Bomb Proof Your Horse Before The Show:Tackle the Monsters before they Tackle You.

Bomb Proof Your Horse Before The Show
Tackle the Monsters before they Tackle You

With over 35 years show experience I’ve come to know exactly what is going to upset a horse new to competition.

If the horse eating monsters are handled on the front end, you will have a huge advantage while competing, and definitely have a much,much better over all show experience and confidence builder for both you and your partner.

Just because your horse appears to have a relaxed attitude doesn’t give you any indication what his reaction(s) will be in a show environment.

Take the time to practice the following and go to the competition prepared and confident.
Remember:” If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”.

ARENA ACCESSORIES

1.) Have flowers and banners in your arena at home.
Change things in your arena, some horses do not like the new scenery.
More times than not the show arena is decorated with flowers. You may be surprised how many, what appear to be quiet horses, come unglued at the sight of flowers bordering an arena.

2.) Most show arenas have bleachers. Have someone sit on a step ladder, just so your horse can become accustomed to it.

3.) Have flags waving.

4.) Have a table and chairs setup with a clipboard and papers, an umbrella and people sitting at C. Your horse needs to be comfortable with coming down centerline and the judge standing up as you approach X. Practice this.

5.) If you can’t get any one to help, I’ve used grain sacks with hats on them instead of live people to emulate a judge and scribe sitting at C.
(in other words, no excuses, get it done, you’ll be so happy you did)

6.) Have someone call your test for you to make sure your horse is ok with that. I have seen horses spook at the caller. You DO NOT know what your horse is going to do at a show unless you expose him to all the distractions beforehand, and have schooled them accordingly.

7.) Ring a bell.

8.) Blow a whistle.

9.) Practice in your show attire.

10.) Work with each “monster” little by little until it becomes easy and a non-issue.
At the best of times you are going to lose 10-25 % of the perfection you achieved at home, once you’re at the show.

You’ve probably been taught it’s recommended you compete at least one level below what you are schooling with ease at home and now you know why.

Be safe with introducing new sites and sounds to your horse. Never hesitate to lean to the side of caution and lunge or hand walk your horse first in new surroundings before mounting.

It’s about having fun and loving your horse (and yourself) right where you’re at with your training and confidence level. Enjoy the Journey one little bump at a time.

Turn Frustration Into Fascination Through Your Education!

As a side note: I was honored this past week to be interviewed by the one and only Jane Savoie.

I’d like to share the interview with you at

http://budurl.com/mgfc

After the interview check out www.ridinglessonstogo.com/jane/

(you may need to copy and paste the links into your browser)


All the best,
Colette Sossaman

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