All too often we hear the complaint that “the judge always uses the professional” or “all the judge looks for is how much silver a horse has.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. It is the attention to details that makes the winner. Becoming a winner doesn’t just happen. Many hours of study and hard work go into show ring preparedness.
Step One in the long road to success is to familiarize yourself with your targeted competition area.. Go to a few shows and see what the trend is and how things function. Get the rulebook for your desired breed/show association and study it. In this book you will find a wealth of information on subjects from tack and clothes, to how each class is to be conducted and what the judge is looking for.
With this done you are ready for Step Two – Analyze Your Horse. The first question is what does your horse want to do? If a horse moves forward in an “English” frame it is difficult to ask him to do Western Pleasure. Very few horses can “do it all,” especially as you move up to higher level shows. A “ladies” horse must be pretty, and have quiet manners. A “youth” horse again must have impeccable manners, and an “open” horse needs to have lots of presence. Body build and the way the horse moves naturally will also give you clues as to what he wants to do. If you are new to showing and have a definite interest, it is best to let a professional help you find the proper horse.
Now the hard work begins. Many hours of tedious training are needed to ensure desired results in the show ring. Create a training plan in writing that will help you stay focused on the project. Notes on your progress will help you chart improvement. During this training time do not just stay at home. The more exposure to different sights and sounds you give the horse, the more he will learn to relax away from home. Do not be afraid to take your show horse out of the arena to do a quiet, easy trail ride. Like us, the horse can become bored by doing the same job day in and day out.
Turnout, or the clothes, tack and grooming, accounts for one of the biggest downfalls of the novice showman. Many believe that all the judge sees is how much silver is on a saddle. Silver does not count over good working equipment. What a judge does see as you enter the arena is the total picture. Clean, properly fitting equipment gives the look of efficiency. Careful grooming according to breed type says “look at me.” Controlled manes and tails, well shaped hooves and glistening coats do not happen the night before a show, but are part of a careful training program.
Make a list of everything you need to take to the show and check it off as you pack. The added stress of having forgotten your hat or show halter is not needed at show time. Plan to arrive at the show in plenty of time to insure adequate warm-up for your horse and time for last minute details before the first class.
Try to watch a class before yours to see how the judge is working each class and make a mental note of any problem areas in the arena such as a slick spot, a sunspot, or a baby carriage too close to the arena fence. Keep track of what class is in the arena and when yours is coming up. Don’t make the gateman look for you – check in promptly when your class is first called. Have someone make a last minute check of you and your horse – correct number pinned on straight, chaps pulled down, shirt tucked in, boots dusted and a last minute wipe of horse and equipment.
When the gate opens position yourself so you enter the arena ready to show. Sit tall and confident in a relaxed manner. Enjoy the ride. You have worked hard to get there. Remember, there is only one “blue ribbon” so gage your success by the ride you receive from your horse. The ribbons are a bonus for a job well done.
Barb Hento is a Licensed USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) judge, professional show manager & secretary. She has competed in Multi-Disciplines, Western, Hunter/Jumper, Saddle-Seat, Driving and has judged these events for a wide variety of national associations throughout the western states and Canada.
Barb has accrued over 30 years experience as a teacher, trainer, showman, judge, stable owner and horse management with experience in stallion management, broodmare care and foaling. She has served as a director for Washington State Horseman.
B.B. Stables, Bellingham, WA
360.398.2729
www.bbstables.com
