With the AjPHA and AQHYA World Shows just around the corner (June 29 – July 6 and August 5-13 respectively), many youth will be making their very first trip into the world show pen. The world show is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting times in anyone’s youth career. However, that first trip to Fort Worth or Oklahoma City may be daunting. We spoke to some world show veterans from both breed associations and they have some great tips for making the most of your world show!
1) Enjoy every moment
Your first world show is a once in a lifetime experience – literally. Enjoy all of the “firsts” that come with being in that place. While each time back at the world show is exciting, there’s nothing quite like the first time. The world show is a place to meet new people and experience new things. If a class doesn’t go how you expect, don’t let it ruin your time.
“Prepare your horse, and prepare for the week, but don’t forget to enjoy it and take in the moment!” says AQHYA Exhibitor Natasha Blanchard (pictured right). This is key to remember. All of the hard work has already been done at home. The only thing left to do is enjoy your time in the limelight.
“Take in everything,” says AjPHA World Show veteran Paige Kemper (pictured left). “There is absolutely nothing like that moment in the tunnel between the paddock and the bright lights in the John Justin. Don’t let a bad ride or bad placing damper your next entrance into the lights!”
AjPHA President, Sydney Schmidt, feels the same way. “Make new friends. Get involved. Most of all, trust your horse and all of the things you have worked on. Don’t get overwhelmed; in the end, it’s really just another horse show. What matters are the memories made with the people that matter to you.”
2) Stay focused and control your nerves
“Put your blinders up” recommends AQHYA World Champion Jenna Jacobs (pictured right). “Don’t compare yourself and your horse to others. Don’t doubt what you are capable of. You know your horse and how to ride them best, so don’t let nerves get to you. It may be hard not to be stressed because you want everything to be perfect and according to plan, but you’ll most likely have some obstacles. Make the most out of every situation and remember- everything happens for a reason. Believe in your horse and treat them like your teammate, and you’ll be surprised with the results.”
“You worked very hard for this moment. It’s your time to shine,” remarks 2015 AQHYA World Champion, Sydney Scheckel (pictured above in the main image). “Don’t let outside influences bother you. We all need to keep things in perspective and make attainable goals. Rome wasn’t built in a day – it takes time, patience, and hard work.”
Taylor Burgess, a veteran to the AjPHA World Show arena, agrees. “Focus on your patterns and don’t let your nerves get the best of you. Enjoy the experience.” (pictured left)
Carli Pitts also finds that controlling your nerves is key to enjoying your the world show. “It’s important to treat it like just another horse show. If you make it anything more than that, the nerves will take over. Everyone else is nervous too, so don’t feel like you’re alone.” Pitts is no stranger to the world show arena. The young trainer made many appearances in the limelight before going pro this year.
3) Look for learning experiences
“Don’t just arrive at the show grounds, and leave,” advises Kemper. “Watch other classes, look at other horses, walk around the barns and see all the setups, watch people work and warm up their horses. There’s so much you can learn at such a prestigious show. The best of the best are all there- take advantage of that. It’s truly breathtaking to watch.”
Pitts (pictured right) also feels as though the world show is a great place to learn. She says “don’t hesitate to ask questions. If you need to know something, like how the splits work, don’t be afraid to find someone who knows. Everyone is willing to help.”
With so many accomplished trainers, exhibitors, and horses in the same place, the opportunities to learn are endless- even if it isn’t your first world show. Don’t take the chance to learn something new for granted by being so caught up in your own worries.
4. Stay Humble, but confident
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when competing at that level and become over confident. However, this can be dangerous. Even more dangerous is doubting yourself and your horse. “Even if the outcome isn’t what you wanted, go in the next class just as confident as when you first arrived,” advises Kemper.
AjPHA World Champion Libby Collins agrees (pictured left). “Don’t sell yourself short just because this may be your first world show. Anyone is capable of becoming a champion,” says Collins.
For Ally Fink, another leading AjPHA exhibitor, friendship is the key. “Don’t let the commotion get to you. The most important thing to winning is the friends that you can celebrate it with.”
Jenna Jacobs summed this up perfectly when she said, “Remain confident, yet humble. Nothing is for sure – come on, this is horse showing. Anything can happen. Be confident in your preparation and very confident when you perform in the show ring, but don’t become cocky, like you deserve it more than others. Everyone has worked hard to be there, develop an attitude of gratitude.”
Thank you to Paige Kemper, Jenna Jacobs, Ally Fink, Libby Collins, Carli Pitts, Natasha Blanchard, Taylor Burgess, Sydney Schmidt, and Sydney Scheckel for contributing. Good luck to everyone at the upcoming world shows!
Photos © Mallory Beinborn, GoHorseShow
