Freelance contributor, 27 year-old Whitney Murin candidly talks about her move up from showing at open shows to breed shows. Murin now trains under Terry Cross of Dry Creek Ranch located in Weatherford, Texas. Whitney gives some great advice to newcomers showing at their first ever breed show.
We have all thought it. At some point or another everyone showing open shows wants to know what it’s really like at a breed show, and if you go, can you play with the “big boys”? Well, take some advice from me, someone who left her comfy circle of Michigan open shows, packed up her horse, moved to Texas, got a trainer, and hit the road!
First things first: everything you think you know about showing horses…you don’t. I’m not saying that all those years of practice and discipline hasn’t built you a great foundation of knowledge, sportsmanship and the love of the game, because it most definitely has. But, when you get to your first breed show it will soon become clear that there is much more to learn in this horse world than you ever dreamed of.
When you find yourself staring perhaps a little too long at something, and thinking to yourself maybe you weren’t quite as ready as you once thought, just remember you are not alone. Every person out there in that pen has been in your same situation. They all had to start somewhere, and chances are good that if you stopped and asked anyone for advice they would be happy to give it. That’s the best part of our sport, most people are very willing to help the “newbies” and teach them a few tricks of the trade.
Right now is probably the best time to tell you that eight hours of sleep at a show will become nothing more than a pipe dream. My first day at a breed show with my trainer, Terry Cross, from Dry River Ranch was spent longing and riding (several times) bathing, banding, and working showmanship until I was ready to crash at about midnight, and I had not even gone in a class yet. So when he told me to be ready and back in the barn at 5 AM, you can imagine my surprise…..umm come again?
However, I was grateful the next morning when I had plenty of time to get me and my horse ready, and not feel that awful rushed into the show pen feeling. I was as relaxed as I could have been in that situation because I knew we were prepared and everything was in order. Plus, it gave me lots of time to mentally plan my strategy for the show pen, in the event my go-to “deer in the headlights” look came out. (Side note: it did!)
Which brings me to my next great peril of wisdom: the fashion looks at a breed show, could rival any Kardashian’s closet. It is in your best interest to go and watch a show prior to entering because I promise you, no one wants to be the novice with the “insert fashion faux pas” here. And don’t just glance around, I mean tune into exactly how they present themselves. Take note how their hats are shaped, what colors are the chaps of exhibitors in your classes, where do they position their numbers, how low is their bun or pony tail, and how many ribbons and what colors do they have tying them (yes, seriously). My mom always told me, “if you don’t look good, you don’t feel good”, and this has never been more true than at an AQHA show.
On that note with all the glitz and bling, try not to be intimidated by what other competitors are wearing or riding in. It’s so easy to compare yourself to that jacket that appears to be covered in the Queen’s crown jewels, or the saddle that may or may not be worth more than your first car, but please do not. Stay focused on your own strengths and the fact that you are here living your dream at a big breed show. Someone may have a fancier outfit than you, but money cannot buy a grateful heart and a genuine smile.
Have a plan for your whole day before you step foot in the barn that morning. Try to figure out exactly what you need to do and allow yourself plenty of time to do it. After your first breed show, you will learn that you have developed a rhythm, better than any touring “one-man-band” show, but until then keep watch of what your barn mates are doing, and don’t lag behind. I have found that if I am in the make up pen ready to show three classes prior, it gives me enough time to warm up, run through a pattern and focus on what’s ahead.
Keeping your focus is another important point. Open shows tend to be more laid back and fun, and that’s the appeal to them. But when you are ready to be more competitive at a breed show, there is a lot more focus and attention that needs to be shown in each and every ride. When you are in the show pen concentrate on what your horse is doing stride for stride. When he starts to fall flat, or lay on the bit, if you are focused right when it happens you can make an adjustment before it gets too far gone. Plus, when you are constantly focused on what you and your horse are doing, it gives you very little room to remember your nerves, anxiety, or if you are anything like me, that occasional “deer-in-the-headlights” feeling.
In the end, when you decide you want to compete at a breed show, find yourself some help with a trainer or an experienced amateur and jump in head first. New beginnings are always exciting, and especially when they can be spent around horses doing what you love most. You may not come home high-point champion but you will come home with great memories, and most likely some new friends. As one of my favorite quotes says, “She took a leap of faith and grew her wings on the way down.” They may be slow loping, swarovski crystal covered wings, but you see what I’m saying….
About the Author: Whitney Murin is a freelance contributor to GoHorseShow.com. She describes herself as a “western marketing guru” and her experience in marketing has led to working with some of the biggest names in the industry such as Cinch, Stetson, and Pro-Equine Products until this year when she started her own marketing agency, “Big Horse Marketing”. In her spare time she can be found showing her AQHA gelding “Best of Houcs” in the novice amateur classes under the guidance of Dry River Ranch, in Weatherford, TX. To contact Whitney please visit her website www.bighorsemarketing.com
