I am showing with my horse in short stirrup on sunday... is there any tips you would like to give me?

Question

I am showing with my horse in short stirrup on sunday... is there any tips you would like to give me?

Answer 1

GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 2

I too am horse showing this weekend...

As for advice...

On the flat, just keep yourself and your horse away from the other horses as much as you can.  you want to be somewhere that the judge can see you and focus on you and not be distracted by other riders around you.  As you're showing, get a good forward trot or canter.  When you go down the side where the judge is, don't be too close to the rail... if you're too close to the rail, the judge can't see you, so stay a few feet away as you go down that side.  Remember that it's ok to do circles sometimes... if you see a big hole where there's no horses on the other side of the ring, then take advantage of it... and that will showcase yourself to the judge too.  that said, make sure you're on the rail for most of the class... if you hang out doing circles in the center of the ring for the entire class, it just looks like you can't steer.

For both flat and fences, remember to take your time.  when you go to pick up your trot and canter, make sure you wait and set up your horse and yourself so that you get the correct diagonal and lead.

When you go in the ring for your fences classes, make a nice big circle, when you're ready, pick up your canter, get your horse listening and going the steady pace that you want.  Do not feel rushed... you (or your parents most likely since you're doing short stirrup and that means you're under 12... anyway) you're paying for these classes, so spend as much time in the ring as you possibly can... walk in, take your time, pick up the canter, then start your course.  Take your time getting lead changes as you go around the corners.  A lot of horses will speed up when you're jumping going toward the entrance to the ring, so keep that in mind and be prepared to pull your horse back a little if he gets a little quick.

Just stay relaxed and have fun... think of it like it's just another lesson, but wearing fancy clothes!  Good luck!!