According to equestrian sports psychologists, there are things riders can do to overcome ring-related anxiety:
Own the situation: The presence of spectators, judges, other competitors, friends and family, and the absence of “do-overs” all turn up the heat to perform...
Bridge - 36 inches wide and at least 6 feet long. Must be sturdy and safe.
Ride-Overs - A minimum of four wood rails or poles placed in a straight line, a zigzag or circle. May be raised at...
Whether you are showing on a shoestring or spending your lottery winnings on the circuit, going through the in-gate looking - and feeling - like a winner is the ultimate goal. We talked to industry experts to get advice...
Where to BuyDevon-AireEnglish Riding SupplyHobby HorseKerritsToklat (Irideon)Mountain HorseTroxelWith the beginning of show season comes an annual ritual that many equestrians dread: digging out the show clothes and trying them on. If they don't quite fit anymore, are a bit...
Talk about humiliation and frustration! When your best laid plans begin to unravel in the show arena, it feels like the entire world is watching. Should you try to salvage your performance or simply admit defeat and slink out...
Competing at horse shows can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it takes a lot of work just to get horse and rider into the ring. Not everyone has the luxury of a trainer or grooms to accompany...
“Oh, there’s always some point in the day when my friends and I will look at each other and ask ourselves, ‘Are we having fun yet?’ It’s usually after one of us has gone off course or blown a...
Cleanliness is most important in horse and rider turnout, and it shows that you respect the judge, the sport and yourself. Polish your boots and take off mud, manure and hay. Remove shavings from the horse’s tail. Braiding is...
DoPractice developing an even, cadenced lope away from the poles.
Make sure your cues are clear and your horse is listening before working on lope-overs.
Practice over poles and away from them.
Keep an even, motivated pace throughout the...
Who would have thought negotiating an obstacle course could draw so much attention or be so much fun? Across the country, at shows both large and small, more and more riders are entering trail classes. Many of these riders...
