ThoroughBred Sport Horse

Your first horse show can be very exciting. Shows give you a chance to reveal what you have put countless hours into and get a score by the judges. Along with giving you a chance to show your skills; each type of showing teaches you something new.

If you are taking lessons, your coach will help guide you to the type of show and classes you should be entering. Your coach may be able to accompany you, or you'll be part of a group the coach will be taking to a show. The guidance that a coach can give you is well worth the cost involved. Or, ou might have to go it alone—from preparing your horse, to trailering and competing.

Find A Show

The first thing you'll need to do is find a show to enter. There are lots of 'open shows' and small shows that allow you to try showing in different classes, but not be penalized for having the wrong type of tack. For example, going to dressage schooling shows that allow western tack, trail classes and speed games that allow English tack—and these types of shows are great for trying things out, having fun and helping you get the feel of competition.

No matter how small the show is, however, it’s feel it's respectful to the judge and organizers to have your horse and tack clean and your clothes neat and appropriate.

Good turnout is one way to catch the judges' eye. Of course, if you're in western tack in a dressage test, you're not going to have the correct equipment, but if it's allowed, you'll want to make a good impression with a brushed and shining horse, clean gear and simple, neat clothes.

Getting to the Show

Well before the show, take notice of what documentation such as a Coggins test and insurance are needed and find out the times the classes. Send in your entry fee with the required paperwork.

If it's up to you to trailer your horse to the show, arrange this ahead of time. If you're trailering with a friend, you'll need to pay them—and not just 'half the gas', because the cost of owning a trailer includes maintenance and insurance and taking someone else's horse onboard presents more risk for the trailer owner. Furthermore, be sure that your horse loads easily so that you don't arrive late to the show and hold up anyone else.

Prepare Horse and Rider

You should shampoo your horse, or at very least have it well groomed so if the judge pats it, a cloud of dust won't rise. Its mane and tail should be even, all on one side, and tangle free. Hooves should be well trimmed and cleaned –both bottom and top. A brushing or oil or hoof black makes the horse's hooves look smart. For small shows, it probably isn't necessary to trim excess whiskers, ear or leg hair, but a bridle path does look neat. If your horse is kept outside where it has to fend off bugs and weather, trimming isn't a great idea anyway.

Clean your tack a day or two in advance. You'll need to make sure you have neat, appropriate clothing. You can bathe your horse a day or two before, but you'll need to give them a good brushing to remove any stains—and it seems the more you try to keep your horse clean, the more it will get dirty! You probably don't need to braid your horse's mane or tail, but if you choose to, it can be braided the night before so the braids can be bundled the next morning quickly.

The Morning of the Show

You're probably going to be very nervous on the morning of the show. Keeping busy is the best way to combat this. You'll want to give your horse one last grooming, it's regular feed and some water and then wrap its legs for the trailer ride. Take along any required documents, a water bucket, tack, brushes, hay and any other feeds your horse will need. You may need string or pins to hold your competitor number on. Have all your gear ready to go so you can pack quickly. If you're taking your own vehicle, you can pack much of it the night before. Don't forget to pack drinks and snacks for yourself. I find small sandwiches, fruit and other easy-to-eat food are great, as you're often hurried at a horse show.

Once you arrive, take your horse off the trailer, make it comfortable by tying it in safe place with a safely tied a hay bag. Head for the secretary's desk and pick up your number. Groom your horse and put the saddle and bridle on, giving yourself lots of time to warm up and let your horse get used to the grounds. It often feels like horse shows are a lot of 'hurry up and wait', so be sure to look after yourself and horse so that you don't end up overtired and dehydrated.

While you compete, keep your cool, smile (fake it 'till you make it applies at horse shows too), be courteous to the judge and other competitors. You might not bring a ribbon home the first time out, but feel proud if you've had a good day and learned something. The ride home is usually lots of fun as you discuss how the day played out. And you'll probably find yourself looking forward to the next show!

ThoroughBred Sport Horse

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