Advice on taking new/young horse out to shows/events

Bernster

Bernster

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Reading the thread about horses misbehaving at shows has made me think about what preparation people do when taking out new or young horses to events. In particular, how do you deal with a horse that is unsettled on the ground and isn't good being tied up?

In my case, new horse is rising 5yo. Very good under saddle, was a bit nippy/bargy on the ground initially but improving all the time. We've had 2 outings so far, one on his own, the second in company. Both times he's been unsettled once he's unloaded but has settled once I start riding.

I think a lot of this is time and experience, as we get to know each other and he learns his job, but I'd like to make sure we start off well. I'm planning a few more gentle outings with company each time. Current plan is to go tacked up and get straight on and ride. Also thinking of giving him a calmer before I unload. I could try a lunge when we arrive but he may run out of petrol as he gets mentally tired quite quickly and it's not always possible to lunge at some venues. He's generally not sharp or silly, just doesn't stand still, paws the ground and fusses. Good as gold on the yard though and will carry on with the groundwork at home in the meantime.
 
Just need your sensible head on!
I'm taking my youngster out this week and I will keep her away from trouble as much as I can and also pop a green ribbon in her tail (maybe even red as then i should get a wide berth!)

Equally I prefer to leave them on board whilst out and about as at least they cant leg it inside!
 
Thanks, I def left my sensible head behind last time! Will wear hat and gloves when handling him as well. Agree about keeping them on the box, but he made a fuss doing that too so I wasn't sure if it's better to keep him moving instead. I wish they'd came with a set of instructions! Good luck with your first outing :-)
 
When I took mine out for the first time it was to a show specificly for novices, I did an inhand class with him then longreined him for 40 mins, then I chose as quiet a part of the show ground to get on him and then gradually got closer to the action. I had lots of help with me incase anything went wrong and the horse had been ridden in company at home several times before he went to the show.
 
it wont be long before my two year old is going to shows (inhand obviously)

My general thinking is that I will go with the thought that I will be coming home not having competed

I'll do this for as many shows as it takes for him to get used to things

It could be that we'll do a class at the first show but I am not banking on it

Anything will be a bonus!
 
I would not expect a young horse to stand tied up outside, they are expected to wait on the lorry for a while though, usually the first few times are a matter of doing the best you can, being extra efficient and getting on with it, once they have settled and done their classes then that is the time to attempt to tie up when you untack and wash off.
Going tacked up is a good idea to cut out some faffing about, most will improve once they learn what it is all about, doing some warming up then returning to the box for a break is ideal, a ode is perfect for getting them to settle as they soon learn to save themselves in between phases and get used to the routine, the most important thing is for the handler to be organised and as relaxed as possible, it will transmit to the horse if you are rushing about, the better they are at home will help but many forget their manners when the adrenalin kicks in, the first few outings often reflect how they are for the rest of their lives, a calm horse and rider will usually stay that way, a wound up rider will often have a wound up horse, time spent getting it right now will be worthwhile.

I have only used a calmer once, major fail as the pony was the worst it had ever been, I think the best calmer is getting them focused on the job, plenty of work and praise when they relax and settle.
 
Useful info, thanks. Conniegirl and WelshD, I suppose I'm building up to that too, as so far it's been for clinics/lessons and not a full on show. Hopefully that is good practice without being too full on in terms of atmosphere.

Bepositive, I def think the handler needs some work as I did get nervous!! Maybe I need the calmer (friend recommend rescue remedy for me and the horse). I will be more mindful next time but it sounds like the tactic of minimum faff, unloading and getting on quickly might be the right idea? As it won't be a show, it doesn't matter so much how he performs.

Slightly freaked out about "the first few outings often reflect how they are for the rest of their lives, a calm horse and rider will usually stay that way, a wound up rider will often have a wound up horse, time spent getting it right now will be worthwhile." Eeek. But that makes me more determined to get it right too :-)
 
Personally the best way to go about it is to think your at home, if you get somewhere and start thinking
"oh there is a mirror" "they have never seen x eeek"
Then they will pick up on it.

Maybe its experience but I am a firm believer in positive thinking, think its all going to be fine and you'll be surprised how often it happens!

