Comments on: Rider Insider: Show Tips

By: Rebecca C

Rebecca C — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 20:10:19 +0000

I have found that spending time with my horse before I enter the ring helps me forget the wrong lead we picked up in practice yesterday or the fact that I don’t have the most expensive show clothes. My horse doesn’t care. She helps me calm down and focus on doing my best!

By: Zoë

Zoë — Thu, 15 May 2014 19:19:08 +0000

My biggest thing when it comes to shows is that I go in a matter of seconds from a calm and excited rider to a bundle of nerves. I tend to hold my breath when I jump, which tells my horse, and everyone else, how nervous I am. My advice is just to focus on breathing during your ride, as it will help to calm you and your horse down, along with a guarantee to improve your ride by quite a bit.

By: Callie

Callie — Sun, 04 May 2014 22:06:15 +0000

Have fun and smile! This is an opportunity to show off your horse and yourself to people in the community about how much you have progressed and how much you enjoy the sport. You should be enjoying every minute of it with your horse cause with out them you wouldn’t be at that competition.

By: Stacey

Stacey — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 06:04:22 +0000

The biggest helper to combat nervousness on show day that I’ve found is to trust your horse. It doesn’t matter that you might mess up a pattern, or make a mistake, but if you can trust your horse enough to get through it, you’ll be fine. Judges like to see confidence, and confidence comes from trust in your horse.

By: Karoline

Karoline — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 18:55:22 +0000

Moms/family members: smile and support! Your rider may already be nervous and only needs cheerleading and a water bottle from you. That is your ONLY job – any comments about riding should come from the trainer.

By: Cassandra

Cassandra — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 17:49:40 +0000

Stay focused on your goal. It doesn’t have to be winning. Maybe a correct lead or breathing during a flat class. Learn from your mistakes, do your best and have fun! Whatever happens, these are the memories you are making with your horse!

By: Leslie

Leslie — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 16:33:32 +0000

Relax and have fun. It is just more time for you and your horse. Nothing else should matter.

By: Nichelle

Nichelle — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 14:50:00 +0000

Remember to SMILE! It’s supposed to be something you are supposed to be enjoying. Enjoy the ride, the partnership with your horse. At the end of the day, the color of the ribbon doesn’t matter. It’s how you grew with your horse!

By: Ruth

Ruth — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 14:29:52 +0000

Make sure to attend a show similar to the one you want to go to first. Knowing how show day works before attempting it with a horse and show day nerves is a huge help. Also don’t plan for a major show to be your first one. Try a schooling show first, have fun and enjoy the experience without the pressure a big show brings.

By: Emma

Emma — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:18:32 +0000

My advice would be to go in focused on having a good ride on your horse. You will be happy even if you don’t win anything if you have a good ride.