Showing :)

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Permalink Reply by knitty on April 11, 2011 at 12:24pm

I have often taken young or inexperienced horses off property (maybe to a nearby facility or to a show) and just hacked around for the day. That way you and your horse are under no pressure to actually preform and you can get an idea as to how your guy is going to react to a new environment. Keeping your expectations low for the day is handy as well - as most horses will surprise you and step up to the plate. I'm sure you will find that your relationship progresses by leaps and bounds after going through a day like this together!! Let us know how it goes.

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Hartley Hutchinson on April 25, 2011 at 6:42pm

Awesome! :) Thanks a ton.. and I for sure will!

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Permalink Reply by Hartley Hutchinson on April 25, 2011 at 6:41pm

Thanks so much! :)  Great advice!

One more question: when the horses all line up in the center, does the judge ask you any questions, or ask you to make your horse back up.. or do they basically just walk around the horse and then end it there? I would like to be as prepared as I can possibly be! :) haha 

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Permalink Reply by Jan Jollymour on April 25, 2011 at 10:27pm

Hey, Hartley:

 

I'm with Justice - your horse looks amazing - well done! 

 

I'm going to take Knitty's and Justice's advice just a little farther:  most local competitions are happy to sell you a number, so that you're covered by their insurance.  That doesn't mean you have to start with riding classes, it means that you can take your horse to the competition, and school there until such time as you feel ready to enter for real.  That might take one trip, or it might take several.  At some point you'll know that you're ready, and the next time you'll enter the ring as a competitor.  Those experiences will also give you the opportunity to watch how the various classes are run, to evaluate what's expected, and to assess what's desired.  Knowledge is a tremendous help with nerves, the unknown is really scary!

 

I always counsel my clients to compete a level below what they school at home.  Nothing builds confidence like knowing that you can easily present what's called for.

 

Good luck, and please do let us all know how it goes for you and your horse!

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Permalink Reply by Hartley Hutchinson on April 26, 2011 at 4:11pm

Thanks a bunch! :) I really apprieciate all of the help! And yes, I for sure will let you guys know how things pan out. :) Looking forward to it though, and I have confidence in my boy!

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Permalink Reply by vickie lawson on April 26, 2011 at 5:05pm

i have a comet too!! i bred my boy. i have 2 youngsters that i show. i have taken both of them to a & p's (like a fair) since they were yearlings. comet's older sister, delphi was quite chilled by the time she was three, but comet has had me on the ground 2 out of 3 times this year! (and the last time- he kicked out as he went up). but..... there were games ponies racing up behind him and in the case of the kick, they were also popping balloons as they ran!!  this wasn't at the other a & p's he's been to- so some things you can't practice for unless you anticipate everything.

 

but i think, taking your horse out to the shows and walking around is a good idea. expect some starry eyed behaviour, and just be calm. i never punish them when out, but always speak calmly to them and give them treats, so they associate it with all good. best of luck!

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