Rescue remedy isnt a bad call either- friend of mine had honey rum on hand when she got an attack of the wobbles!
 
Bernster said:
Useful info, thanks. Conniegirl and WelshD, I suppose I'm building up to that too, as so far it's been for clinics/lessons and not a full on show. Hopefully that is good practice without being too full on in terms of atmosphere.

Bepositive, I def think the handler needs some work as I did get nervous!! Maybe I need the calmer (friend recommend rescue remedy for me and the horse). I will be more mindful next time but it sounds like the tactic of minimum faff, unloading and getting on quickly might be the right idea? As it won't be a show, it doesn't matter so much how he performs.

Slightly freaked out about "the first few outings often reflect how they are for the rest of their lives, a calm horse and rider will usually stay that way, a wound up rider will often have a wound up horse, time spent getting it right now will be worthwhile." Eeek. But that makes me more determined to get it right too :-)
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I think you sound as if you are doing fine, you can get on and ride without any issues, I was thinking of the horses that require lunging for hours before anyone can even get on, that pattern can be set in at the start but is often due to the rider being nervous and afraid to get on until the horse seems quiet, even good horses have the odd bad day, mine is not really happy to stand quietly when he arrives somewhere, once he has been ridden about for a while, he likes to take everything in, he then switches off but he will never be the type to arrive and tie up going to sleep.
 
Oh, I'm my own worst enemy, I annoy myself with it too ! Can I take a mini dianchi along with me pls ;-) Or actually, how about the full sized one comes and takes my nag out for a show. Then I can wobble away quietly in the corner without freaking out my horse hehe.
 
Ive took my youngster out inhand to get used to the atmosphere.

Also, I would look at local shows that are quiet, get them used to being out and about.

I would never ever use a calmer on my horses especailly not a youngster.

Also, at some shows it a big no no to lunge.
 
be positive said:
I think you sound as if you are doing fine, you can get on and ride without any issues, I was thinking of the horses that require lunging for hours before anyone can even get on, that pattern can be set in at the start but is often due to the rider being nervous and afraid to get on until the horse seems quiet, even good horses have the odd bad day, mine is not really happy to stand quietly when he arrives somewhere, once he has been ridden about for a while, he likes to take everything in, he then switches off but he will never be the type to arrive and tie up going to sleep.
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Thanks ! Lots to ruminate on - we're due out for a park and ride on Sunday but it's a small local one, no jumping. My friend is coming and her horse is a great nanny. He'll be knackered at the end too !
 
Carrots&Mints said:
Ive took my youngster out inhand to get used to the atmosphere.

Also, I would look at local shows that are quiet, get them used to being out and about.

I would never ever use a calmer on my horses especailly not a youngster.

Also, at some shows it a big no no to lunge.
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Yep, will look out for the right kind of events, sticking with lessons etc., for now and then will do course hire a few times before we do a proper show. Might even just tag along to a competition but not actually compete.

Can I ask why re the calmer?
 
Bernster said:
Yep, will look out for the right kind of events, sticking with lessons etc., for now and then will do course hire a few times before we do a proper show. Might even just tag along to a competition but not actually compete.

Can I ask why re the calmer?
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Is there anyone near you that does an open arena or anything like that? I live near crow wood and they have an open arena where anyone can go, you pay a tenner I think and you use the school with others, good for the babies! :)

Re the the calmers - I just dont agree with the use on youngsters, unless really called for, but then if you need to calm something down so much then is showing really for them?

Are you just going down the showing route or just doing for experiance and then moving on? I would 100% recommend finding a small quiet show and entering in the novice class. Sometimes you can even go non-competitive just for the experiance :)
 
Carrots&Mints said:
Is there anyone near you that does an open arena or anything like that? I live near crow wood and they have an open arena where anyone can go, you pay a tenner I think and you use the school with others, good for the babies! :)

Re the the calmers - I just dont agree with the use on youngsters, unless really called for, but then if you need to calm something down so much then is showing really for them?

Are you just going down the showing route or just doing for experiance and then moving on? I would 100% recommend finding a small quiet show and entering in the novice class. Sometimes you can even go non-competitive just for the experiance :)
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Hoping he'll be an all rounder so not showing in the formal sense, I meant just local unaff stuff - dressage, sj, hunter trials, sp rides. I might have a crack at the odd low level hunter/working hunter if I can be fagged with all that prep!

