I have an arabian show coming up...?

Question

I have an arabian horse show (regionals btw) coming up the day after tomorrow. I'm doing in-hand, under saddle, and a show hack. I've done shows before, but I'm on a new horse that was JUST gelded, and the last person that showed him while he was still a stallion seemed to have a lot of trouble with him. I've been working with him almost everyday for a few weeks and I'm pretty prepared. But he apparently acts up at shows. Any last minute things I can do to make sure we do our best?

Answer 1

BREATHE!!! BREATHE!! BREATHE!!! relax and breathe

if you hold your breath, your horse will feel you being tense

and he will get tense. relax, smile, and have fun!

Answer 2

I have heard of people putting some sort of scented salve, like Vicks Vaporub right inside the nostrils to camoflage certain smells (like mare's in heat, if he was just gelded) and then I have seen horses in shows with strings out of their ears and it is tampons to kind of muffle the crowd noises and such.  I've never tried either but I don't show, so.....just trying to help!!

Answer 3

Don't get nervous. I always blow stuff cause I get nervous. I try to turn it into a game in my head. I also set specific things I was to accomplish like "I want to make this inside turn" and "I want a flying change in this turn". It gives me something to work for besides a ribbon and if I get it then s***w the ribbon! Who wants a freaking ribbon! I have some issues with ribbons....sorry.