Next week, Level 1 competitors from all over the country will converge on Las Vegas, Nevada and Lexington, Virginia for the AQHA SmartPak West and Nutrena East Level 1 Championships. This year both shows boast additional rookie classes as well as more breakdowns in age divisions for many classes. With so many Level 1 competitors preparing to show, GoHorseShow asked several trainers and Level 1 exhibitors about their tips for success at this prime time event.
1. Be prepared – Trainer Jonathan Meilleur of Hamburg, Pennsylvania says preparation is key for a successful class. He states, “Know your pattern and practice your pattern at home.” Novice Amateur Megan Wise of Denton, Maryland adds, “Have someone video you while you practice so you can watch yourself and see what you need to improve. Watching videos of my patterns always helps me.”
Level 1 Competitor Trista Mallow from Wisconsin agrees, “My tip would be to be prepared, without being over prepared. That goes for you and your horse. Hard work goes a long way and if you put the time and effort into preparing before the show, odds are it will pay off. With that being said, don’t let the pressure get to you and lose your focus. Stick to the basics and keep the big picture in mind. We all know anything can happen in the show pen, so at the end of the day, no matter what the outcome is, at least you can say you did everything you could to be prepared.”
2. Take advantage of the Ride the Pattern clinics – Youth competitor and 2014 East Showmanship Champion Trae Buckwalter of Westminster, Maryland says that participating in the clinic was a positive decision. “The AQHA Professional Horsemen (and women) know the patterns inside out and can help with any of your questions on the patterns. It’s a great opportunity, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
3. Get there early – Nebraska trainer Danielle Burnight states, “Get there early and give yourself and your horse plenty of time to acclimate. Make sure you take your horse around the facility and practice in the show arena several times a day to get him seasoned to his surroundings. You don’t want your horse to be ‘looky’ or paying more attention to his new surroundings than he is you when it’s time to show.”
4. Enjoy the venue – Multiple Top 10 competitor Erin McNab (pictured right) who showed in at the West Championship last year, says that competitors should look forward to the South Point Hotel and Casino. She shares, “South Point is amazing. Of course, there is the casino for those who want to gamble, but there’s also a pool, a bowling alley, and a movie theater in the hotel. There are a number of great places to eat within the casino, including a coffee shop, which we all know is super important for those early horse show mornings.”
As far as Lexington, which is a new venue for the East Championships, the ten arenas and eight state-of-the-art barns are helpful when trying to prepare your horse. Chris Gray who trains all-around competitors in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania has been to this facility several times. According to Gray, “The Horse Park in Lexington is a picturesque facility nestled in the Virginia countryside. The facility is well laid out, making arrivals and departures extremely easy. It is truly a great place to show.”
5. Stick with what works – The 2014 East Youth Ranch Riding Champion Lauren Lloyd of Eli Whitney, North Carolina (pictured left) says though it can be tempting, avoid changing your game plan. “It is easy to get there and get nervous if you are having trouble or doubting yourself, but the show is not the place to change things.” She adds, “If anything, just learn from the experience, take it all in and enjoy it. Do your best, but do not beat yourself up if things don’t go the way you hoped.”
Novice Amateur Jamie Hyton agrees, “Don’t change what got you here. Continue to do the same thing that you were successful with all year to get you to this point and don’t forget to breathe.”
Trainer Jennifer Reams from North Carolina adds, “Just treat it like a normal show and do not get caught up in ‘who’ is there.”
6. Keep things in perspective – Sarah Raschein trains alongside her father at Three Ring Farm in Oregon. She says that practice is essential when preparing to compete, but it’s also important to remember that even a championship is just another show. Raschein believes exhibitors should, “feel comfortable in your events at home before you head to the show. But, you also need to remember that this is just one show in a progression of many, so do not let yourself get intimidated by the title ‘World Show’. Everyone is in the same boat you are.”
7. Practice calm and confidence – For Meilleur preparation equals confidence. He encourages riders to remember their abilities. “You qualified for this event. Show to the best of your abilities and show exactly the way that got you there. As you enter your class, stay calm and don’t place more pressure on yourself or your horse as you enter the arena.”
Novice Amateur Kelly Cochran from Pennsylvania adds, “Don’t get caught up in it being the championships…approach it like any other horse show. Stay calm, focused and ride how you know how to every day.”
8. Meet new people – The 2014 West Rookie Trail Champion Taylor Deppen (pictured right) believes friendships are paramount to the showing experience. “Take the time to meet some fellow competitors, and don’t let the show overwhelm you. Horse show friends are some of the best friends in the world and can be amazingly supportive. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the show.”
9. Attitude is everything – Novice Amateur Julie Hoefling of Scottsdale, Arizona says, “My tip would be to remember all the hard work that you’ve put in to get to this point and stay focused on your own performance. Be positive and show off what you and your horse do best.”
Trainer Chelsea Carson from Oregon adds, “First and foremost, have fun. As a showman, you’re in charge of how much fun you have–shows like the Level 1 Championship to me are more about personal growth through the year… the awards are just a bonus to everything you’ve worked for.”
10. Take in the moment– And, let it be the first step toward great things to come. The highlight of McNab’s show was one special moment with her horse. She shares, “One of my favorite parts of showing at the Level 1 Championship show was the trot-in for hunter under saddle. I’d seen that when watching the AQHA World Show online, so it was incredibly fun to have the chance to do that. Her trainer, Raschein (pictured left), believes the championship shows, “give the Level 1 competitors a chance to be in a world show environment. The show management, ring stewards and gate people run it as similarly to the World Show as possible even down to the draws, and awards presentations.”
Since the countdown is on and the patterns are out, most exhibitors will spend the next two weeks deep in practice. However, please remember to heed the advice above and pair that preparation with equal parts focus, fun and friendship. Whether you’re showing in Las Vegas, or among the first group to head to Lexington, following these tips from veterans will make for a memorable show that will be the beginning of great things to come.
