You’ve ridden your horse diligently, practiced your event until you are prepared to excel, and you arrive at a horse show ready to be a star.  So what separates the shooting stars from the falling stars?  It’s all in the details.  I’ve learned a lot of things about competing over the years, but the way you present yourself might be one of the most important details to perfect.  Think about it:  regardless of your chosen discipline, a judge sees tens or hundreds of competitors in a given day or event.  What would make YOU stand out?  You are being judged from the moment you enter the ring and it is very important  for that judge to sit up and take notice from that instant forward. 

I gave Tiny a makeover recently to illustrate the difference between an acceptable presentation and a stellar one and we’ll talk a little about the changes I made to help her look her best.  The photo below demonstrates a clean and clipped horse.  She is perfectly acceptable to enter the ring as she is, and I’ve seen many horses appear just this way at local open or breed shows. 

While the photo above demonstrates “acceptable” presentation, do you want to be “acceptable” after all your hard work?  Not me – I want to be “Stellar.”  I want that judge to look at us and think “now THIS is a horse to watch.”  Look at the difference a few small changes can make:

Big difference, right?  Which horse would YOU pay more attention to if you were judging an event?  Like it or not, appearance matters in the show pen.  The rider that pays attention to the details of their horse’s presentation is often the rider that exhibits that same level of detail in their riding preparations.  However, it is important to remember that no amount of scrubbing or shine can cover up a lack of preparation.  Your image will only attract the judge to you in the first place – it is up to you to follow through in living up to that first impression.  So what changes did I make to improve Tiny’s appearance so much?

• Fit Matters!

The first (and most important) thing I did was to adjust the fit of Tiny’s halter.  It doesn’t matter how much bling your equipment has, but cleanliness and fit are critical.  The properly fitted halter is far safer and serves to highlight Tiny’s face.  In addition, a long chain dangling down looks untidy and doesn’t serve a purpose in controlling your horse.  It is much better to run the chain under the chin and up the cheek to clip.  This gives you more control and looks better.  Finally, a bit of shine dabbed around the eyes, ears, and muzzle really sets the horse off and makes you look like a winner.

• Don’t Forget the Feet!

The horse’s legs and feet are often overlooked by competitors when attending horse shows.  The preparation begins at home, by keeping the horse on a regular farrier schedule and by keeping the feet strong and healthy.  It is also important to clip the horse’s legs about a week or two before the show season and keep them tidy throughout the season.  You can see the difference between Tiny’s untouched legs (first photo) and the neatness of the second photo.  Finally, add some shine to those feet!  It makes a huge difference in your final presentation if your horse has clean and shiny feet.  I used a sanding block to clean her hooves and then I painted them with some oil.  Voila!  Instant makeover.

•  Hair DO’s

One of the most dramatic changes you can make to your horse’s image is to add a tail extension, if your horse is lacking a tail like mine.  People sometimes complain the the ability to add an extension encourages people to slack off on caring for their horse’s tail.  As you can see, a long and full tail makes a HUGE difference in presentation and it is important for anyone that shows to do their best to care for the horse’s tail.  However, sometimes you might need some help.  Maybe you live in a state like mine, where the year round bug problem makes it difficult to maintain full tails.  Maybe your horse has a playful turnout buddy that likes to chew tails.  Maybe he got it caught on a bucket or stepped on it.  Any number of  things can result in a less than fabulous tail, but it doesn’t take much to correct with the simple addition of an extension.

• Band it Down

Finally, I recommend banding or braiding your horse’s mane and forelock, whichever is appropriate for your discipline.  It provides a neat and tidy appearance and really finishes off your look.  If you ride Western and choose to band your horse, you should thin and shorten your horse’s mane to a flattering length for his conformation. 

If  you follow these useful and easy tips you will take your image from Blah to Unforgettable.  It doesn’t matter if you show at a National level or a open fun show level – you should always present yourself and your mount to the best of your ability, down to the smallest detail.  Good luck and happy horse showing!

