Mid-December to mid-February is traditionally break time from horse shows. The break is welcomed by the horse, trainer and rider alike. By mid-February this usually changes with the hope of spring to hurry and get here, and this means back to work getting ready for show season to begin.

During the show season break, it is a great time to step-back, review, re-group and get organized for this show season. Showing your horse should be exciting yet it can be exhausting. To keep the show season exciting and FUN, start with preparation now. Whether you are a beginner getting ready for your first show or a seasoned competitor, a few checklists can aide in making the first show of the season successful.

Horse shows are an athletic event and your horse is the athlete. Success for you and your horse starts at home with practice, lessons, and setting personal goals for the year. Confidence in the show pen is greater when you know you are prepared to perform your best. Trying new bits, saddles, or new techniques should be done at home, not the day of the show - be prepared.

Before the show season arrives make your list of goals you want to achieve during the show season. Do your homework by practicing, going to lessons, watching tapes of shows, or your past year shows, as well as reviewing last year's goals. Don't forget have FUN!

For those preparing for their first adventure into the show pen, all of this can be intimidating at times. If possible before your first show hang out and watch others that have shown before. The best way for a beginner to get a feel for showing is to get involved. Watch and Learn. Quickly, the beginner will see the difference between those that are organized and prepared and those that are extremely disorganized.

Here are a few tips to succeeding this show season no matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned competitor:

• Set your goals and keep them realistic.
  Your trainer can help you pick what classes you and your horse can do best, and what classes you and your horse can work toward during the year.
• Do your homework.
  You cannot prepare for a horse show the day before and you should not expect to do anything differently the day of the horse show than you do when you are practicing or taking lessons. Practice does make perfect.
• Know the rules.
  If you are a seasoned competitor, check for changes and updates for the new season. If this is your first show season, make certain you know what rules you will be showing under and get a copy of them. There are different rules for showing in 4-H shows, breed registered shows, and for different riding disciplines. Many shows follow the United States Equestrian Federation rules (formally the American Horse Show Association). Understand the divisions of competition and make certain you enter the classes that you qualify for and suit your riding level.
  Most horse shows will print a show bill that will list the events and requirements prior to the day of the show. Obtain a copy in advance. If you have any questions at all, call the show managers. Your breed association is also a great place for beginners to obtain general information on showing.
• Know ring etiquette
  Nothing is more annoying to a seasoned competitor than riding with novice riders that do not know proper ring etiquette. During the warm-up period in the ring there will likely be a lot of horses going many different directions. Proper ring etiquette consists of keeping at least one horse length between your horse and any other horse in front, behind or beside you. If you see a nervous or misbehaving horse, try to keep your distance. It will help the horse that is upset, as well as keep your horse from thinking maybe there is something to be upset about.
• Manage your time wisely
  The only time to ever enjoy getting out of bed before the sun rises is show day. Nothing will make your feel more flustered and overwhelmed that running late. That anxiousness will be picked up by your horse immediately. Getting to the barn early gives you some time for grooming, to check your packing list and the ability to be patient while loading your horse in the trailer.
  Don't warm up your horse for so long that your horse is too tired to perform well in the classes you enter. How much time your horse will need depends on the temperament of the horse and the level of athletic abilities that will be asked of your horse during the show. In general, try to warm up about 20-30 minutes before you have to go into the ring. Give your horse a break in between classes if possible. You, the rider/handler take breaks as well, drink fluids and relax.
• Breathe, don't get nervous
  This is easier said than done for even the most seasoned competitor. Before you go into the ring, visualize yourself achieving a good workout to the best of your ability. Look like you have already won the class even if it is just beginning. Don't worry about the other competitors. Act as if you are riding alone in your home arena. It will calm your nerves, and you don't pay attention to what the other riders do, but to your own riding. Never get angry at your horse if you don't do well. Even horses can have an off day.
• Leave your ego at home
  This is easier said than done, as well! Remember this is just one day. There will most likely be many riders and horses of equal or better riding levels there at the show. You may or may not agree with the judge's decisions. Again, this is just one day and one show, tomorrow is another day.
  Horse show grounds are full of tension for all that are there. If you have done the best job you could do in a particular class, given the circumstances in the show pen that day, you should feel proud of what you and your horse have accomplished.
• Smile!
  Judges love a genuine smile, not one that is plastered in place. Just enjoy yourself with your horse. If you and your horse are having FUN, it shows and the judge will notice.

Finally, a few extra pointers from a judge, both positive and negative:

POSITIVE Features In The Show Ring:

• Turn Out: over- all picture of the horse and rider/handler
• Manners: presentation of horse and/or rider
• Organized, confident, calm handler
• Properly fitted tack, clean and polished
• Handlers conservatively turned out and practical
• Interested and alert
• Quiet hands
• Horse is conditioned, fit and is the proper weight
• Smiling handler

NEGATIVE Features In The Show Ring:

• Poor turnout, rough coat, poor condition
• Unruly behavior, this makes it difficult to view
• Overzealous, showy handlers (distracting)
• Poorly fitted tack, throat latch dangling, loose noseband, dirty bit, bit too low in the mouth
• Handlers sporting flamboyant attire
• Dull horses
• Coaching from the side
• Poor condition and poor muscle tone
• Handlers who stare at the judge

Horse shows can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make them. No matter if you are a beginner or a veteran, keep it simple. You will have a lot more FUN. That is the main goal of showing your horse - to have FUN.

Lynette is a certified equine appraiser and certified judge with cards in several states to judge open all breed and 4-H shows. For more information on shows where Lynette will be judging or to ask questions contact Lynette and Quail Ridge Equine Unlimited by phone 618-979-3192, through email: QREquineUnltd@aol.com or check out her website: www.quailridgeequine.com.