Arena and course hire def a good idea. Am mainly doing lessons/clinics at the mo., so there is an instructor at the other end. We do little shows at our yard too, which will help in terms of being in company - he's been good as gold at home.
 
When I had a young horse (who you might be familiar with!!) we chose to just go to low-key PC rallies and clinics where I knew I would have fun, so we were all nice and relaxed and it didn't really matter if she fidgeted a bit tied up as at the end of it all we had had a great time.

We just did things like clinics and rallies and hiring out courses etc until she was 5 and I'd had her nearly a year - a lot of it is letting them trust you and get to know you. Then, when we took her to her first big party I treated her the same as always and she was happy enough even though I was more nervous than usual! My recently sold Intermediate event horse was a complete fidget-bum when off the lorry at events for the first 6 months we had her, but she did calm down to the point of being an oversized labrador so it might just be horses rather than age! So what I'd say is give him time and make sure you go to things with low expectations and things you know are fun - fun rides and clinics are perfect :)
 
Bernster said:
Hoping he'll be an all rounder so not showing in the formal sense, I meant just local unaff stuff - dressage, sj, hunter trials, sp rides. I might have a crack at the odd low level hunter/working hunter if I can be fagged with all that prep!

Arena and course hire def a good idea. Am mainly doing lessons/clinics at the mo., so there is an instructor at the other end. We do little shows at our yard too, which will help in terms of being in company - he's been good as gold at home.
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Sounds like a good plan!

Yeah definitly forget the calmer, if he behaves at home most likely hell behave away, and the more you do with him the more experiance he'll gain. Dont worry if he has a mess about or what not, he is a novice after all! And one thing I will say - Dont rush him! Take everything slowly!! I would 100% reccomend a few inhand classes at your local show and then at the end of the day or after your classes saddle up and wander around the show ground :) reward him when hes done good and most importantly enjoy it!!! :)
 
when i took my young horse out for the first time then only thing I did differently was I took an extra pair of hands, I usually go on my own. I made sure he handled appropriately at home. The first time he went in my box was for a saddle fitting, I walked him there and then just popped him on the box for the short trip back with my other horse for company. For the show we took him on his own, I think its less hassle, no screaming for the other horse, which would get on my nerves. Once there we unloaded so he could get used to the atmosphere, I gave him a hay net to munch, at home I expect they to stand tied without having to have a hay net. we spent time grooming him which helped him to relax, then we tacked him and his rider jumped up, We then worked him carefully and slowly in the warm up. It was an intro class, so the warm up was not that busy. He went in did his test and then when he came out we untacked him and walked him about a bit, so he could look around. Then he stood tied to the box, with us there for a bit, once he started to look the slightest bit unsettled we took him home. Short and sweet. IMO the ground work for a show is done at home. I now take him on his own to do dressage and in hand showing. He has been fine the whole time because that is how I expected him to be.
 
I will start taking my youngster to very quiet shows, probably unaffiliated evening dressage where there will only be a handful of people. I will take him with other horses and he will very quickly learn to get over the excitement and being left alone at the lorry either loaded inside or tied up outside. I can't tolerate horses that can not be left alone at a show and so far I have never had problems introducing them to parties this way. I want them to be relaxed when it comes to their time to compete. All to often I see people who bring horses out to compete which have never been introduced to shows and then they wonder why the horse is misbehaving!
 
Tie mine to the trailer at home til they behave. Leave them stood in the box til I want to unload them/drive off. Go to loads of clinics. Mine don't raise an eyelid at any sort of show pandemonium now, they could be stood at home they are so calm.
 
Golden_Match_II said:
When I had a young horse (who you might be familiar with!!) we chose to just go to low-key PC rallies and clinics where I knew I would have fun, so we were all nice and relaxed and it didn't really matter if she fidgeted a bit tied up as at the end of it all we had had a great time.

