[shojumpinchick]

Okie, everyone! Lets create a virtual book of hints, tips and secrets for horse shows! This will be a GREAT reference to keep in handy for all members. Add to it whenever you feel like it! Post all of your dirty little secrets/ideas on how to catch the judges eye and look your best!This will rock everybody's socks! Kapeesh?

[shojumpinchick]

Okay here is a tip from muah. Since no one likes my creative thread. Hmmph. Anyhoo, you can use an eraser to polish the silver on your western saddle. And, uhm, heres sort of a tip. If you have one of those number pads for english, you can keep your class list and course (if you jump) behind the numbers. That way, in between classes you can peek! More later!
BUMP BUMP

[Carab]

Tip for led in classes (english), make your horse stretch out at the walk and trot.
Also don't rosette your horses mane the night before a show, leave it in plaits. If he rubs you'll loose half their mane.

[appgirl]

um
the only trick know is smile and look happy.

[POA]

If you have troulbe remebering to smile, put some vasaline on your teeth.

[EmazingCasper]

Clean your boots of dirt, and then spray them with hairspary. Makes them shiney and keeps dirt off.

[ShadyGirl82]

baby powder/baking soda on white socks makes them look extra white for showmanship/halter

[Cavalier]

For those of you that don't have horses with brilliantly thick tails...spray the tail completely with show sheen the night before (after you wash and condition, but don't condition if you're plaiting it) then in the morning spray it heavily again and brush the tail into about 5 sections with a body brush...it really boofs the tail out so that it looks much fuller.

When you compete go into the ring like you own it...as if you're doing a demo for the whole world and they've all come just to watch you. Makes you ride a lot more confidently...sometimes I forget, but when I do, we usually do a nice test.

Type a list and save it on your computer of everything you need to do and pack the day before your comp, so that you are organised and not rushing around the morning of the comp.

Can't think of anymore right now, but may add to it later.

[irideazip]

I like to pack the trailer the night before, so i don't have to worry about it in the morning and then I am not rushed. OR get everything prepped to be loaded and put it in one place. I always put Fancy's traveling clothes right by her stall so i don't have to hunt for them

Clip your horse before you bath them...wet hair does NOT clip well LOL

Use a sleazy hood to protect those bands and braids you worked so hard on!

Make sure your show clothes are clean and ready to wear...dirty showmanship pants are not cool!

Baby wipes make great quick clean up rags, as do swiffer (dry) pads.

If your horse has a long tail, and you don't want to braid it so it isn't all wavy, tie it in a big knot before or between classes...just don't forget to take it out!

When you enter the arena, in western anyway, you can pick a spot ion the rail and stand there until the class is in, usually. This way, you are less likely to get corwded and you already have a spot for when they say you are now being judged.

Always smile!!! It really does make a difference!

Show your horse like he/she is the best in the world. My horse doesn't pivot for showmanship, but we can still win it against a horse that does b/c of my posture and how i present her to the judge. If you think like a winner, you can be one!

[EmazingCasper]

BUMP BUMP BUMP. post some more tips everyone. This is gonna be really helpful.