Image courtesy of D Sharon Pruitt

Many years ago, I learned the value of riding with “soft eyes.”  You might be wondering, What on earth does that mean?  If you drive a car, you probably drive with soft eyes.  Think of it like this:  when you use soft eyes your focus is soft, your peripheral vision is active, and you are able to perceive a large area.  For example, you can watch the car in front of you and keep an eye on that child near the road as well.  In contrast, there are “hard eyes,” where you sharply focus on a particular point or object to the exclusion of everything else.  You may have found yourself staring so hard at something that you didn’t even see the person that walked by you.  

Try this exercise:  when riding, pick a point in the distance and focus hard on that point.  Feel how your body reacts.  Do you tense up?  Does your horse react?  Are you still aware of other objects in your environment?   Now, turn your head 45 degrees to the right or left.  Focus hard on a point there.  What happens?  If you’re like most of us, your horse will drift in the direction that you’re looking.  Why?  Because your body responds to your focus by stiffening and subtly cueing your horse to turn.  Now practice using soft eyes.  Look ahead but don’t focus on a particular point.  Use your peripheral vision to scan your entire surroundings.  You’ll be surprised how far your visual range extends towards your shoulder area!  You’ll likely feel your horse soften as you soften.

Using soft eyes when riding is an important tool.  When you keep your focus soft, your body naturally softens.  You also have greater awareness and perception and can sense your environment.  This keeps you in tune with your horse and allows you to make corrections or adjustments almost before they are needed. 

There is also a place for using hard eyes.  I most often found this a useful tool in pattern classes or showmanship, where a straight line is essential.  If you choose a point at the far end of the arena and concentrate on that point, you’ll find that your body directs your horse straight to that point.  The same goes for barrel horses – focus on your pocket and your horse will slip right into it for a great turn.

Have you ever noticed what kind of eyes you ride with?  Do you find that these same examples hold true for you as well?  Have you found a use for hard eyes other than those that I’ve mentioned?  I’d love to hear your stories!

If you want to excel in equitation classes, you must first master the pattern.  In stock horse breeds, equitation classes are commonly judged by individual pattern work or a combination of patterns and group rail work.  In either case, the pattern is your chance to shine.  All eyes are upon you and it is up to you to make a stunning impression on the judges.  Here are my top ten tips on distinguishing  yourself from the rest of the riders and making the judges take a second (and third!) look:

1. Present Yourself – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, because it is that important.  If you are a judge that has been standing for hours, watching the same pattern over and over, what stands out?  A horse and rider that are impeccably turned out, with pleasant attitudes that look like they WANT to be at a horse show.  The pattern is your chance to sell yourself – learn to do it well.
2. Use Your Markers – Most pattern classes will utilize markers to define transition points.  These markers are there for a reason.  Use them consistently and accurately to score points with the judges. 
3. Clean Transitions – If you’ve watched many pattern classes, you’ll agree that this is one area that exhibitors commonly give away points.  Be sure that your transitions are on target – not early or late.  They should be smooth and effortless and your position should remain correct. 
4. Circles are Circles – Not ovals.  Not triangles.  Not oblong.  If your pattern calls for a circle, make it a circle – even and centered around your marker (if need be).   Furthermore, if your pattern calls for a figure eight or another circle combination, make sure your circles are evenly matched and round.
5. Don’t Look Down – This is one of the cardinal rules of equitation excellence.  If you are going to compete in pattern classes, you must be able to pick up the correct leads and/or diagonals without looking to check yourself.  Practice this until you are confident that you can feel what is happening under you.
6. Know Your Pattern – This might seem obvious, but it is very easy to second guess yourself in the ring, especially if an exhibitor ahead of you does the pattern incorrectly.  Run through your pattern several times, with the markers set up, until you are satisfied that you have it memorized.  It also helps to have someone watch and give you feedback, if possible. 
7. Stop Square – Again, another spot where exhibitors give up the points.  Stop on your marks and halt square and soft.  Don’t lean back excessively and definitely do not let your horse throw you forward upon stopping.  Practice pausing, so your horse doesn’t get in the habit of wandering out of his stop.
8. Know Your Turns – Know the difference between a turn on the haunches and a turn on the forehand (hint:  it’s in the pivot foot).  Practice doing fluid, smooth turns, and be sure your horse plants his pivot foot.  Don’t dawdle through the turns – it becomes painful to watch if it takes forever to get through it.  Likewise, don’t rush through either.  The goal is smooth and fluid.  
9. Don’t Stop Showing – From the moment you enter the ring until the moment you leave, the judge is judging you.  Don’t stop showing as soon as your pattern is complete.  The show ring is not the place to be chatting with other competitors or spectators in the stands while your class is competing.  And especially don’t ever correct your horse in the ring if your pattern is less than stellar.  Nothing is more unprofessional that the exhibitor that begins jerking and spurring her horse as soon as the judge turns his back.  They can still see you and can still mark you down if they don’t like what they see.  Not to mention that behavior like this will sour your horse on patterns faster than you can imagine.  Just don’t do it.
10. Be Confident!  This is your chance to shine.  Take it!  After all your hard work and practice, go in there and knock ‘em dead.  Keep your head up, shoulders square and remember to breathe.  If you have done your homework, you will soon start to love your patterns because you and your horse will be the team that people come to watch. 

