IEA Show Tips

Trainer Ariel Hug guides Interscholastic Equestrian Association team members into the show ring.

- HEIDI NYLAND MELOCCO

What do the Mile High Equestrians hear before they enter the show ring? "Rock it like Beyonce!"

Trainer Ariel Hug says putting on a cloak of confidence helps her 21 elementary through high school riders get the judges' attention during Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA; rideiea.org) competitions. She wants riders to trust that the hard work they put in during the team's weekly practices will show off in the show pen.

For Interscholastic Equestrian Association shows, riders draw a horse's name on the day of the show and can only ride at a walk while being led by a ground person before entering the arena to show in rail and pattern work. Ariel works with each of her riders to help them feel confident showing a horse they have never ridden before.

Here, she shares her tips to help riders stand out for the judges because they have trained at home, studied the horses, entered with confidence, and are aware of their positioning in the arena.

Watch and Prep

Because IEA riders can't test-ride the horse they'll show, Ariel says it's crucial to watch horses go in other classes.

"Find out all you can about the horse and watch the horse go," she says. "I have my riders watch horses work when they are warmed up or during other classes. I'll tell them to pick the ones they think look tricky to ride. With the way we practice, I know they can ride the easy horses. But the horses that look tricky-who may be fast, lapping other horses, or pulling on the bit-those are the horses we watch. I'll help them see why the horse may be acting that way and what they can do to ride the horse a little differently."