Practice pens at The All American Quarter Horse Congress are arguably one of the most stressful aspects of the show. Everyone tries to find space to practice their patterns, lead changes, etc. while trying not to create a head-on collision. Exhibitors and trainers ride at all hours of the night just trying to prepare for the next class. With tensions high, sometimes it can be even more stressful for both exhibitor and horse. Whether this is your first time at the Congress or you are a seasoned veteran, here are five tips to help you navigate the warmup pens.
Be Courteous
Be polite to everyone you encounter in the pen. Do not be afraid to kindly tell someone “outside” or “inside” as you ride past them. The key to this is courtesy. Riding in these pens during busy hours of the day can be incredibly overwhelming. Remember that everyone is also experiencing the stress and handles it in different ways. Do not take it too personally if someone does not reciprocate this courtesy. Just continue being polite and following proper riding etiquette. Kindness is contagious.
Be aware of your surroundings
Whether you are standing in the center of the pen or riding the rail, you need to pay attention to your surroundings. You cannot control the other riders, but you can control yourself. If you notice someone practicing a pattern with their trainer, try to stay out of the way as much as possible. Watching for signs from other horses is crucial. If you see a horse ride up next to you who is pinning their ears and looking like it wants to kick, you should try to stay clear. It is better to be safe than sorry. Just as you would drive cautiously on the highway, you need to maneuver through the warmup pens with caution.
Keep Calm
In any situation that you may encounter, stay cool, calm and collected. Stress levels run high during the Congress, so find a way to channel that nervousness. Just like the show pen, if you approach the warmup with a negative mindset, you will have an adverse outcome. When you feel overwhelmed with all the Congress hustle and bustle, take a deep breath or two. It is just as essential to remaining calm in the warmup pens as it is in the show pen.
Be prepared for a crash or two
An accident or two during the Congress is inevitable. Just like driving defensively, be sure to ride defensively. At Congress, you must be prepared for anything. People are going to cut you off in the warmup or maybe do not see you riding. Just remember to be polite and carry on with your ride. It can be frustrating when you are forced to come to an abrupt halt as someone jogs right in front of you. However, check in and maintain your composure.
Have a plan of what you want to accomplish
Walk out to that warmup arena with a plan in mind. Know what your goals are and work towards them in the makeup pen. Remember that homework needs to be done at home and horse shows are for adding that finishing touch. If you approach the Congress warmup pens with a purpose in mind, then you are sure to set yourself up for survival.
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Courtesy and alertness are essential components of warmup pen etiquette. Just like when you drive, you must be a defensive rider. Watch out for yourself and the other people around you. Keep calm and focus on your ride, it is important not to be distracted. Have a plan before you enter the arena and be prepared to encounter those who do not pay attention. These tips will set you up for Congress warmup pen survival.
