Guest Author - Susan Hopf
As spring gradually winds it way into summer (at least here in the northern hemisphere) many equestrians are gearing up for another season of competition. It is very easy to get caught up in the excitement of new opportunities for blue ribbons and fame (even if only in your own backyard) but before you head to that first show make sure you have all of your ducks, or more importantly, your priorities, in a row.
Competition can be fun and exhilarating but please remember that horse shows by nature include a horse. You may be all set to go in your brand new breeches, boots, coat and helmet but there is more to getting your horse ready than making sure his ear net matches his saddle pad, shipping boots and halter fleecies.
Consider this with no prior warning your mother or spouse or best friend arrives at your bedside three hours earlier than usual and in a mood that can best be described as hyper-grouchy. He/she grabs you out of bed, gives you five minutes to eat your breakfast standing over you the whole time while chattering incessantly grabs you from the table, hoses you with cold water, soap, more cold water, pulls your hair into a braid, throws a blanket over you, wraps your legs in stiff bandages, throws you into a car you have never seen before and hits the gas and off you go to who knows where.
When you arrive and disembark there is a flurry of activity and you start an all day marathon with that hyper-grouchy mood growing as every little thing that can possible go wrong does and is apparently all your fault. Your new clothes pinch and you're not sure of what is expected if you had only known you may have tried to prepare but as it currently stands you have been in semi-hibernation for most of the winter, working out only a few times a week and only if the weather was slightly more than reasonable.
As this day progresses you slowly come to realize that all you will get from your efforts is a yank in the mouth when your performance is less than stellar, another long ride (hopefully home but no guarantees there), a late supper, no time outside with your friends and your hair ripped out as your very tired human partner tries not to take every failure out on your now drooping neck.
Perhaps the above is a bit overstated but I have witnessed such behavior from far too many equestrian competitors over the years. Those that do fall into the above category never perform well, get angry with everyone but themselves and ultimately blame my stupid horse for not achieving success which generally amounts to nothing more than a 50 cent ribbon.
Now consider this alternate scenario a calm awakening, a nice leisurely breakfast accompanied by a nice little stroll in the morning air. A nice warm rinse and hearty rub down and gently patient hands quietly braiding your nicely trimmed mane. Your favorite treats are offered to help you pass the time while you are dressed in some old familiar feeling shipping wraps and a nice comfy sheet.
You are quietly walked up to that big metal box on wheels but without worry as you have been many places before in this box and some of these places were really quite nice new friends, yummy food and nice people that freely offer you many treats. You spent a few nice hours out and about and then went home oh home sweet home where you were amply rewarded for your efforts and good behavior.
On this particular day you disembark the box, after a nice drive spent munching happily on some lovely hay, to a great deal of activity and more horses than you have ever seen before. But you again have no worries as your calm and confident human is exhibiting no signs of distress. You relax and enjoy another new adventure.
Tacked up with your polished but good old well fitting tack you enter the ring and do the best job possible. The classes are a bit easier than your last few months of schooling so nothing you cant handle. Between classes you are returned to the box where the supply of hay never seems to run out and you are offered some delicious water just like you get at home.
You go in and out of the ring a few more times knock down a rail or two but are praised for the good job anyway. Your human collects a few more ribbons oh a nice variety of colors you go home, go out and have a nice roll, eat a great dinner while the braids are gently removed and while your hair is still all funny and curly the humans laugh, take a few pictures and spend a great deal of time rubbing that very special spot that makes your lip curl up aaah it has been a great day.
In order to make show day a pleasure for both you and your horse the following preparations are a must.
You and your horse should be physically fit.
Choose classes that are slightly lower in level than you are currently schooling at home.
If your horse has not been schooling on a regular basis for at least six week prior to the show either limit your classes to only a few or skip the show all together.
Your horse should have had many good experiences riding in a trailer long before show day.
Braiding well takes lots of practice and the mane should be well trimmed, brushed but not freshly washed.
New tack should be reserved for home schooling until it is broken in ill-fitting saddles can cause pain add to that some level of stress and it can make for a miserable day.
You, as the thinking partner, need to be ready for the show both in body and mind. Do not over face yourself. Your horse relies on you for guidance and confidence if you cannot provide such than you are not ready for competition. Preparation and confidence in your ability as well as your horses ability will make for a great day at the show.
