First horse show tomorrow! experienced rider needed!please help!!?

Question

ok, so i have my first ever show tomorrow and im scared!! i get really nervous about these things. im worried ill totally freak out and forget everything. or during lineups, ill have a big problem. or worse, a problem horse. (cuz they dont tell u who ur riding till that day [its a school show])

question: ive rode a horse or two that coughs a lot. or neighs or sumthing. when they do, i have to give rly loose reighns or i dont expect it and theyll jerk me 4ward, all things that wont look good to the judges!!! soooo, any advice on keeping the horsey frm doing it or what to do if they do do it??

also: plzzzz any advice of things that will help!

Answer 1

If your horse coughs, its not your fault and the judge shouldnt fault you on a coughing horse.

My first show was a couple of months ago. It was in hand and was also my horses first show and outing for that matter! We just focused on each other, stayed positive and smiled and had fun. Yeah we didnt win any 1sts but is that important? I didnt think so. It was the experience we went for and the FUN

So just relax and enjoy

Answer 2

Well first of all, give yourself time to breathe. Take deep breaths when doing any competition.

Second, don't be afraid because your horse knows when you are angry, happy, or afraid.

Third, don't beat yourself up to be the best. The best that you want to be is YOUR best.

Fourth, reward your horse with every good thing that he/she does. Your horse will feel better if you do this.

Fifth, stay calm! Your first show could always seem the hardest, but it will become fun and you will be willing to do every horse show that you hear about!

I hope that these help you with your show! Good luck and don't be nervous!!!!

Answer 3

Yeah. I remember my first show. Just ride like you would at home. And try to stay calm. If you stay calm you horse will too. If you cahnge your atitude cause you in the ring your horse will sence it. They'll realize somethings up, and out of the ordinary. Keep you cool. And remeber to smile. Always SMILE! The judges sometimes line you up to get you to think you came in last, and thats how they get kids to quit. Remember the show doesnt end untill that horse is back in its stall. NEVER STOP TRYING. Even dead last. Keep that smile on. Cause chances are if you keep showing you will have that same judge again.

Remeber this too

CCC

C-calm

C-cool

C-and Collected

Best of luck!

Answer 4

All of above plus...

Find your own space in the ring - don't allow yourself to get blocked in with other riders, you can cut across the ring to find your own space.

Listen carefully to the judge, when she says trot/canter/walk, you do it straight away - don't just follow the horse in front.

If you do an individual work out, walk out to line up for the judge, halt your horse, wait for the judge to be looking at you and nod before you start. At the end halt and salute.

If you are unsure of the work out you have been asked to do, repeat it back to the judge. Don't be worried if you don't get it right, this often happens.

Use all the space of the ring you are working in when it is your turn to do a workout. The judge is there to see you working and wants you to show off.

Try and think ground covering work, lovely forward movement.

BEST BEST BEST OF LUCK!!!

Answer 5

You really can't worry about what your horse is going to be like on show day.  Just concentrate on YOU.  Collect your thoughts and review everything you have learned about riding and think about how you are going to apply this in the ring during your classes.

I have had horses act like complete IDIOTS during classes, but I have still managed to ribbon in many of these instances because I kept MY cool, rode to the best of my ability and NEVER took it out on the horse.  Judges look for this and reward it when possible.

Helpful hints: 1. Try to give yourself PLENTY of time for everything (grooming, warm up, etc.) 2. Another set of hands is heaven sent -- invite someone who won't freak out and be in the way and tell them what you'll need help with (make sure they have a big soft rag ringside to give your boots and horse a final once over before you enter the ring.  3.  Set everything out the night before.  4. After you get dressed in your show clothes, pull on some lightweight stretch pants and a big T-shirt to stay clean.  5. Eat a good breakfast (I always liked oatmeal & eggs) and be sure to drink plenty of fluid throughout the day (hand that helper a big bottle of gatorade) and don't forget lunch! 6. Most important: remember to have FUN!

Good luck!

Answer 6

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Judges look for regularity, smile, make sure you're not in a rush (leave plenty of time), stay calm and just pretend that you're riding alone in your arena.

Good luck!

Answer 7

I remember my first show...WHOA! I made mistakes in my show that I don't want you to make so...remember:

If you are calm and don't show your fear to your horse, your horse will probably stay calm too.

If your horse jerks than you have to RELAX your hands and losen your reigns if you think you can handle it. Don't fight back by pullling hard on the reigns. If your horse continues to jerk than kick him the next time he does it.

Make sure you have ALL of your gear and if you really don't want to ride that horse, TELL YOUR INSTRUCTOR! She/he will help/

Answer 8

The solution is always to ''ride on'' ie maintain forward impulsion (not speed) to keep your horse's hindquarters engaged and maintain a light, giving contact with your hands to keep him on the bit. Look up between your horse's ears to help you maintain a good secure position & just enjoy the show. Riding is for fun!

Answer 9

Give the horse just enough rein to let him cough, but tight enough so he can't misbehave. Remember to stay calm, because horses can sense your fear. Ride how you did in your lesson, and REWARD YOUR HORSE when you're done,