first show!! yikes!!!

[maplesyrup305]

My first show on koko is coming up in a couple of days (gulp!) does any one have any tips on calming her down before we go into the ring?

[Painting Horses]

My Mare i can probley never show again because to her calm is galloping Lol. However what i've done with other horses that worked are these:
1) lead them around the show ground & then ride her around them a few times
2) stay calm yourself
3) Keep her mind busy, when your walking around do some troting, sitting then walk and do some circles and half halts etc. just keep her mind busy.
4) If your going to jump ALWAYS try to pop over at least one or two in the warm up ring.
5) you can talk to her or hum/sing

i found the walking around and just letting them look around has done best.

[Tinger]

If its your and hers first show together make sure you ariive at least 1hour before you class is due to start, try to get a good spot with your trailer/horse box, as far away from the main hussle and bussle as possible, so she has time just to chill and go at her own pace.
When you arrive, get everything you need out the trailer first or make sure its easily accsesible.
When you get her out of the trailer, let her just have a look around, eat some gras and take things in her own stride. I tend to lunge my horse for about 5 mins on each rein when i arrive and shes had a look around, jsut release a bit fo energy, and get her lsitening to me.
Make sure you arrive outside your ring at least 5minutes before to see who else in going to be in your class, so you can size up your competition.
Just give your self lots of time to do things in, if your in a rush it will just panic her, because she'll be able to feel the tension and thats not what you want at first show.
Just always remember to smile and ahve fun!! Dont forget to take water and carrots!!
Good Luck x

[Elvengirl]

First show together is always a challenge because you don't know how she and you will react. The more experience you get showing with her the more you'll learn what kind of arrival routine and warm-up is best for her. Just arrive with plenty of time and try to keep any warm-ups similar to what you do at home.

My horse is also excitable and gets overly keen at shows so what our routine consists of is at least 45 minutes to an hour initial warm-up starting with lots of long and low stretching work with lots of downward transitions progressing to shoulder-ins and leg yields and lengthening and shortening strides. (I actually don't do much circle work because the warm-up rings at recognized shows are extremely busy but if you are just at a smaller show and have room and feel confident do lots of circles of varying sizes.) After he feels relaxed (usually has a big sigh and a snort) My trainer will pop us over an X-rail at the trot, progressing to small verticle at canter, then a verticle just over the height of the class I'm competing in and then a large oxer up to height or higher and sometimes a halt afterwards if he is being particularly tank-like, then we go in the ring. I had walked and memorized my course earlier and when I get to the ring I usually have time to watch one or two riders go to get a feel for the course and see what turns others are taking etc. However of the classes at your show go faster then warm-up and have someone you trust hold your horse while you wlak the course, then just keep walking and do some bending and transitions until your turn comes.

It really helps to have a trainer or helper around to tell you your approximate time of go. (each round is about 2 minutes in length so add up all the rounds before your turn)

Your first show will be all new experiences so just take it in stride and enjoy yourself. Give yourself lots of time and keep organized and you will have lots of fun. :)

[kirsty-chuk]

Before you go into the ring, do lots of transitions (halt to trot is a good one for focusing) and circles, make sure your horse bends properly. If your horse is likely to get a bit spooky in your class, try to do a clear round first to get it used to the jumps, fillers and turns. Good luck!

[RiderGirl]

Take deep breaths, then ride her around for a few rounds, and imagine yourself at your stables, instead of the show ring. Have her trot around, and I know this sounds cheesy, but it helps to sing in your head.

[Lucy J]

oh, not horsey related.....but don't forget to lock your car and trailer/lorry - don't leave any rugs/boots/tack etc lying around....sometimes it can go missing without trace!

[ploddycob]

I can't really give you any tips, but just wanted to wish you good luck!! :)