We just did things like clinics and rallies and hiring out courses etc until she was 5 and I'd had her nearly a year - a lot of it is letting them trust you and get to know you. Then, when we took her to her first big party I treated her the same as always and she was happy enough even though I was more nervous than usual! My recently sold Intermediate event horse was a complete fidget-bum when off the lorry at events for the first 6 months we had her, but she did calm down to the point of being an oversized labrador so it might just be horses rather than age! So what I'd say is give him time and make sure you go to things with low expectations and things you know are fun - fun rides and clinics are perfect :)
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Smiley face (can't do emoticons on this pc!). I do think a lot of is building trust which you can only do over time, as nothing the wonderful TT does ever phases me, and most people would think she's a lot sharper than the new addition.

Carrots&Mints said:
Sounds like a good plan!

Yeah definitly forget the calmer, if he behaves at home most likely hell behave away, and the more you do with him the more experiance he'll gain. Dont worry if he has a mess about or what not, he is a novice after all! And one thing I will say - Dont rush him! Take everything slowly!! I would 100% reccomend a few inhand classes at your local show and then at the end of the day or after your classes saddle up and wander around the show ground :) reward him when hes done good and most importantly enjoy it!!! :)
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Although so far I've found him better behaved under saddle rather than in-hand. Hmm, not sure if that's a reflection on me as a handler, or him, or both !
 
Go early while it's still quiet and just plan on riding round the showground. If all is well, maybe just enter something like BTO (it's normally the first class) so he gets a sense of the ring and riding round with other horses. Again with jumping, get there early so you can warm up without too many others around and if all is well walking round just enter the first class, even if it's tiny. Make sure you have a helper with you to be a general gopher and so if you do want to enter anything you don't have to get off and leave him to go to the entries secretary and so they can help to keep you calm.

When I first had my boy, (not a baby but didn't really know how he'd react) I made sure my first competition was at a venue we went to fairly frequently for lessons etc so he wasn't worried about where he was as well as the atmosphere.
 
annagain said:
Go early while it's still quiet and just plan on riding round the showground. If all is well, maybe just enter something like BTO (it's normally the first class) so he gets a sense of the ring and riding round with other horses. Again with jumping, get there early so you can warm up without too many others around and if all is well walking round just enter the first class, even if it's tiny. Make sure you have a helper with you to be a general gopher and so if you do want to enter anything you don't have to get off and leave him to go to the entries secretary and so they can help to keep you calm.

When I first had my boy, (not a baby but didn't really know how he'd react) I made sure my first competition was at a venue we went to fairly frequently for lessons etc so he wasn't worried about where he was as well as the atmosphere.
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More good stuff. I think part of my issue is I'm planning a whole range of things as part of his education, which means different venues each time. Will try to schedule in some more consistency with venues where I can hire, do lessons and then decide when we're ready to do a show. The closest to me is Patchetts but I tend to find that a bit full on tbh.
 
With youngsters I tend to do a few in-hand shows first to get them used to the environment with nothing pressuried like riding being done (although I might ride around at the show if all is calm). I usually take them for a wonder about and let them munch grass at the side of a ring etc. so it's not exciting, just relaxing. I do expect my youngsters to stand tied up outside, but with a big haynet so they have no excuse as such. They usually calm down pretty quick. You would always lunge straight away when you arrive to take the edge off?
 
We have a lovely "starter/novice" series of shows that have just introduced a "Pick your own display" class. No placings but rosettes to all and comments will be given from the judge if requested. Brilliant if you also want to maintain novice status for your first season under saddle.

I generally taken my youngsters to a few shows in-hand before they're backed so they know all about them anyway. I start off doing a nursery novice class and then build up from there. It's all about playing it by ear though. If they are too wound up then I'd just ride around for experience and go back another day. I don't rush things, there's no point.
 
when i took my yearling cob to her first show, i got there just 10mins before class was due to start, let her graze in a quiet spot while we waited for our class to be called because she dsnt tie up, did the youngstock class then came straight home so as not to fry her brain getting over exited/tired. we did lots over practice before hand but i was prepared to pull her from the class straight away if she started, luckily she was by far the best behaved there! i will be lengthening the amount of time/number of classes slowly each time we are out.

Babies get bored/over exited/over tired so quickly, i think lots of people expect too much too soon from them
 
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