What do i ask when looking for a good stable to ride at?

Question

I do intermediate hunter jumper and do not own a horse. i have never showed before but would love to if any one has any advice please let me know!

Answer 1

Just ask your friends if they know any local stables and go check 'em out.

Answer 2

When you start looking for a new barn to show with there are many things you should ask yourself.

-Do I like their teaching style?  Go observe the barn and watch a few lessons.  See if you like how every one rides and how the lessons go.  Are the students having fun and accomplishing something, very strict and get a job done, goofing off...  If you dont like how a barn teaches you will most definately not like being there.  Riding should be fun and if you start to hate going to lessons then it would defeat the purpose of switching trainers.

-What do you not like now about your current barn?  Do they not have horses you can show on?  Not enough indidualized attention, lessons to long or short, too many students or not enough.  Do they not show?  Figure out what you have been missing and then look for a barn that has those elements.

-Go to a show with that barn.  See what its like to be on that "team."  You will be suprised at how very different barns can be at home versus at shows.  Are they too strict at shows?  Do they focus on win, win, win or do your best and have fun?  Since you are new to showing I would really reccomend going to a show and observing the trainers and their students.  Notice if the kids are stressed from pressure or if they have friendly competition with in the barn.  Do they look organized or messy and not know what they are doing?

-Find out costs of showing with them.  Some barns will charge fees for everything while others are very minimal.  You'll want to know whats the costs will be so you arent shocked when it comes to showing.  

-Ask if you need to own your own horse to show or if you can use a school horse or lease.  Since you dont own a horse you may have to "rent" a school horse for the day to show.  You may not win every class but you will gain valuable experiance and be on a horse that can show you the way.  Then when it comes time to own you can get yourself something nice.  The important thing is to have a good time and be safe and do your best when starting out.  Winning is not everything.

Keep those points in mind in your search.  Start out with calling some barns.  Get a feel of who they are before settling.  It can take time, but its well worth the effort.

Answer 3

When looking for a new barn to ride at, you have to put into concideration the age and riding level of their other students. My barn, for example, has students ranging from the lesson being their first, and students who are almost pros. Also you have to look at the instructors.

Answer 4

When you are showing, the judge is looking for a good team. A horse and rider that look like they are happy to be there leaves a good impression. Makes sure you have your heals down, thumbs up, eyes up, and smile on! If the horse is obedient and calm, with a plesent expression on, it is almost always chosen over a horse than has it's ears back, tail swishing, annoyed, and a few little bucks here and there. When you are memorizing a course, try to name them as friends like this-

Sun Jump to the Hands to the Oxer to the Music to the Wide jump to the....etc.

You could do it like this-

Trot to Suzie Jackson, Canter to Harper, Six Strides of Canter to Oliva, Four Strides to Mary, Eight Strides to Willma, Nine Strides to Trot.