First Show

[jumpins_my_dream]

Hi,
so there is this open show in my area and I really want to participate but I never have been in a show and I dont know what to do. I have friends that are going to help me but I would like everyones opinoin, what should I do to get my horse in shape, me in shape and ready for the show?
your post is apprecaited,
Jumpin

[Lindsayanne]

I wouldn't really worry about stressing yourself out preparing for a show when you really don't know what's expected. Just go for the experience. Don't expect a blue your first time out, everyone I know had a bad first show experience, so just brace yourself for the worst, try your best, and if/when you get a ribbon it'll be even better than if you expected it. :D

My best tip for a first show is just to try not to stress out. My trainer's always like "It's JUST a horse show" and I always give him a dirty look, LOL, but that's the truth. It's not the end of the world if you don't place. It's not even the end of the world if you fall off. No matter how you do you're going to learn a lot and have the opportunity to test yourself against others. Just have fun and roll with the punches and watch yourself get addicted to showing! LOL

[jumpins_my_dream]

I have to say that isnt the most reassuring thing I have heard recently but you are probably right.

[Lindsayanne]

I have to say that isnt the most reassuring thing I have heard recently but you are probably right.


You'll have a lot more fun if you do your first few shows expecting experience, not ribbons. :) And if you DO focus on the expereience, instead of stressing out before, and getting upset after if you don't do well, the expereince will lead to the blue ribbons. Looking back at my first horse show, I ribboned, but the expereince was so much more important because seing myself compared to other riders helped give me a better understanding of my stregths and weaknesses, which led to a better placing in a bigger class the next time, and evenually to first places. :)