As a competitive equestrian, one of your most important tasks is to set clear, attainable goals for yourself and your mount.  In fact, this skill is important for anyone who rides horses, or does any type of competitive activity.  I trained with Meneely Show Horses for many years, and this skill was one of the first I learned after entering their program.  While goal-setting is critical to achieving success, it is equally important to write your goals down and refer to them frequently.  This keeps your goals at the forefront of your mind, keeps you focused on them and moving forward.  Refer to these handy tips when creating your goals:

*  Timelines are important

When I was competing heavily on the Appaloosa show circuit, our big events were the National Show in July and the World Show in October.  At the beginning of every calendar year, I would reflect for a time on what I hoped to achieve for the upcoming show season.  When setting goals choose a reasonable timeline, particularly if you are riding a young horse or are adding new events.  Give yourself plenty of time to put in the groundwork to achieve the goals.

* Choose a variety of goals

You want a wide variety of goals to strive for.  It’s great to set goals that are challenging or long term – that is what keeps you driving hard for improvement in your game.  However the small, step-wise goals are equally important to keep you enthusiastic and focused.  For example, if you are hoping to win the World on your fantastic new Western Rider, you might set the following kinds of goals:  maintain consistent control of my horse’s hips and shoulders, perform consistent lead changes on a loose rein at a steady speed, perform multiple lead changes on a loose rein at consistent speed, perform lead changes at specific point in arena, master timing of cues, perform well at regional competitions, World Champion Western Riding.  As you can see, there is a logical progression of steps that you may need to accomplish to reach your ultimate goal.  By treating each of these steps as an individual goal, you are able to celebrate successes along your path and appreciate your journey. 

* Be realistic

There is a difference between a challenging set of goals and one that is unattainable.  It is crucial to objectively look at you and your horse’s skills and set goals that are attainable, even if they are challenging.  If you nor your horse have ever changed a lead and you are terrified when competing alone in the ring, chances are good that winning Western Riding might be an unattainable goal – at least for this year.  Maybe instead you could focus on gaining control of your horse’s body and becoming a more confident rider.  By selecting goals that you have the ability to reach, you will avoid frustration and disappointment. 

* Personal goals are OK too

Don’t feel you should restrict your goals to skill related ones.  Maybe your goal is to spend more time trail riding your horse, or eliminate negative thinking, or make new horse show friends.  Anything goes – remember this is your strategy for success and there is no wrong answer.

* Present your goals

Almost anyone that seriously competes at a sport will agree that mental preparation is every bit as important as physical ability.  You will be one step ahead of the game if you write your goals down and reflect on them frequently.  At MSH, we created “goal boards” each year with our ultimate goals for each event and overall goals.  Use a large piece of poster board and some markers and be creative!  If you’re an adult and haven’t indulged your creative side in a few years, you may think you are too old for such antics.  Phooey!  You’ll be surprised how exciting and motivating it is to create an inspiring piece of work.  Make it fun, use bright colors, glitter, inspirational quotes – whatever gets YOU excited and looking forward to your goals.  And put the board in a place where you will see it and reflect on it often, and especially take it to your shows when you will need the biggest reminder to stay focused. 

