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Horse Showing Tips and How to Choose the Right Show

Mar 03,2015 | Kim Horton

Horse Showing Tips and How to Choose the Right Show For You and Your Horse

Spring is Coming & So Is Show Season

Mid-December to mid-February is traditionally break time from horse shows. The break is welcomed by horses, riders and trainers alike.  By the end of February this feeling usually starts to change as the prospect of spring looms.  As you count down the days until the show season starts, be sure to look out for Kim’s blogs for articles and great tips features to help you succeed in the show ring.

During the show season break, Showing your horse should be exciting yet it can be exhausting too. To keep the show season exciting and FUN, start with preparation now.  

Aim for the stars

It’s a great time to step-back, review, re-group and get organized for this show season.  Before the show season arrives make your list of goals you want to achieve during the show season.  Do your homework by practicing, going to lessons, watching tapes of shows, or your past year shows, as well as reviewing last year's goals. Don't forget it’s supposed to be about having FUN!

Show Where You'll Shine

The best way to ensure a fun show is to carefully select one that will complements you, your horse and your budget. Horse shows span a wide variety of little local shows to high-profile events that offer lavish awards and national titles. This means there’s a horse show out there just for you, even if you’re juggling constraints such as family, work and bills.

If you aren’t sure where you and your horse will shine, start by asking your instructor.  She can help you pick what classes you and your horse can do best, and what classes you and your horse can work toward during the year.

Next, visit some of the shows that you’d like to compete at, and just hang out. Does it seem like you and your horse would fit in? Take into consideration the overall quality of the horses and each rider’s turnout. Is it within your budget? Despite all the assurances that judges don’t pay attention to brand labels, there’s no denying that there’s a certain ‘look’ required to be successful in the show-ring, and that look gets more expensive as you move up the ladder of horse show ratings. Yet, there’s no sense in going broke before you reach the entry booth. Figure out your finances first, then make a commitment to show within your means.

Once you’ve decided on a show, you’ll then need to choose a class.  In her blog next week, Kim looks at the different showing classes and gives you a general idea of what’s required of you and your horse.

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