I need help with what classes i should sign up for at shows!!??

Question

I bought a chesnut mare quarter horse back in December. She was never jumped and had not been worked in four months. I spent months getting her back on track, and she is now fit, has a shiny coat and feels confident about what she is doing. She can now trot and extends her legs, walks at a steedy pace, and canters in a controlled manner. I have worked on jumping her a lot and has jumped at the highest 2'4. I have never riden western. What should i sign up for, or what shows should i be in.

I am only thirteen

Answer 1

Start out with local schooling shows. These are great, relaxed shows where no one cares if you come flying off your horse in a baby green class. Have you ever showed before? You can either do green rider classes or green horse classes. This means the rider or horse has never been the show ring. You can usually choose between walk/trot and walk/trot/canter classes. Go with whatever you're most comfortable with. Baby green usually doesn't jump any higher than 2'6" but it depends on the show circuit. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 2

English Equitation.  Walk, Trot, Canter both ways of the ring.  Line up in the center; back up when asked.  Some shows will have a pattern each rider does individually  - usually something fairly straight forward like trot to the first cone, halt, walk around the second, canter on the left leed back to the first.  This class is judged on the skills of the rider.  The horse's behavior is judged only as it reflects on the rider.

English Pleasure:  Walk, trot, canter both ways.  Line up in the center, back on command.  Judged on the horse's behavior, way of going, and suitability to the rider and the class.  There are huntseat and saddleseat versions.

English Road Hack:  English pleasure, plus Hand Gallop and Extended trot.  I would not recommend this at a first show.

Hunter Under Saddle.  English pleasure, but judged on suitability for the huntfield rather than pleasure.  The rider's equitation also counts, about 30% IIRC, though most people don't realize this.

Hunter Hack.  Hunter under Saddle with 1 to 2 small jumps.  This is a great class to start jumping a horse at a show in.

Hunter over Fences.  Judged on the horse and his way of going, pace, conformation, and performance over fences; and the rider's skills secondarily.

Jumpers:  Judged solely on speed and faults.  They have low jumping classes; consult the program.

In jumping classes, start her at the lowest class you're eligible for.  Let her get used to the whole show environment before challenging her over the jumps.

Trail.  Judged on the horses performance over a variety of obstacles:  crossing a bridge, opening a gate, getting the mail, etc.  

These are the main non-game classes you're likely to encounter.  

At your horse's first show, encourage her to relax and enjoy herself.  This one's not about winning, it's about learning for both of you.  If you get a ribbon, great, but it's better to use this one to lay the foundation for your future events and just try to have a calm, organized, good time.  Don't panic, your nerves will cause her nerves.

Have fun!

Answer 3

Since you're 13, or possibly officially 12, depending on when they measure age from (like January 1st), you might find some "long stirrup" classes.  They're the same as short stirrup, but for slightly older kids than the usual 10 & under short stirrup classes.  Otherwise, any classes made for novice horses or riders would work for you.  Don't sign up for jumping any higher than 18" until you've taken her to a few shows and she's used to the atmosphere.  She won't be like she is at home because everything is new and different (and scary and exciting).

Answer 4

HI,

I would say try to find a 4-H group. They can help you a lot. I would also take her to all the fun or open shows I could find. They are fun, cheep and can help get you ready for big shows. I would stick with english if that is what you know. You could do enlish horseman ship, hunter under saddle,english halter and showman ship and hunter hack and jumping. If you can find a show that has into or training leavel dressage you could always try that to. Good luck