An article I wrote some years ago, 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.

Give them some space. Likely each rider is accompanied by a parent, and also younger siblings, and possibly non horsey relatives as well. For safety, I suggest limiting the visitors (and dogs) around the horse, rider, and barn area, and also keeping a physical distance of 2 metres between young children and the horse. An emotional distance is another suggestion – limit visiting to “down times” in the show schedule. Any rider has enough to concentrate on without the video cameras, advice and expectations of friends and fans.
“Just trying to help.” Be sure the rider’s support person is comfortable with leading, bridling, and bathing before show day. I’ve seen unfortunate situations occur when a novice handler loses control of a horse in a crowded, pressured situation. “After all, Dad was just trying to help…”
Contents may explode under pressure. Some horses are initially so bright at a horse show, they are like an inflated balloon, ready to pop. An overwhelmed horse may react in an exaggerated manner . Distractions, which never faze him at home can trigger his self-preservation instinct in a way riders may not anticipate. Have the horse longed to take the edge off, before the client rides.