Friday, July 31, 2009

Any body on here from the Saddlebreed industry?

I am going to show my five gaited horse at the World Grand Championship Horse Show in Louisville, KY. Does anyone have any tips?
Answers:
If you are going to the World in any breed you should be the one giving us tips! I don't know the show grounds or area, but I would get on some websites for them, and read the information about what is offered locally. Try to find a hotel nearby and book it now! You will pay out the nose for it, but it is worth it to be near the showgrounds. Take time out for the shopping, as there will be lots of vendors selling things. If you have never gone as a spectator, try to get a map of the show grounds, and get there as early as they will let you check in. There may be an event being held there prior to yours, so don't show up too early or you will be waiting to unload. Take your own bedding and feed, to save money and assure the quality. Make a checklist of items you will need, and reserve an extra stall for your tack. Bring along a chain and lock for it, and curtains to put along the front so you can use it as a changing room. Take a lot of pictures and enjoy your horse while making new friends. Don't get imtimidated by the big stables - you paid your money and you have just as much a right to be there!
I hope this is what you had in mind - I assume at that level you won't be needing riding or showing tips! Probably the most important thing is to remember it is just another show, and have a great time.
Congratulations! Because you have already made it this far, as the World show is a great achievement in its own right, you obviously have talent and your horse has skill. But if you are worried about achieving that winning and competitive edge just practice-practice-practice. It has been a long time since I competed on a saddle bred, we used to compete at Madison Square Garden all of the time when we were young. I still do the same thing before a show now that I did 20 years ago, work my horse every day, feed supplements to improve his coat and practice the most difficult riding tasks (no stirrups, balancing with no hands, figure eights, serpentine etc). Practicing your aids and gaits will perfect your performance. Everything I ever learned about showmanship,equitation and competition I learned from Helen K. Crabtree's book "Saddle Seat Equitation" published in 1970. Although the book is a bit dated, its content is just as viable today as it was 30 years ago. Crabtree discusses in detail leg and seat aids, perfect hand and wrist placement and even ways to compliment and hide your horse's small faults. She discusses equitation fundamentals and so much more. It is a good read and many libraries stock it. You may try looking it over. Good Luck.

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