Life is all about timing, and so is horse showing, for that matter. Often, we expend so much effort dreaming about a result or accomplishing a goal that we forget an important factor in attaining a dream is knowing when to pursue it.
We spoke with AQHA Judge and multiple World and Congress Champion trainer Clint Ainsworth of Clint Ainsworth Show Horses about his advice on properly timing your non-pro debut in a new class.
“My biggest overall advice for determining when to add a new class to your show schedule is to ask yourself whether doing so is progressive and productive for you and your horse,” Ainsworth explains.
He chuckles, “The best way to do that is to analyze the four ‘know-thy categories:’ (1) Know thy class, (2) Know thy abilities, (3) Know thyself, and (4) Know thy horse!”
Know Thy Class
“It may sound cliché, but the most important initial analysis involves reading the rulebook and determining what is required of you in the class you want to add,” Clint explains.
“As a judge and trainer, I cannot emphasize enough that the rulebook is very descriptive of what you will be asked to do,” he says. “They will not ask you to do something that falls outside the parameters of the rules. Therefore, if you know what you can expect in the class, you know what you must practice at home to evaluate whether you are ready to show those maneuvers.”
He continues, “For example, showmanship requires the horse to set up, pivot, back, and lead well. Western Riding requires multiple lead changes. Equitation requires you to pick up diagonals and be able to hold a two-point. It is your responsibility to yourself and your horse to know what might be asked of you and how judges score the class to set yourself up for success.”
Know Thy Abilities
Once you know what is expected in your desired new class, it is time to ask yourself what you can do.
“I have a rule of 80% success with my clients before we even consider debuting a new event,” Ainsworth admits.
“This means that I want to see my clients perform the required maneuvers of the class with at least an 80% success rate at home before we start discussing whether it is time to show it.”
He laughs, “I’m always surprised by the number of people who don’t put the full class to the test at home before they show it. I am too type-A for that, so I demand my clients do multiple ‘practice shows’ at home before doing it for real.”
“For example, if you are doing the Western Riding, it’s not enough to know a single lead change for Horsemanship and then just lope into a Western Riding class like you could change down the line. You aren’t setting yourself and your horse up for success without attempting the full class scope.”
“Truthfully, if, for example, you struggle to pick up your diagonals regularly, then you aren’t ready to debut in the Equitation. Don’t set yourself up for failure. However, you know what to focus on by practicing and failing to get ready to show.”
Ainsworth encourages, “Remember, you don’t have to perform the class at the highest levels 80% of the time at home. However, you need to do it at a functional level to be confident that you could get through the class at a show and have it be productive for you and your horse.”
Know Thy Mindset
Every person is different, but confidence is key to your ultimate success in the pen.
“Again, I am a very type-A person, so I tend to have my clients over-prepared because I believe that leads to more confidence in the class.”
“If you get very nervous at a show, you may require more practice and confidence-building at home before debuting. Others like to fly by the seat of their pants, and they may be more willing to take a risk in the show pen because they thrive on that sort of pressure, especially if they have a seasoned horse.”
“Either way, I recommend debuting on a smaller scale to help my riders build confidence as a step-up before showing the class at a big show where the competition is fiercer. I strongly suggest attending local or regional shows to help you feel better about your abilities. This way, you can work out the kinks before adding the pressure of a high-stakes show with a huge financial investment.”
Ainsworth emphasizes, “Again, we are not showing to be perfect, but you want to set yourself up to gain confidence at each show without ruining yourself from the event altogether.”
He reminds us, “As a judge, I must admit…you are forgettable. (Not in a mean way). Don’t let mistakes cripple you because it is far more likely nobody will remember your bad go – judges and spectators alike. Allow yourself some grace to try and fail, while still setting yourself up for success.”
The moral of the story is: “If you are scared or incredibly nervous to debut a class, then you’re not ready yet. Make sure you feel confident in your abilities as a team before trying something new, and plan where you will debut to add to your confidence and minimize pressure.”
Know Thy Horse
Finally, knowing your horse and their abilities is critical before asking them to debut in a new event.
“Not all events are new to both competitors. A horse that is seasoned at the event can help hold a novice rider’s hand through the transition. A green horse will require more time before a debut, and it’s helpful if they have a seasoned rider in the event. But a green horse with a novice rider will take the most time to evaluate when to hit the pen.”
Ainsworth says, “Just because you want to do an event doesn’t mean your horse is capable of it.”
“Horses are individuals, too, and you can’t fit a square peg into a round hole. It’s one thing if the horse doesn’t know the class, but it’s another if the horse doesn’t like the event and consistently doesn’t perform well at the maneuvers. In the latter scenario, it may never be time to debut in that class for the sake of the animal’s mental well-being.”
He continues, “It is also important to consider where your horse can succeed. Some horses can show classes well on a local or regional level, but it is unfair to show them at the highest level due to their inability to perform well there. If you show your horse’s abilities and strengths, you are more likely to be happy with your progress as a team.”
“Ultimately, you don’t want to put yourself in a position to hurt your horse’s confidence at a show by asking them to do something they aren’t ready or capable of giving you. You must be fair to the animal by setting them up for success.”
“Ask yourself if the class will be productive for the animal’s progression. Will they mess up and recover without getting scared or frustrated? Can the horse consistently respond to your cues well? If so, it is time to level up and ask them to perform those maneuvers in a class. If not, you must be flexible and allow them more time to get show-ready.”
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In summary, if you know what is expected of you, along with your ability to perform what is expected, have confidence in your performance, and have confidence in your horse, then you are in the best position to determine whether it’s the right time to take on a new class. Remember: we do this for fun, so make sure to put yourself in the best position to enjoy a new challenge instead of regretting it.
