GO TO A SHOW!

If your skills are ready to show off in front of the judges, here's what you need to know before you go.

- LAURA BOYNTON JOHNSON

You’ve been working hard to confirm a great working partnership with the horse you own, lease or lesson on, and the time has finally come—you're ready for your first show! You're excited and you know it will be worth the effort and sacrifice it took to get to this place in your riding career. Now it’s time to get prepped and ready beforehand so you can focus on riding your best in the show ring!

PREPARATION

Being prepared should be your No. 1 priority when showing, and training at home is the only way to start. There’s an unspoken rule when it comes to picking your classes: always stick with what you've been practicing.

For example; if you are jumping 2 feet at home, don’t sign up for the 2'6" classes. Or if you are taking walk-trot lessons, then you shouldn’t enter any classes that require loping or cantering. Not only would this be unfair to you and horse, it could be dangerous to your safety, too.

Showing isn’t all about how well you and your horse compete in classes or events. This is also a chance for you to show off your turnout skills: this refers to how good you can make your horse look with great grooming, clean tack, and a tidy show outfit.

Before getting heading off to a show, there is some homework you need to do at the barn ahead of time to be as prepared as possible for success.

Horse Checklist:

◆ Feed your horse properly to care for him inside and out.

◆ Keep your horse up to date on current vaccines, his Coggins test, dental exams, farrier visits and vet exams. (Show facilities usually require you to have certain vaccines and tests performed to enter any classes.)

◆ Grooming needs to be part of your daily routine at the barn. Keeping your horse clean will ensure his well-being and make show prep easier.