Most of us have one goal in common when it comes to horse showing: make it as fun and successful as possible. However, many obstacles along the way can deter us from unlocking our best show potential. Here we have complied a top five list that if followed, will ensure a better overall show experience.
1. Don’t Waste Time on Gossip
Whenever you get a large group of passionate people together, there will be gossip no matter what level or breed association you compete. In order to have a more positive show experience, letting go of gossip can be a good way to clear your mind and relieve some of your stress. At horse shows, we already must focus on getting our horses prepped, our patterns practiced, and so many other fine details that no one really has the time to focus on other people’s problems, anyway. A positive person will dedicate their time to improving their own strengths rather than dwelling on other people’s drama.
2. Get Your Rest
Sleep is such an overlooked necessity at most horse shows. All of us are guilty of not getting the required amount of sleep because we are busy showing all day and socializing in our spare time. However, getting as much sleep as possible will not only help to clear your head for the following day, but it will leave you feeling refreshed and also give you more energy for the duration of the show. Having downtime in a horse show atmosphere is not only beneficial to the horses, but also just as needed for the riders as well. So next time when the opportunity presents itself, head back to the hotel, cabin or trailer and try to catch some much-needed rest.
3. Perform a Random Act of Kindness
We’ve all been there, having a rough day at the horse show where every little thing that can go wrong, goes wrong. One way that is guaranteed to improve your horse show happiness is to make someone else’s day. From letting a hurried exhibitor go in front of you in the lunging line, to helping someone tack up before their class, others will greatly appreciate the additional help and this can make a huge difference in someone else’s day which will in turn, give you a more positive feeling. Being nice is contagions, much like being mean. Take the opportunity to go out of your way to help someone else out and watch as the kindness spreads.
4. Laugh a Lot
Often times, exhibitors, trainers and even spectators lose sight of why we show horses in the first place. We love our animals, but we love the feeling of waking up early to show off our horses and we also love the long hours of sweat and preparation that it takes to get us there. Reminding yourself to laugh along the way will lighten any situation and boost your mood. Like it has been stated many times before, the ribbons and placings will come and go but the memories that we create with our friends and loved ones will last forever. Horse shows are always more fun when you are laughing the whole time with your barn family.
5. Be Yourself
In a sport where we are all vying for the judge’s attention and will do almost anything to stand out from the others, some people tend to get overwhelmed and forget to just be themselves. Horse shows are a place where we all have one goal and one love in common and they pass by way too quickly to get caught up in all of the chaos. Remembering to be yourself will set you apart from the crowd just as much as trying to be different. So just remind yourself when you enter the show ring, ride like you ride at home and treat your horse just as you would any other day. Being yourself will be beneficial to boosting your horse show happiness every time.
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These unspoken reminders are good for any situation, whether it be a horse show or everyday life. When you ignore the gossip, and focus on being kind to others, you will be setting yourself up to be in a more positive head space. Managing your spare time at the show between laughing it up with friends and ensuring that you get enough sleep are just two more ways to be healthier and happier over the whole duration. Lastly, as it goes with anything in life, when faced with struggles and hardships, just be yourself and trust that you can do anything it takes to succeed.
