Are horse shows stressfull?

Question

can somebody give me some tips and information about horse shows please? english shows btw

Answer 1

Horse shows are an experience unmatched by any other in my opinion. It starts as a mix of stress, excitement, frustration and the spirit competition.That's just the first twenty minutes. Once at the show and attempting to get ready at least one major incident has to occur and if not one then several smaller ones that can drive you to the point of insanity. That is, if that point hasn't already been reached before even arriving on the grounds.

Most nerves settle for a bit after a good warm up and the wait for your class. Once your class is called for stomach butterflies are a plenty. The first step into the show ring is hard no matter how much you show. Then, at least for me, adrenaline and training kick in. Everything slows down and its just Jazz, the jumps and I. This is where a good horse and good training pay off. No matter how bad the course, I always walk out exhilarated and ready for more.

Tips:

Make sure you eat healthy food and drink water. No sodas and don't over do the gatorade. No horse show food either. Bland foods like some fruit or sandwiches are the easiest to eat without having to worry about getting sick. Nothing is worse than feeling sick in a long flat class.

Get there with more then enough time to get ready and have your horse settle in. Having to rush around puts you and your horse on edge.

No matter how frustrated/worried/POed you get, do not take it out on the horse or show managers.

Knowing how to jump the height you are showing can be a lifesaver in the ring. On more then one occasion I have jumped without a stirrup or two. You probably wont place as well without them but it is better than having to pull up to get it back. And you might be able to salvage the rest of the course.

Go to your first couple shows on a seasoned horse with a calm trainer. A horse that gets jumpy at shows will make things worse and a trainer that screams takes the fun out of things.

Be respectful to show staff and other competitors. Some will be nasty to you just because they can be. Smile and walk away.

Know the rules before you step foot on the grounds with the intention of showing. Nothing is more annoying than someone being DQed for something dumb and having them hold up the show to protest it.

Go to a show or two to get a feel for things. Then compete in a few. Don't expect to win right off. Being good at riding doesn't mean you will win. You have to be the best in the ring and beat to politics. Being the best can mean nothing on a highly political circut. Just keep that in mind.

Hope thats what you were looking for. E-mail me if you have other questions

Answer 2

Well it really depends on what kind of show you will go to, your trainer, your parents, the people you show with, and yourself.

County shows are usually the least stressful.  They are great to get experience showing in, are 1/3 the cost of rated shows, are less strict with attire, classes may offer "do overs" if you mess up.

Rated shows may or may not be stressful, depending on the above mentioned.

Your trainer can make a show stressful of stress free.  Some trainers are easy going at home then do a 180 and turn into a blue ribbon hungry you better win or I will be upset trainer.  Hopefully you don't have one of those, they make showing stressful and not fun at all.  Hopefully you will have one who is great at home then encourages you to do your best at the show.  Calmly talks to you or explains things you don't understand in a way you can understand.  One who realizes if your stressed and finds a way to calm you down.

Your parents can stress you out.  The kind that asks when is your next class 300 times in 10 minutes.  Or the water parent offering you water every second they see you.  Or the dreaded over bearing over protective parent that hovers over you and tells you how to do things; even if they don't know anything about riding or horses.  The photo parents that snaps hundreds of photos of you doing nothing but waiting for your class.  We all have had this parent at some time or another to some extent.  Remember they just want to help and want you to do your best.  Remind them you really appreciate their concern and wanting to help but that if you were not prepaird to show your trainer would not have let you go to the show.  (but let them help a little so they feel included, after all, they are paying.)

The people you show with will be a big part of the atmosphere around your barn.  If they are ones who are focused only on riddons and winning it may not be too fun.  If they just go out and do their best and smile no matter if they place or not then you will probably have mimimal stress there.  Hopefully they will be there to watch you and cheer you on as you should for them.  Even if you they cant watch your class, try to support their classes.  After all you are all on the same team.

You can stress yourself out.  The best thing for you to focus on is doing YOUR best.  Just remember your best may not always mean getting first.  If you have troubles with your rollbacks and made a beautiful rollback then you should be proud.  Showing is about you and the horse showing the judge what you and your horse know and doing it the best you can.  Its not about winning.  No matter if this is your first show or your 50th, its not about getting blue ribbons.  If you have never been to a show ever then I would suggest going to one with your barn and trainer and see what its like.  See how things really are so youre prepaired.

Answer 3

Are you speaking in terms of yourself or the horse?  I can tell these other people have no idea that their horses are going through a lot also.  Some horses love it; they almost get a rush from the excitement.  Others will not take it as well and might need some comfort until they are comfortable with their surroundings.  If you have spent the time to get to know your horse then you will know which is it's case with in the first ten minutes of your trailer arriving at the grounds..

Answer 4

well, there not exactly stressful, kind of a mixture of exciting and scared, you know, if your going to do well or not, my first time in a show was fun, and i think you'll enjoy it, just dont worry too much and you'll be fine, even if you dont place, i didnt place my first time either and still had fun.  

Answer 5

It really depends on who's running it. It's always easier if you have a trainer with you to help you manage the schedule and schooling. It's hard to say what a horse show is like. You usually have to school the horse, which is practice and warm up for what ever you are doing. Your horse has to be clean, tack has to be clean too. Try to be one of the first people in the schooling ring, because they get crowded fast. Maybe try lunging your horse before you leave your barn if you think he'll be excited and hyper.

You kinda just have to wait it out and see what happens. Good luck! And relax!! =)

Answer 6

I usually start stressing the night before when its after midnight and I am still at the barn braiding.  And I have a ton of nerves tacking up at the show the next morning.  But once my horse and I step foot in the ring, I just concentrate on giving my horse the best ride and having fun. The class will be over before you know it and if all goes well you will walk out with a ribbon.  Even if you don't pin, you still walk away with the experience.  If your horse may be a kicker, or if you just don't want to have to worry about other riders riding their horses up your horses butt, tie a red ribbon into his tail.  And for the love of God, do not make the same mistake I did before my last show.  I bought a large coffee before trailering over...big mistake! It was not kind to my stomach which didn't help on top of the nerves, and I had to keep running to the bathroom to pee in between my classes.  So I would stick to water or poweraid...something along those lines.  

Answer 7

Not really stressful. At first its really scary but as soon as your get to the show grounds its actually really fun. I would suggest going with some friends, preferably those with experience. Its really fun!