Horse showing can be somewhat intimidating and stressful at times. Whether it be a small weekend show or the AQHA Level 1 Championships, preparation and focus are essential. At the same time, horse showing is about having fun.
In the next few weeks, Level 1 competitors from all over the country will converge on Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Las Vegas, Nevada and Raleigh, North Carolina for the AQHA Central, West and East Level 1 Championships.
GoHorseShow asked seasoned exhibitors who have competed at the championships before to offer some advice to first-timers who plan to attend the show. Let’s find out what they have to say.
Reaghan Leigh Griffin (pictured above) – I would love to tell Novice Championship exhibitors not to do exactly what I did – don’t freak yourself out. With the wide-open access we have through social media, it’s so easy to find yourself saying, “I don’t stand a chance since *insert intimidation here* is going.” Everyone has their off days and everyone has their great days. Every time you and your horse walk into the show pen is a chance to demonstrate how awesome you and your horse are, regardless of the competitors who surround you. Don’t let negative possibilities and thoughts pollute your determination. One thing I’ve started doing this show season is printing out a bunch of positive quotes and taping them to the inside of my show binder. You are going to this show to show off your hard work and dedication. Stay organized, know your patterns, and know your horse.
Madison Maciejewski – Last year, I attended Level 1 Championships with Formal I Will Be (aka Ellie). It was intimidating because it was held at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, where the actual Youth World is held. The facility there is incredible and I felt lucky just to be able to walk into the same pen that so many people became champions in. The judges were all nice and super helpful, as were the ring stewards. I ended up champion in Youth Performance Mares, and I won Youth Halter Champion of Champions. If I could tell one thing to a first-timer, it would be to treat it like any other standard show. It’s a large-scale show, but competitors also must remember why they show: FOR FUN! Showing horses is all about having fun. There’s always stress involved whether it’s a weekend show or a major show. If you relax and take a deep breath, your horse will also relax. You may end up having the ride of your life.
Shania Poney – Honestly, I would just say to stay focused because it’s a big show. Just go out there with your horse and perform at the top of your game. Do not let other exhibitors get to you. Also, do not let the nerves overcome you. Most importantly, have fun.
Charlotte Chubb – Attending a major show for the first time can be intimidating. However, everything will run smoothly if you have a game plan. The most important piece to consider while getting ready to compete in a show such as this is make sure you and your horse are prepared and prepped. By being as prepared as possible, this will help to ensure your confidence in your abilities as you step into the pen. Having people around to help and support you makes a difference. It truly does take a village. Finally, always remember to have fun and relax; there will always be another show, just think of it as another ride.
Abby Kasper – Honestly, I was nervous on the trip down. Going down a few days early definitely helped calmed my nerves. Being able to walk around the fairgrounds and learning the atmosphere was something that helped. Taking in the atmosphere is one thing an exhibitor needs to do before they start mentally preparing themselves for their classes. Before going into my first class, I took time to watch many patterns and learn the points of where I was going to do each transition. Once I was on my way to my first cone, I took a deep breath and told myself that I have been preparing myself for this moment for months. First-time exhibitors need to remember to take a deep breath and recognize that it is an accomplishment for them to get this far. I think the more an exhibitor mentally prepares themselves, the better they will perform in their classes.
Lily Richardson – The AQHA Level 1 Championship is an excellent opportunity to showcase you and your horse in a fun but competitive setting. Stay confident and do your personal best in each class. Remember to have a good time.
Ally VandeKopple – Remember to bring ear plugs for your horse. Last year at the East Championships, there was a Beyoncé concert across the street while we had trail practice, and it was loud. Try to find a couple of people or other members of your group to rent a house. It is way cheaper than a hotel and a lot easier on everyone. My barn did this last year, and it worked out great – everyone had their bed, and we had several bathrooms to share. Be sure to practice both inside and outside. Last year, the rainy weather was especially difficult and made for some sloppy rides for the classes held outside. Also, bring clothes for every weather imaginable. Yes, the East Championships are again in North Carolina, but last year it was rainy and cold most of the week. Pack as if you were going to Congress.
Jordan Davis – As an exhibitor, the Level 1 Championships can be fun, yet stressful at the same time. I competed at the Central Level 1 Championships last year. Don’t worry about anyone except yourself, just go into the arena and compete to the best of your ability. Also, try to attend the clinics given, they’re a lifesaver if the patterns are tricky. Overall, just do your best and don’t get nervous. If you do find yourself overcome with nerves, take a deep breath and remember how lucky you are to be there. Good luck to all exhibitors this year.
Cora Wyers – The AQHA Level 1 Championships is a great atmosphere for novice and rookie competitors to gain confidence. A couple of tips I would share with exhibitors heading to the Championships for the first time include focusing on the lengthy patterns and try to attend all the Ride the Pattern clinics offered. You will always learn something new. From experience, I would highly recommend taking rain gear. (Last year in Raleigh, I learned this the hard way.) Lastly, embrace the moment and have fun.
Maggie Bowers – Remember to breathe. I know how easy it is to get caught up in everything, from studying your patterns to endless hours to perfecting each transition. Just remember to take a step back and live in the moment. We are so blessed to do what we do. To swing our leg over our horse, pat them on the neck, and jog into the pen.
Ashlynn Balmer – Looking back, I think it’s important to have fun when you are there. For a lot of people, it’s their first big show, so the Level 1 Championships are a great place to make new friends. At the same time, don’t lose your focus. Plan well for the week because it becomes busy if you do the all around. When I went, the show was held in Tennessee, and I showed hunter under saddle and equitation at the same time. Do not be afraid to talk to the show staff because they are there to help you. Start fine tuning way ahead of time. My mom was my trainer (Colleen Balmer), but I knew to be performing at my best I needed someone else to watch me ride and give pointers. I wanted to work on all flaws I had well before I got to the show because it becomes a lot harder to fix a problem at the show. For jitters, do not pay attention to those in the stands. Find your happy spot and focus on your horse. Take a deep breath during every transition, and it will keep you more relaxed.
Clare Swanson – I was nervous the first time I attended The Level 1 Championships because I had no idea what to expect. While I’m attending my final year in a few of my favorite events, I have a different outlook. Compared to my first year, I now understand there is a broad range of levels, and it’s just like any other show. I had also put a lot of pressure on myself to win, but all you can do is try your hardest. Deal with the horse you have that day temperament wise, and if you totally bomb a class, just remember you always have another event. It’s about the experience with your horse and others that truly counts at the end of the day.
Have you shown at a Level 1 Championship? Do you have any advice for first timers? Let us know!
About the Author: GoHorseShow intern, Catrina Guenther of White Lake, Michigan is in the 10th grade at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. She has ridden horses for the past eight years and has been showing quarter horses for two of those years. When Cat is not at the barn, she focuses on her small business, “Behind the Bit Tack Sales.” She hopes to one day attend Michigan State University and study to become an equine veterinarian.
