Preparing your kids for their first horse show

Observe from the Sidelines
As with any sport, you can't expect for your kids to succeed without knowing what the "game" is all about. Take your kids to at least one horse show, preferably the same type of show in which they will be participating. Sure, it's nice for them to see high quality horses and top notch competitors at a breed association show, but if they will be showing in a local play day, attend one before hand so your kids will know what it will be like at their first show.

Look at the other kids that are the same ages of your children. What are they wearing? Is an ironed, button-down shirt with clean jeans and boots appropriate? Is there a dress code? Straw or felt hats for a western class? Or if they are showing English, what color shirts are under their jackets? Showing up under dressed could hurt the self esteem of your kids before they ever enter the show ring, so make sure they get off on the right foot with appropriate clothing.

Notice if there is a warm up time in the show arena before your kids' classes. Is it very crowded? Are the riders experienced or beginners? Is the warm up area too congested for someone at your kids' level? If so, is there another riding area your where your children can ride before their classes?

Visit with another parent or the show secretary to find out what class best suites your kids' riding ability. Many horse shows have novice or "first year" classes, and even lead line classes for smaller kids. Some classes are required to walk, jog and lope, while others just walk and jog.

Talk to your kids while the class is underway. Explain to them what the other kids are doing, how they are keeping their horses on the rail, and how they reverse to the inside. Have them listen to the announcer's commands, and watch how the riders in the show ring respond to those commands.

Before you leave the show, find out if you must join a club or association to participate in the next show. Try to get a show schedule for the next show, and ask what time your kids' classes typically show. Was today's show a particularly large turnout, or about average? All these things will help prepare your kids for their big day. They will know what to expect, and can go home and practice with a goal in mind - their first show.

Practice Sessions

In the practice pen at home, recreate the class. If possible, have other riders ride with your kids so they can practice passing other horses along the rail. Be the announcer, and practice walking, jogging and loping each way. Don't forget to reverse to the inside, and leave plenty of room for the other horses in the pen. Remember that some show announcers prefer to use the term "trot" instead of "jog," or in an English class, horses "canter" instead of "lope." Make sure your child is familiar with all of the terminology the announcer might use.

Finally, be prepared for the worst. If there is an emergency in the pen, instruct your children to ride away from it. If another rider falls off or a horse gets loose, often stopping along the rail is the safest place for your child. Then you can give them directions on what to do from the other side of the fence.

Help your kids identify who the ring steward is. If they get confused or have a problem, the ring steward should always be willing to help.

Most of all, let your kids have fun! Horse shows can be a wholesome activity for the entire family. Pack a picnic and your camera, and enjoy!