plz help with shows!!

[Time~n~Time]

hi guys! i was just wondering if you guys would mind explaining ANYTHING at all about shows. i mean anything. how u enter, what you bring, how you stay calm, and ESPECIALLY what types are there? i stopped doing shows a long time ago but now i wanna get back into them so anything on them would be very nice. thanks!<img border="0" src="smileys/smiley4.gif" border="0"> <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley10.gif" border="0"> <edited><editID>Time~n~Time</editID><editDate>38396.8729282407</editDate></edited>

[Marty_Jones]

Well you have to find the show you want to go to. Now depending on if your a hunter or an eventer the entries depend. For every hunter show I've ever been to you enter your classes the day of the show. For eventing you have to send your entries in theres an opening date and a closing date to do so. When I first&nbsp;started showing I got very nervous. But after going to a few shows I learned that all a show is is another learing experience. So when I go to show I go thinking "Im training this horse"(the one Im riding at the time) This also helps me keep my cool if the horse decides to be a donkey<IMG src="smileys/smiley2.gif" border="0">&nbsp;And although at show there are ribbons and awards I honestly dont think about that at all cuz then I start to expect too much which can lead to disapointment. Winning is nice but its not everything you just have to go out and have fun thats the bottom line. Your horse could be the quietest thing alive at home but when you get to a show its a whole different ball game. Even from show to show. Thats why I look at it as a learning experiance only and thats also why I love to event. You really have no idea on whos placing where until everyone is done their last phase.&nbsp; Less stress that way too<IMG src="smileys/smiley2.gif" border="0">&nbsp;Hope this helps<IMG src="smileys/smiley17.gif" border="0">

[Time~n~Time]

thanks that totally did! how long have you been showing? what if an older horse has never really shown but has raced? do you think she'd be ok at shows? i really wanna try her but i don't wanna be dissapointed lol and i don;t want to stress her out too much

[Marty_Jones]

I only ride tb's and all have been off the track. They key is to stay calm cuz they feed off your every move. How old is your mare? you'll probly be fine. I've been showing for about 3yrs and all my horses I've shown are all greeny's I've never shown in the green classes tho. So just stay calm and have fun cuz if you don't then your horse wont either.<IMG src="smileys/smiley1.gif" border="0">

[Time~n~Time]

shes almost 14. shes dressage trained but can jump. thats so true! she totally gets unsure when i'm nervous about something even if its not riding! tb's are my most fav horses other than trakheners. she was raced but didn't do very well.

[Marty_Jones]

Take her exploring. I go on lots of hack and just lead my guy around too and show him all the so called scarry things. Tb's can be very unsure but you just have to gain a trust bond with her once she trusts you then she'll do anything for you. I just got my horse Marty in October. we are still working on the trust factor, hes gotten better but it takes some time but once you got it then there's no looking back<IMG src="smileys/smiley2.gif" border="0">

[Time~n~Time]

i really want her to trust me. but on another note. what kind of shows r there? im not a hunter. i mean where can i go to find the shows and i know i shuold start small andi will but i just don't know where to find them. and the registration and everything.

[Marty_Jones]

where are you located?? for starters. then we can go from there
<IMG src="smileys/smiley1.gif" border="0">

[Sodapoppers]

I only started showing (and just little schooling shows) last summer. My experience is that my older horse LOVES the change of pace. I have always had my best rides on him at a new place shortly after he's moved.
And hey, if anyone ever figures out how to stay calm and stop the jello legs, enlighten me please! <IMG src="smileys/smiley3.gif" border="0">

[lola s]

[QUOTE=Sodapoppers]
And hey, if anyone ever figures out how to stay calm and stop the jello legs, enlighten me please! <IMG src="smileys/smiley3.gif" border="0">
[/QUOTE]
&nbsp;
How about a drink?&nbsp; Actually, it just takes time.&nbsp; You have to learn to make it so its just you and your horse and the rest doesn't matter.

[Time~n~Time]

Marty_jones, i'm located in London. so i wouldn't even know where to look for shows lol im soo niaeve about this stuff but i really wanna do it! lol<edited><editID>Time~n~Time</editID><editDate>38397.4672453704</editDate></edited>

[chenders01]

Time, I'm still not clear on what type of shows you want to do.&nbsp; Dressage?&nbsp; Jumper??&nbsp; If you're more specific, we can point you in the right direction.
Do you have a coach?&nbsp; He or she should be able to help you find shows in your area.&nbsp;
If you're looking for dressage shows, check out the London&nbsp;CADORA chapter:&nbsp;
<A href="http://www.londondressage.ca/" target="_blank">http://www.londondressage.ca/</A>
If you're looking for jumper, sorry can't help you there, but if you go into your local tack shops, often, show schedules are posted there.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

[Time~n~Time]

sry i shuold have specified since shes dressage trained i think im gunna giv it a whirl. and yes i'd like to take her into jumper. i have a coach but i just wanted ur guys opinion. could someone explain the levels to me. like arent there levels in certain areas like jumping and dressage?

[Ruth]

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I don't know anything about jumper levels but at dressage there are many different levels. Officially they start with Pony Club tests and Training Level, but a lot of schooling shows have walk/trot tests which are a great way to get your feet wet. Check out the OEF website and also Dressage Canada, both list Primary shows. Primary shows are EC sanctioned but you only need OEF membership to compete. Dressage shows always have a closing date (usually 2 weeks prior to the show for schooling shows). You should have a Coggin's test done too, in case any of the shows require it. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I too would like to know the secret to staying calm! I've been showing since I was 9 and I'm still a nervous Nellie. It drives me nuts. I like to do well (not necessarily win, I'm happy with top half of the class) so I think I put too much pressure on myself. My coach, who could care less how he does, never gets nervous. I got pretty good at schooling and Trillium, but the moment I went National the stupid nerves came back. Does anyone know if Valerian is proibited for riders?<img border="0" src="smileys/smiley2.gif" border="0"> <edited><editID>Ruth</editID><editDate>38397.5299305556</editDate></edited>

[Marty_Jones]

[QUOTE=Sodapoppers]
And hey, if anyone ever figures out how to stay calm and stop the jello legs, enlighten me please! <IMG src="smileys/smiley3.gif" border="0">
[/QUOTE]
SP read my first post thats my philosophy narrowed down a bit tho<IMG src="smileys/smiley2.gif" border="0">&nbsp;If you want more just pm me<IMG src="smileys/smiley17.gif" border="0">