[Chocolate Dream]

Hey all, my first show ever is coming up in about a week and I was wondering if anybody has any tips/advice on what I should do the week before. And also, braiding, grooming etc. Oh, one more thing...any advice on calming my and my horses' nerves? LOL. I know I'll be nervous. Thanks for any advice guys.

[arabianlvr87]

Check out the June issue of Horse Illustrated Magazine.
Sounds like everything you want to know is covered in it!

[MissBandit]

In the words of Dawn - "eat a banana"

[arabianlvr87]

I've also heard that letting your horse drink a Sprite before your class helps them calm their nerves.

[Chocolate Dream]

Haha thanks guys, I guess I'll have to make a stop at the grocery store! wink

[Lou3]

no no no - dont feed your horse fizzy drinks. not a great idea, far from calming them down - either the sugar rush will send them hyper or the gas bubbles will make them bloated and sluggish, depending on how close to the class you give it to your horse.
Lou

<small>[ May 14, 2004, 06:08 PM: Message edited by: Lou3 ]</small>

[Dawn]

Haha, I got quoted.

[littlecelticpony]

for nerves, imagery helps me SO very much. work on visualizing your ride, to the detail, and ride it the way you WANT it to be when you actually show.
have confidence in you and your horse. i'm sure you'll do very well!

[ridegrrl]

One of the best ways to be relaxed is to give yourself lots of time, have all of your stuff ready to go, and stick to your routine. Get your equipment and clothing organized and loaded ahead of time, so there's no running around looking for things. Have your horse clean and clipped before you go. For grooming tips, check out magazines, ask other competitors or trainers. We can also help with that if you ask specifically what you need to know. wink

When you get to the show, do things in lots of time. Get dressed in your show clothes in lots of time to tack up without hurrying, and have a nice relaxed warm-up, just the way you would warm up at home.

If your horse is nervous or looking at things, let him check his surroundings out a bit, but don't make a big deal of it.

If you are nervous, do something to distract yourself... think about something non-horsey. If possible, jump off your horse and go talk to a friend about soccer or something. Just get your mind off it.

Have confidence in the practice you have done at home. Be safe and enjoy yourself, and don't worry, every show is easier than the last one. I remember my first show like it was yesterday... and it was 15 years ago!! Good luck and I hope you have fun!