It’s that time of year when many horse show competitors are headed back to school. Some will begin a new chapter in their lives, which means going off to college. Even though many riders may be living away from home, it does not mean that they have to hang up their spurs quite yet.
Though showing horses is a sport where the rider must be extremely dedicated, there are still ways to continue showing while furthering their education. As a college student myself, I have learned a few things along the way that can be helpful while trying to tackle both the classroom and the show ring. From my past experiences, I have provided several tips that will help make the transition much smoother and have you winning in both arenas in no time.
1) First is Communication
A good line of communication is always the first step to having a successful relationship, whether it be with your trainer or your professor. For example, if there is a big horse show coming up, it can be helpful to speak with my instructors and plan ahead for any important deadlines and test dates. I keep an organized calendar of my activities which includes any projects or tests that may be due while I am gone.
Many professors are flexible, and some will help you get assignments done on time–even before the deadline. You can make sure all of your work is turned in before you leave campus. It is also a good idea to keep your horse trainer informed when you will arrive at the show. This time frame gives them a heads up as to when you will be able to practice, as you will need to balance your school work with your riding schedule.
2) Use Your Time Wisely
If you have a class assignment due while you are at a horse show, bring a laptop along. When I am at a show, I always try to find a quiet place where I can concentrate on my school work like a horse trailer. Many times you can find Wi-Fi at horse show facility, so you can connect to the internet and email your professors and other classmates. Can’t find Wi-Fi? Plan ahead and check your surroundings. You never know what you will find near the show grounds. Usually, there are places like Starbucks nearby that have internet access.
3) Always Be Prepared
Nowadays, most show committees offer the patterns up to a week in advance of the show so that exhibitors can begin to practice. This is a huge benefit because you can already have the patterns memorized and even printed out and ready when you arrive. This is a big step to being prepared for the show ring, because it will shave some time off of learning them once you get there.
While at college, you will also most likely be living away from home, therefore, you will need to be sure that everything is packed and ready to go–this includes show clothing and tack. I recommend writing down a checklist. This way, you can quickly go through it and make sure you aren’t forgetting anything. We have all arrived at a show and realized that we forgot our spurs, our hat, or something along those lines, and there is no time to go back and get it.
4) Make Hard Decisions
If you begin the show season with a certain goal in mind, you will be able to pick and choose which shows will be the most beneficial. In my own experience, I have learned that not every single weekend show will always be possible. Therefore, you may have to make some pretty big decisions, especially based on your school schedule. Most riders in college have had to choose whether to go to a big football game over the weekend or to leave for the next horse show. These decisions require you to determine your priorities while at the same time make sure you have a healthy balance of schoolwork and time committed to your horse.
In reality, it can be difficult to continue showing while you are pursuing your college degree. However, when you prepare ahead, it is possible to be a competitive rider and excel in your studies. These tips will hopefully make the transition easier for everyone.
