Is it common to see people entering B shows with school horses?

Question

I am going to be in my first horse show, but I don't own my own horse. Will I have a disadvantage? What can I expect?

Answer 1

I was just working at an "A" Rated show this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and I saw a lot of people on school horses at it. You might have a slight disadvantage but just go and have fun.

good luck

Answer 2

Nope, no huge disadvantage, however some of the people will probably have been riding way longer than you have. But you'll catch up eventually, it just takes some time. I showed with my horse for several years, and I didn't own her.

Be prepared. Show morning is a little hectic. Braid the mane the day before so you're not rushed that morning, and then just throw a sleezy on the horse [It's a stretchy nylon thing that has holes for their eyes and ears and covers their neck and shoulders. I've also heard it called a slinky or a skinny hood.] It will help keep the braids in place and the dirt out. If your horse is a lighter color, also put a sheet on or a full-body sleezy to keep off manure stains if your horse lies down. If they do have stains, baby powder on white markings and some sort of Spot Out will help.

Uhh, other than that, have fun and keep track of where they are in the show carefully so you don't get on too early or too late. Ohh, and relax! My mare gets very tense when I tense up, so that's my big issue.

Answer 3

in b shows, its common for people to enter in them with lesson horses, but i do know of people that take advantage of having winning class A horses, that enter in b shows just to win.

just have fun, and dont worry about winning

Answer 4

I am assuming that you have ridden and practiced on the horse you are going to enter.  If so, you have just as much a chance of placing as anyone else.

Answer 5

You'll have a small disadvantage because some girls (and boys lol) have been practicing with their exclusive horse for months or years - perfecting each problem they encounter. While you can't really do this with a school horse.

I have entered and won reserve champion a short stirrup class at an A show with a school horse (one which i'd only ridden 3 times previously), so you will be ok!

You just have to be on your toes, every horse is different and if you don't know this horse inside and out you just have to be prepared for the worst, and drive your horse to every jump (don't expect him to take anything), and give every command extra clearly. Good luck!