Ever since I was five I have ridden horses. When I was about twelve, the friend I rode horses with and I stopped being friends. After that, my horse riding career was over because my parents couldn't afford leasing, buying, or even horse riding lessons. I just had to accept it for how it was; I was never going to ride a horse again. With my friend, I showed her half Arabian horses in 4-H and on the International Arabian circuit. I loved every second of it! The only problem was, if I was in the practice ring I look really good, but when I was in the show ring, I just fell apart. Even though I haven't ridden a horse in years, I don't think I could ever forget these nine strategies that had always helped me when I was showing my friend's horses.
Breathe
When you're showing your horse, it is always good to have circulation going to the brain. The oxygen going to your brain, the better you will perform because you can think. Breathing also comes in handy so you don't faint while you're in the ring!
Keep Your Head in the Game
Even though you're reminding yourself to breathe; you must also remember that you're riding horse. If you're showing you horse, pay attention to your horse and the other horses around you to avoid a collision. Remember that the Judge is not on a horse, so you might not want to run into him. Trust me… I've had my close calls! Also, when you're head isn't in the game, your horses head position is not going to be where you want it, your horse isn't collected, or maybe your horse won't even listen to you. By keeping you head in the game you could possibly get a first place… or if you don't have your head in the game you could not place at all.
Try Not to Get Nervous
When you're nervous about anything, your horse knows and that makes your horse nervous and more prone to being skittish. Horses have the ability to feel what you're feeling when you're riding them. You see, when you're nervous your body has a tendency to tighten up when you're riding a horse. If you get nervous easily, especially when you're going into a show, find a way to relax yourself. This could be by taking a nap before the class, reading a book, or simply by being with your horse for as long as you can before the class.
Don't Have Too Short or Too Long of Reigns
My friend's Dad and I rode the same horse at a show in St. Clair, Michigan. I did really well in my class because I was able to give my horse, Passion, her head which made her slow down. The class was a western class. My friend's Dad on the other had, didn't give Passion her head, kept too tight of reigns and Passion retaliated by going extremely fast. You want to have control over your horse, but you don't want to hurt their mouth. If the reigns are too short your horse will act up, and if the reigns are too long you horse will do what it pleases. Find where your horse likes their reigns but also make sure you can control your horse when they step out of line.
Keep Good Posture
Keep your back really straight and don't lean forward too much. If you lean forward too much you horse will have a tendency to go faster than you want them to. I learned the hard way when I was riding a horse named C.J. Mac Duff, I leaned too far forward in the ring, and he sped up and went crazy. In the end, I got kicked out of the ring. Also, keep your heals down. That helps keep your seat.
Stay on the Right Diagonal and Lead
Always glance down to make sure you haven't switched your diagonals when you are at the trot, or to make sure that you horse hasn't switched their lead on you! IF you the judges see that, he will take off points and you won't do as good in that class you as you could have.
Move On After a Mistake
You missed your lead, and the judge saw. When you catch the wrong lead; change it as fast as you can. If a judge is looking when you're changing your lead, they won't mark you down for as many points as they would if you just kept the wrong lead. During the rest of the class don't let your mind wonder to the moment where you made a mistake. Always look at the present situation because that will give a better ride!
Practice
If you don't practice with your horse, you won't have a great ride. Even if your horse is at the trainers, arrange a time when you can to go to the trainers and ride your horse. If you can't, practice on another horse. Keep riding because that will give you confidence in the show ring, and confidence is key when you're showing!
Have Fun
If you don't want fun while you're riding your horse, then why show the horse? Riding a horse isn't about how many ribbons you can get in every show season. It's about having fun with an animal that is very loving. If you don't have fun in the ring: you won't do well in the class. Besides, even if you don't place all of the time but you're still having fun! Isn't it worth it?
I hope everyone has a terrific show season! And remember have fun! Or else, why would you be showing your horse?
