others above you and what you could do to improve. Judges are usually pretty helpful and imformative. Another thing is don't be a bad sport. If you get in a huff you're not going to learn any thing. Also Watching other classes/shows that are the same type classes as your's, this will give you a chance to watch other riders and see thier styles of riding/halter etc. (you can't get this experience from your own class(s) b/c you shouldn't be waching the other horses.)

I hope this helps and good look at your next show!

= D

I agree it makes showing soo much more fun when you win ribbons. But at the end of the day the placing comes down to the judge and his/her preferences. I would place 1st's in classes with my fjord horse when the judges were more fond of ponies or short stocky breeds. If I were to go into a class with a more arabian loving judge then my very novice friend would win the class over me with her flightly Arab that would never stand still. Keep up the good work though and always go to shows for fun. Shows should never be looked upon as a test or a way to determine if your horse "sucks or not". Have fun!

When I show I don't care if I place. I know if my horse does well, and if it does, then I've had a successful show.

There will ALWAYS be judges that will not like you....it's all part of showing. Some judges will love ya, some won't even look at ya. The main thing is that if a judge doesn't like something about you, DO NOT change anything! You'll only confuse your horse and probably end up doing even worse than before.

Remember...don't be hard on yourself if ever you do not place and get the gate....Horse show judging is a highly subjective experience...many judges will not "like" you today and fall all over themselves tomorrow for you. I've been there and experienced that quite a few times.

Never stop practicing your showmanship moves; practice those religously. Practice showmanship on different patterns to keep your self sharp.

Practice your equitation every day if only for a few minutes at a time.....

You'll learn what kind of a sportsman you are by not placing....So very many lessons on how to be a good loser. Just a bucket full. Learn how to stay focused on the task at hand...do not be distracted by someone who "might beat you"....do your homework at home...NOT in the showpen.

Keep your initial showing experiences at smaller, open shows. Will allow you to gain additional confidence...then as you continue to show and be successfull, you'll have to determine if you want to get really serious about it....the fun is there but the competition is knife edged.

Make sure you lunge your horse prior to your showmanship class...you need to have her drain off that energy....she'll quit hyping if you do that. Don't load her up with a bunch of processed grain the night before the show...you'll have her walking out of her stall on the ceiling......self defeating.

Keep realistic expectations while you are showing...if you've not done your homework...and you lose...whose fault is that?? Not your horses.

Keep your horse groomed to perfection...you can get around quite a few exhibitors if you do that...many don't put the time and effort into having a horse look it's best at all times.

My horses are always groomed as though they're headed to a fancy party...people tease me about it but I've never lost a class to poor grooming.....everyone else exhibiting around me has!!!!

As my most favorite trainer used to say, "We didn't come to lose", and we didn't.

And, two thumbs up to you for placing so very well at your show!! That's exciting stuff!!!

....keep track of that judge and remember to show to her again. She liked you yesterday and she'll like you again tomorrow just as long as you continue to show her that you are worthy of that first place ribbon.

think about how many people were in each class.

did you happen to see any of the other people in the class?

where they doing anywhere NEAR as well as you.

you should ALWAYS have confidence when you are in a show.

that is what makes the judge want to pick you [confidence is a big part of equitation classes] so i would recommend NOT getting your hopes up. just keep competing in different shows! the more practice you get in a show, the BETTER you get. and if you are under 18 i would recommend trying to get in 4-h if you have any clubs near you. they have shows all the time that are a really nice learning expeirience.... it really clues you in on what you need to be doing in a show.

and if you are unsure about anything you are able to ask your 4-h leader any questions you have

GOOD LUCK!

well, my first show I went too I got all first too. I usually always get first in almost every show. However, the most recent show I went to, and it wasn't as hard as some I have been to, i didnt place at all. It was very dissapointing and all, but life goes on and stuff. I am working on improving my horse and I and next time we r going to try harder. That is how I look at it.

My horse would not stand still either, and he wouldn't slow down too

You learn to lose, LOL. I have had horses that I would be shocked if we didn't win, and then when I retired those horses and had to start over I was surprised when I didn't care if I won. Bottom line our relationship with horses is about their training and interaction. I am very pleased if I go to a show and a horse is able to perform to the best of his abilities despite the distractions, ribbons are just someone else's affirmation that they also like the horse.

Well if you dont place just go back and try to think of what you could have done differently. but you also have to remember not every judge is going to like you. But congrats on doing so well! especially for a first show :-)

you just need to remember~ you're showing for fun.. to show people your horse. so maybe its a bad judge, or there was a rider better than you.. that doesnt mean other people think you were worse than that other person

sometimes the judges favor riders with big trainers...

so have fun

relax

and enjoy getting to go and show off your horse

hope this helps

I showed horses for years and believe me it's always a disapointment when we loose. but You grow from it you learn from your mistakes and I suggest if you get anything other than what you feel is right. Ask the judge or judges. most are willing to give advise and help with a new rider.