Calling all competion and show horse owners?

Question

I need tips, advice, and comments on getting me and my horse ready for our show saturday, and other little things to help us in the show ring.

I will be showing in Showmanship, mare halter, open halter, walk, trot class, western pleasure, open western pleasure, horsemanship, and trail....

Even if you dont show in western you can still help me! all advice and tips are welcome!

Answer 1

stay calm do the best you can don't get upset if the horse dose something wrong or you do something wrong just go home and work on it I'm sure you will do fine. good luck and have fun.

Answer 2

Relax, relax, relax.  Remember that the reason we do this is to enjoy the experience.  Practice is important, as is making sure the horse and tack are clean and shiny.  The better able you are to relax and enjoy the day, the better you will do.  

And don't forget to breathe!

Answer 3

OK you do they same classes as me.

* Clip the horse early so any tiny mistake can grow out.

* Pack your show supply Thursday so you can focus on the show Friday night.

* Make sure you have everything you need for grooming and saddle

     My friends mom got everything but her english saddle.

* MAKE A LIST FOR EVERYTHING YOU NEED. So you can easily check the stuff off in the mornning

Practice the pattern on ground.

Answer 4

it's gonna sound silly but Take a deep breath , clear yor mind , breathe and just have fun. Do it for the love of doing it and nothing else. If you place SUPER AWESOME GOOD JOB, if not, it's ok there is always next time but most importantly have fun. And also visualize your ride before you make it see yourself doing the patterns , trails , everything perfectly bust mostly just remember relax and have fun at it. Good luck and let us know how you do!

Answer 5

Turnout is the key to having that competitive edge. I know shows that are won and lost over how clean your horse is, the show clip, how clean your tack is, one little eye goober, your horses socks not being as white as possible not sanding horses hoofs and using hoof black, manes not banded, halters not properly fitted,  not snappy enough in your movements for showmanship and halter class, not wearing neat and perfectly pressed clothes your hat should be a very nice quality, boots shined nothing flapping or hanging from your tack, skip a breast plate or collar from you WP class I think its too much of a distraction and can inhibit a horses movement, matching pant color with your chaps not jeans, a proper face clip for Halter class and band the forelock too, a little Vaseline over the nose after clipped to darken the skin and then use light oil over eyes and nose but not too much to attract dust, always carry a clean white cloth to go over your horse before entering the arena, and lastly World Champion Pepi horse spray, smells like coconut cream pie and puts a lovely shine on your horse. Oh one more thing fly spray i use Pyrahana it is the best stuff and you only need to use once. Whew Good luck

Answer 6

I ride english but what u should remember is not to let the stress get to a judge can tell when ur to stressed. so just remember stress is one of the biggist things that can break u in a show so dnt let any thing get to u and remember to have fun its just a show and dnt forget to let ur horse know tht every thing is ok. i hope u do great!

Answer 7

This is what I do.

I make a check list, because if I get too excited, I will always forget something! So make a checklist of your show clothes, your tack, grooming, first aid, if it's a long show bring a healthy snack, and a lot of water.

If this is your horses first show, or even if it's not, expect her to get excited. She is gonna wanna go check out all the horses, and probably whinny a lot. Just focus on what you need to do before your class. It could make you a little frustrated having a horse scream in your ear, but just know, it's a new environment and she is gonna be a little excited.

Don't forget to give her a bath, the night before. Practice braiding/banding your horse so you know how long it will take, and how well your horse will stand. In the western class, just smile, look forward, heels down, and hands in place. If your horse needs a little boot, to get her going, don't let the judge see. In showmanship, practice inspection, and getting your horse to trot and back. When you are excused, always look over your shoulder at the judge. The should your horse is on, and then the other.

In the trail class, just do your best, and remember show what you and your horse can do!! And for all the classes that you go in, try to be calm, and try your best not be be nervous, because your horse will pick it up, and think there is a reason she needs to be nervous because her owner is. Just talk to someone before your class. Have someone there for support. I know, asking you not be nervous is like telling a lemon not to be yellow, because EVERYONE gets nrevous, but just try your best. Well, I've given you all the advice I can think of! So just go and do your best!!!

I have complete and total faith in you!!

GOOD LUCK and have a good time!

Answer 8

You need to practice every day before the show if you want to win. I know that its not all ways what you want to do but in the end it pays off. Try to get to the show as early as possible so that your horse has time to get calmed down. And get your horse as clean as possible if you do your horse will be noticed more. Have lots of fun!!!

Answer 9

Wash your horse the day before, then clip bridlepath, boot and do her ears.  After you've clipped, then spray liberally with Laser Sheen (Show sheen will work too), make sure you've pulled her mane and sprayed and banded it so that it will lay over nicely on the following day.  Spray her tail with Laser Sheen, then braid and put into a tail bag for the night.

Use a day sheet or blanket, depending on how cool it's going to get during the night make sure she has a clean stall for the night with FRESH shavings.

Clean your tack that night and if you have any bag coat, it will add a sheen to your saddle, bridle and the leather on your halter.  CLEAN your silver as well.

Set your clothes out and if you don't have garment bags for them, a tall kitchen trash bag will work with a hole in the botton for the coat hanger.

Just before your first halter class, give her a light rubbing of baby oil, muzzel, eyes and ears.  Also hit her hooves with hoof polish and once it's dry, any white on her legs with cornstarch.

Last of all HAVE fun and good luck!

Answer 10

The best advice I can give you is practice, practice, practice! And on show day make sure you horse looks tip top shape!! Good Luck! Showing is alot of fun!!