To some, saying the Congress is just another horse show is like saying the Kardashian’s are a typical American Family. The sheer size, duration and prestige of the Congress can rattle the nerves of the calmest competitors and leave life-long memories for others. However, if you understand a few rules going in, eventually you will understand that although it is an experience like no other, at the end of the day, it still is just a horse show.
The best way to break through fear is to stare it in the face
Okay, that may be a bit dramatic, after all, we are talking about a horse show not a bungee jump, but like Marie Curie said, “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” So let’s look at the things about the show that can be intimidating and understand how to handle them.
The Size
If you look at the entries this year, several of the classes have over 100 entrants, and some are close to 200. Just like we learned to walk one step at a time, you need to approach Congress classes one ride at a time. Once you get over how many people are actually showing in your class, it’s time to mentally prepare.
A large rail class may have up to four parts to it – your first split, quarter final, semi-final and then the finals. You need to focus on the task at hand, so there is no need to think about how you will fare in the finals if you haven’t ridden in your split. In addition, you will have to manage your mental and physical energy to perform at your best. It’s logical to think that the quarter, semi and finals will be the deepest from a competition standpoint, and you’ll need to bring and raise your “A Game” each time you enter the arena to come back for the next round. The key is to understand how much time is between your split and the finals, and craft a plan that ensures you and your horse will be at your best for each and every go. Make sure you have the right things to eat to keep your blood sugar and energy stable, and just because it is snowing outside, you still need water, so make sure you both have enough to drink. (I hope it won’t be snowing, but it is Ohio, it is October and it is the Congress!)
When you get called back, you will want to focus on one or two things that will allow you to replicate the great ride you just had, or take your ride to the next level.
The Competition
Yes, the competition is deep at Congress, but that is what makes winning a Congress bronze a common item on a horse show exhibitor’s bucket list. If knowing who you are showing against brings up some self doubt, then don’t check and see who is in your split. See, that was easy, wasn’t it?
Warm up and Make up Pens
With a lot of competitors in each class, you can bet that the warm-up pens will be as crowded as Macy’s the day after Christmas. If you feel a little intimidated riding through traffic, it’s probably because you aren’t used to it. The best thing to do is to pull up a chair or a golf cart and spend some time watching how people navigate their way around the pen, and you will see that there is actually a flow to it. Imagine how you would be riding through the traffic, noticing if you prefer being on the inside or outside track. The key is to be decisive, look to where you’re going, and stay calm and carry on. If it really gets to you, follow someone you trust, like your trainer or somebody from your barn until you get the hang of it. The good news is, horses are herd animals, so they may not mind the crowd as much as you do.
The make up pen is also something that we only encounter at the big shows, and this should be a place where you can gather your thoughts, and think about your ride. It is not the place to attempt anything that you aren’t confident about. Think of this as your ‘happy place’ where you can connect with your horse. This is also a great time to focus on your breathing, which will help you get into the zone before you enter the arena. Which brings up another point; decide ahead of time when you are going to enter the arena if you are in a rail class, and get yourself in a position to do that once they call your class.
It’s a long show
To ensure your trip to Ohio includes actually getting to show your horse, you will want to make sure you and your horse stay healthy and injury free, so you need to pay close attention to how both of you are feeling. Congress is a marathon so pace yourself and pick the nights that you ride late, making sure you balance riding with sleep. Having great rides at night will not do you any good if you are zombie come showtime. You’ll want to maximize the time you spend riding by having focused, short practice sessions that prepare you for the class that you have next. That way, you won’t burn yourself, or your horse out.
One of the things about the Congress that may be different is the amount of concrete you and your equine companion will be walking on. Ice Compression boots and leg wraps will help keep your horses legs feeling good, and there are lots of other services available to keep legs and muscles comfortable.
Caution: Long shows may make horses and people cranky
When some people get tired, they get cranky, and when they get cranky, their patience runs thin. You need to know yourself, and if you are one of those people, you need to plan time outs for yourself and get away from it all. It may be just sitting high up in the Celeste with your headphones on and getting some quality one on one time with yourself, or maybe some retail therapy is in order. I haven’t met a person yet who’s mood couldn’t be lifted by leather and bling, and if you are on a budget, it’s still fun to look.
It’s Expensive
For shows that I travel to, I take out a spread sheet and figure out how much my horsey junket is going to cost. It’s scary, but coming home to a bunch of unexpected bills is much scarier. Once I get the total and pick myself off the floor, I ask myself the acid test question:
“If I spent all of this money, got to the show and either didn’t get to show because my horse or I got hurt, or if I did get to show, and I didn’t ride well, would I be happy?”
I know this isn’t positive thinking, blah, blah, blah, but unless you have an abundantly producing money tree in your backyard, I think this is a worthwhile exercise. Most of us show because we like it, and we like being in ‘Major Show Energy’. If this show is going to send you into financial ruin, you will most likely feel pressure to do well, which is never a good thing. I think of shows as vacations with my horse, so if I am feeling cranky, I quickly remind myself that I made the decision to come to the show win or lose, because I wanted to have a good time.
It’s awesome just being there
If you are fortunate enough to get to go and show at the Congress, consider yourself lucky. Like I said before, it’s an experience like no other. Take time to walk through the trade show, look at puppies, get your jeans starched, and your boots shined. Take in all of the sights and smells, like the crisp fall air, junk food alley, and inside the arenas (avoid the Gilligan barn after about week two, that’s one smell you won’t want to experience) and remember, it is just a horse show, so just sit back, smile and have fun.
Kirsten Farris is a regular contributor to GoHorseShow.com and a Certified Sport Consultant, Certified Equestrian Fitness Trainer, and the Author of The Workbook for the Equestrian Athlete – A Guide to Showring Success. Kirsten and her horse, Lyles Al Lie, were the 2012 AQHA Select World Champion in Hunter Under Saddle. For more information contact her at:[email protected] © 2013