* It’s OK if you don’t meet your goals

If you haven’t succeeded at meeting some or all of your goals, it’s no big deal.  Did you do your best to succeed?  Goal boards are not a contract – you are not guaranteed success just because you set goals.  Likewise, you are not a failure if you don’t achieve every one of them.  In fact, it’s often best if you have a couple of goals that you haven’t met for the year.  After all, what fun would it be if you accomplished everything you set out to do?  If you met every goal you set, chances are good that you didn’t challenge yourself enough with your “ultimate goals.”  And if you didn’t meet any of them, you were most likely too ambitious for your current set of circumstances.  It’s OK, try again next year!

The ability to create clear, attainable goals is an important skill for competitive riding.  As you progress through the levels of show, it will become more apparent how critical mental preparation is to achieving success.  Good luck with creating your own goals, and feel free to share some of them here to inspire others.

Some of my favorite inspirational quotes:

“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”  William Ernest Henley

“Self confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.”  Samuel Johnson

“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”  Theodore Roosevelt

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery

“Shoot for the moon and if you miss you will still be among the stars.”  Les Brown

FromTheHorsesBack is excited to announce the launch of “Creating Champions,” a new series devoted to tips and tricks for excelling in the horse show arena!  These handy tidbits have been amassed from my own experiences in competition and I hope that you will find them useful as well.  *Disclaimer:  I am not a professional horse trainer or coach and am presenting this series based on my own experiences.  Please use your own judgement and seek out a professional opinion if you are unsure about any of the information provided here. 

To kick off the series, here are my Top 10 Tips for Entering the Winner’s Circle:

1.  Present Yourself

You wouldn’t go for your dream job interview without being prepared, why would you enter the show ring with any less thought?  Make sure clothes and tack are clean and fit well, hats are clean and shaped, and horses are turned out properly.  Attention to detail is key!

2.  Be a Good Sport

Regardless of your performance or placing, be a gracious winner or a good loser.  You can always learn from your performance and recognizing this is the first step in becoming a better rider.

3.  Never Give Up

If you make a mistake in the ring, CARRY ON!!  Don’t ever let anyone see you sweat.  Judges may not have seen or noticed it, and even if they did, you don’t know how the other riders in the class are performing.  It may be hard to believe, but I have seen riders make a critical mistake but still place high. 

4.  Practice, Practice, Practice

Nothing contributes to success like putting in the blood, sweat, and tears behind the scenes.  The more you ride and the better your riding program, the more consistency and confidence you will have in the arena.

5.  Fitness Counts

Both you and your horse should be fit to achieve optimum results.  Muscular and cardiovascular strength are important and should be addressed.  I have seen riders ensure their horse’s fitness, only to falter when asked to post the trot for an interminably long time in the summer heat.

6.  Cover Your Bases

Preparation is not only restricted to riding practice.  Before your show day arrives, be sure to have a current Coggins test and health papers for your horse, truck/trailer maintained and ready to go, directions and hotel arrangements made.  Don’t let last minute details trip you up – think ahead!

7.  Looks are Everything

Always project an air of confidence in yourself.  You should never need to look down to check a lead or a diagonal (this is where the practice comes in) and keep a relaxed, happy expression on your face.  When a judge is comparing you to tens or even hundreds of other competitors, you must have charisma to stand out.  Even if you are scared to death, don’t act like it!

8.  Master the Art of Riding With Your Seat

Top level competitors have the ability to control their horse’s speed and direction with the use of their seat and legs.  Steering, turning, and stopping should be done with a minimum of voice and hand cues. 

9.  Maintain Control at All Times

You should be able to control your horse’s shoulders and hips anytime you are riding (again, NOT with your hands!).  One thing that separates great patterns from good ones is the ability to create soft, consistent elements on a loose rein.  Complete control of the horse’s body is required in presenting a pretty picture that functions well.

10.  Make Horse Shows Fun

At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about!  Spend some time enjoying your horse, walk around the show grounds to cool off and explore.  Watch some other classes and cheer for your fellow competitors.  Meet people and exchange ideas.  The more enjoyable shows are for you AND your horse, the more longevity you will both have.