If there's one trait that successful horse show enthusiasts share, it's confidence. Most of the top riders and competitors in the world are not only successful when they are competing with their equine companions, they are successful in business and life as well.
Not everyone can ooze confidence and poise at all times, especially under the stress of competition with a large animal that has a mind of its own! Let's face it, sometimes our equine companions can spend hours at home performing every element perfectly, and then completely blow it once they hit the show rings, simply because someone in the stands opened a package of crackers that echoed funny off the walls and sounded like a monster. And this constant concern of that 'horse-with-a-mind-of-its-own' element while competing at horse shows, whether at small back-yard fun ones or in the exclusive World Show arenas, can certainly rattle even someone who thinks they're confident of their overall performance.
The trick to horse showing is often creating an air of confidence that might not really be there. It's a game we all have to play with our minds in the warm-up pen and when we hit the in-gate... After all, what we're trying to do is to show the judge's you deserve to win no matter what, right? And it's up to convince the judge, or judges, of this confidence, whether or not it exists.
Here are a few tiny tidbits of show-ring flair that might help even the backyard competitor bring their A-Game to the show pen:
Be prepared. One of the best things you can do for you and your horse is to make sure that you belong in the class you are showing in. Even small horse shows require a significant amount of cost to get there and enter, and with today's economy, you want to make sure that the horse you're showing is going to do the best job in a particular class. For instance, barrel horses rarely make competitive Western Pleasure horses - and your Showmanship horse won't necessarily nail all of your Western Riding patterns, either. It's important to pick and choose your classes wisely, and make sure that you are showing the judges you are prepared for the class, and are ready to win!
Show With Eye Contact. It never fails to amaze me how many people enter the show arena with their heads down, looking at the ground in front of them (which could be dangerous when riding or driving a horse) or just plain look like they're embarrassed to be there. When you are competing, no matter what level, you want to confidently show that you and your horse are completely prepared for this competition, and that you not only want to be there, but that you deserve to be there as well. Take the time to sit up straight, put a big smile on your face, and enter the arena with an air of confidence and excitement to be there. It will make a big difference in your overall performance!
Ride (or drive, or lead) With A Purpose. Particularly in pattern classes where there is a lot to remember, riders and drivers quickly forget that they have a 'whole package' to sell to a judge, not just showing off your ability to remember a sequence of movements you're required to do. Make sure you know your stuff inside and out before you even walk into the show ring. Ride into that ring like a runway model with a brand new outfit to show off - you want to 'sell' to the judge that you have a purpose for being there, and that purpose is to win!
Make Sure Your Equipment Is Clean. I cannot stress enough how important it is to make a good first impression on the judge or judges you are 'showing off' to. It is true that many classes are won or lost based on the first impression a judge gets of you when you enter the show ring. They sit back and look at the overall package, how it fits together, and if they like what they see. I don't think I have ever entered the show ring with any part of my equipment or show outfit not in sparkling clean condition - that means every aspect of my turnout is sparkling, neat, and in excellent condition. Going into the show ring in any other condition shows the judge immediately that you weren't prepared (and obviously didn't care, so why should they?).
Be courteous. Judges are people too, and when they ask you a question, say 'good morning', or ask you to perform a certain task in the arena (such as backing up your horse), smile and be courteous to them. When they say 'Good morning' when you trot up to them in Showmanship class, say (with a smile) 'Good morning sir/madam.' Don't carry on a conversation with them, but show them the respect that they deserve as the chosen judge for that particular competition. They were hired to be there - show your appreciation for their role in your horse show experience.Following just these few simple steps and concentrating on your overall confidence in the horse show rings could very well help to bump your placings up a few notches. Showing horses is both a terrifying and exciting activity at the same time - being prepared for your competitions both mentally and physically will help ooze the confidence of a well thought-out show plan, and success in the show pen.
~ Deb
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