Looking back over 2013, we see so many great memories and moments, and a few not so happy ones, but nevertheless we will hook up our trailers and continue down the road to another series of horse shows. So before you pull out of the driveway, find out what you should do this year at a horse show near you!
1) Have Fun—We spend so much time and money chasing after blue ribbons, we often forget about the whole point of horse showing is to enjoy it! Go to a horse show in the right mind frame by setting reasonable expectations–make sure you are well prepared, and you aren’t over worked, so that you have time to watch others show, go to dinner with friends and enjoy the moment.
2) Meet New People—We often bond together in our clusters of barn friends all sitting under the same colors of stall curtains. This year, venture out, smile at a new person (or one that you have been passing in the barn for years), ask them about their horse or their holiday. You never know who you may meet and become friends!
3) Travel to a show Outside of your State—So many of us go to the same shows within the same 150 miles. Not only are we bored, but so are our horses! Pick a place you haven’t been before, check the schedule and plan a trip. Not only will you get to experience a new location, you might show under different show management, different competition, and best of all, you will be introduced to a whole new set of restaurants and local activity. To top it off, you might be surprised at how well your horse shows, just the fresh perspective and different footing could give your horse the spark or the comfort it needed to perform at its best!
4) Show in a New Class—Make sure you are prepared first, but if you are getting a little bored at the shows, there is nothing better than going into a new class and seeing what you’ve got. Try a class that your horse already has skills in or even doesn’t require as much. Just remember to keep your expectations low and enjoy the ride.
5) Take Your Camera—Document your time at the horse show. Whether you are taking snap shots of friends or videoing your go, you will enjoy looking back on the time you spent with your horse and either work on improving your performance or simply have something to post on Facebook!
6) Sign up for a Special Event—Horse shows are reinventing themselves all the time. From Trail Derbies to costume classes, horse shows of all shapes and sizes and adding special activities and classes to keep folks entertained and engaged. So sign up for a team tournament, try out a derby or go watch one to see if you might enjoy it. You will find there is some excitement in doing something new with a horse.
7) Go Shopping—Whether you are buying things for your horse, yourself or your dog, go shopping. At horse shows, there are typically vendors that come from outside of your area, and they often bring items that might not be as common at your local tack shop.
8) Leave the Horse Show—So many times, we see the world through the truck window and the same boring elements of an agricultural center. So, take your off day and go exploring. Google and find out if there is a concert, cool restaurant, beach or trails around and look for something to do other than sit around at the stalls.
9) Come Early—It is amazing how much better you and your horse settle in to a horse show, just by arriving a few days early. Try it once by taking that extra day off of work and be the first one to the grounds. You will get the best dirt to ride on, the quiet parts of the arena, the best camper spot, and certainly the most sleep.
10) Travel with Friends—Tell Fido to move over and offer to a seat and a trailer spot to a friend. You will save on gas by splitting expenses and probably make some great memories. Just make sure you are square on departure times, expenses and expectations before you leave the home barn.
So just don’t stand there…. Go Horse Show!
