Show Prep for You
First Impressions ARE Important!
When entering the show ring you really want the judge to look at you and say, "Wow, this rider really wants to show off her horse and show herself in the best possible light."
When shopping for show attire, current fashion and taste count. I suggest you stick with classic color combinations. For example black, blue and dark grey jackets never go out of fashion. You can express your own style with your choice of show shirt. Courtney, a sales representative from Anytime Tack shares, "Well fitting clothes are best. Even a mid price range jacket looks much better than a poorly fitting expensive show jacket." Hannah from Anytime Tack added, "Make sure your whites are the whitest they can be." You want to SPARKLE!
Let's go shopping!
There is plenty to buy in order to be ready. Many items can be from the consignment department of your local Tack Shop. I really do think a new show coat is a good idea, if you can swing it. New boots too but used are fine if you really polish things up. Remember, until you are sure this sport is for you...it is OK to economize.
Here is a basic list of your attire needs starting at the top...
black helmet or black helmet cover
hair net or show bows
show shirt
stock pin for dressage only
show jacket
appropriate color breeches
belt to match your boots...just in case the judge excuses show jackets
tall boots OR paddock boots and matching garter straps
black gloves
Get everything ready the night before so you have now worries when you have to get up before the rooster crows in the morning.
Now get to bed as morning comes fast on a show day!!
It's FINALLY here!
Your first show is today. You have all your clothing, gear and your horse is beautiful...almost! In the night he has laid down and needs a bit of grooming to get the "spots" out. Here is a useful hint. Wear an old T-shirt and old pajama bottoms over your show clothes as you don't want to get dirty getting your horse clean. Remember...sparkle!!
Now it's time to load up and go. Your coach will help you load your horse...no worries there!
Have your parent(s) drive you to the show. Now here is advice I want you to take for the rest of your life. Be extra nice to your parents!! They are the ones footing the bills, driving you to and from practice and shows. Purchasing all your attire and equipment. They are taking time to make your dreams come true. Say "Thanks!" OFTEN even if you are anxious as it helps smooth the way and keeps smiles on everyone's faces...really!
Ready, Set, SHOW!
Show days are fantastic days but are also long with really early start times. If your show starts at 9am then you want to be there by 8am at the latest to set up your horse and get warmed up. Let's say the show grounds are 1/2 hour away so you need to leave the barn by 7:30am at the latest. It takes one hour for the feeding, final grooming and getting your horse trailer-ready so you must be arriving at the barn by 6:30am. It may take 1/2 hour to get to the barn from your home so leaving home by 6am. What time do you and your parents have to get up? Super early!!!
Food for Thought??
Speaking of food, it is fuel for your mind and body. Eat a healthy dinner the night before. Drink plenty of water too. Eat a breakfast not high is sugar. High fiber foods burns slowly and will last you. Make sure you pack extra water and a couple high protein sandwiches to keep you going.
I have a funny story to share. At the first show of the season a number of years ago, one of my new team member was doing very well then ate a sugery snack. Her energy shot straight up followed by a sugar crash. Her fabulous attitude dissapeared, crabby attitude arrived. We started the first of the team rules: NO SUGAR until you get home!! We laugh now but in the moment it was...ummmm...challenging!
One last thing...
Showing is supposed to be fun! Being prepared and understanding what is expected of you in advance will help keep the stress levels down...for everyone!!