The show season is well under way. Now is the time to start tweaking your horse. Do you need a new bit? How about a different saddle? Maybe some tips on riding. I personally am working on "shoulder-in" and "shoulder-fore" dressage work to help build the flexibility and backend of my horse. Don't foget to give your horse some time off as well. Don't let your horse get show-ring soured. Head out on a trail ride or two to see some different scenery.
Also – follow these simple guidelines:
Ask:
- The judges opinion – for that day , theirs was the only one that mattered
- Others what they think – there is always something to be learned in every comment.
- Around for assistance – we are always there to help each other
Read:
- The Rules: www.nwha.com or www.whamonline.net – don't get caught not knowing!
- The showbill – make sure you are in the right class
- Rose Miller's Book – what a great read!
- Anything that makes you a better rider and ties you closer to you horse.
Listen:
- To the announcer so that you don't miss your gate call
- To what others have to say – good or bad – something can always be learned
- To the judge – whether you agree with them or not – and don't get angry – their opinion is the only one that mattered that day.
Above all – be a good sportsman. People (especially kids) are always watching us. During the show season, competition really gears up. It is easy to get upset over a bad call or tempers flare over small issues. Don't every forget that one of the greatest things we can do for our club is be good sportsmen. At the end of the day, regardless of the outcome, we congratulate the winners and cheer on the underdog. Even if we are at the bottom of the judges card – it is our sportsmanship that people remember and makes them want to come back to compete in Michigan.
Susan Fenner
The show season is well under way. Now is the time to start tweaking your horse. Do you need a new bit? How about a different saddle? Maybe some tips on riding. I personally am working on "shoulder-in" and "shoulder-fore" dressage work to help build the flexibility and backend of my horse. Don't foget to give your horse some time off as well. Don't let your horse get show-ring soured. Head out on a trail ride or two to see some different scenery.
Also – follow these simple guidelines:
Ask:
- The judges opinion – for that day , theirs was the only one that mattered
- Others what they think – there is always something to be learned in every comment.
- Around for assistance – we are always there to help each other
Read:
- The Rules: www.nwha.com or www.whamonline.net – don't get caught not knowing!
- The showbill – make sure you are in the right class
- Rose Miller's Book – what a great read!
- Anything that makes you a better rider and ties you closer to you horse.
Listen:
- To the announcer so that you don't miss your gate call
- To what others have to say – good or bad – something can always be learned
- To the judge – whether you agree with them or not – and don't get angry – their opinion is the only one that mattered that day.
Above all – be a good sportsman. People (especially kids) are always watching us. During the show season, competition really gears up. It is easy to get upset over a bad call or tempers flare over small issues. Don't every forget that one of the greatest things we can do for our club is be good sportsmen. At the end of the day, regardless of the outcome, we congratulate the winners and cheer on the underdog. Even if we are at the bottom of the judges card – it is our sportsmanship that people remember and makes them want to come back to compete in Michigan.
Susan Fenner