Horse show judges are reminded to consider the intent of the horse show rule – to keep the purpose of the class and the standard of what’s “correct” to guide our judging
decisions.
In other words, to ask “What’s the point?”
Horse show safety tips – more points from an article I wrote several years ago- tips for a young coach, preparing riders for that first show of the season!
Tips for a young coach, preparing riders for that first show of the season!
As a coach who enjoys working with novice riders, I’ve learned that there are as many issues to deal with outside the show ring as inside it. Navigating horses and trailers going in every direction. Unfamiliar sights and sounds.
Prepare for that first horse show and navigate the horse show warm up ring like a winner. While horse riding’s not technically a team sport, looking out for one another in the warm up ring benefits everyone!
The horse show warm up ring- a sea of horses and riders, each rider in their own head -and under pressure. Time pressure, peer pressure and pressure to succeed in the horse show ring. While riding’s not technically a team sport, looking out for one another benefits everyone!
I was 13 when I entered my first horse show. The judge advised me that the yellow macramé browband I’d crafted for my gelding’s bridle was not customary horse show attire. In 25 years as a professional riding coach and horse trainer, I’ve worked with 100s of horses and coached even more riders. What I’ve learned from horses and their people! What I’ve learned about myself in the fishbowl of the show ring! Horse shows have enriched the lives of so many – and been the catalyst for the train wreck of others.