I am going to my first horse show--any tips or words of advice?

I am entering a Junior Hunter Pleasure class and a Hunter Pleasure Ponies class so if you want to specifically target your advice/tips for a specific class, these are the ones i'm planning to enter!!








pleases write anything about showing!I am going to my first horse show--any tips or words of advice?
awww you must be so excited!!! I know i was when i went to my firt horse show a couple of weeks ago. lol


I may not be as experienced as some of the other people who answer your question but i hope im at least a litttle bif of a help.


I know that your probably going to be nervous but don't be! just relax and have fun. Concentrate on you and your horse and not the other riders in the class or the judges that will be judging you. Just do your best! Don't be dissapointed if something doesnt work out the way you planned, just remember to have and theres always next time to fix some of your mistakes.


Most importantly don't be intimidaded by the other riders. At my first show i entered a class where all the other riders have been riding for years had more than one horse and spent all their days out at the barn and that made me very nervous but it turned out that i was just worrying over nothing because i got 1st place in that class.(hopefully you will too;) )


So just remember have fun, listen to your trainer before you start your class and and do your best!


Hope that i helped and have fun at you first horse show! They are always the best! GOOD LUCK! :)I am going to my first horse show--any tips or words of advice?
Here are some things that run through my mind before I enter the ring:





-Look relaxed - judges hate tense people and your horse will most likely pick up on your anxiety!


- Sit up straight - NO SLOUCHING!


- Keep an even pace - that is what Hunters are all about. Try to avoid slowing down/speeding up constantly


- Big corners - Hunter judges look for you to use as much space as you are given


-Look the part- judges don't want to see someone who looks like they just rolled out of bed. Wear smart attire that makes you look professional


-Braid your horses mane - this is a MUST for Hunters


-For Hunter/Jumper KNOW YOUR COURSE! If you have to circle to try and remember it counts as a refusal!


-SMILE! Or at least try not to look like you have better things to do





Hope I helped and good luck!
you have no idea how nervous i was for my first show...i game, so i am the only one in the ring, which means ALL eyes on ME! just think to yourself ';everyone watching in the bleechers are just looking at the other riders';





relax and you'll do fine





your horse can tell when you are nervous, so try to be as relaxed as possible to help calm them down too
Speaking from experience, the best advice I could give is to stay calm. If you are nervous, your horse will be too. Remember horses can pick up any feelings that you might have. If your horse spooks a lot (because there are all kinds of different things to look at at a show) get tight and keep your horse's focus on you and what he/she is doing. Know your course and patterns and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!
make sure you leave plenty of time extra and if it's been a while since your horse has been at a show or surrounded by horses get there a bit earlier so he can get used to everything. Be ready early for your class leave heaps of time to warm up etc
just relax. if you get nervous your horse will too. also dont get sad if you dont get grand champion. if its your first show just competing is a prize itself. you'll have so much fun. believe in yourself and your horse. make sure to look confident and always have fun. shows are awesome!
I would suggest to just think of it as another lesson. Don't feel pressure. And remember, it is just for fun, so don't get upset if you don't win. Good Luck!