Any advice for first show?

[Showmum]

Daughter (12 years old) has her first official show next weekend on our loan pony who's 6. Hes our 2nd loan pony the previous one we had for a year but he was a plodder and she never did shows on him. Our new pony is much more forward and hes done shows before and we've loaned him now for for just over a month. His owner will be with us on her pony and we'll be hacking them there as it's a local show. So any tips much appreciated. My daughter is so excited and looking forward to it so don't want any unexpected surprises to spoil it for her. Thank you!

 

[Shay]

It might help to post which classes she is thinking of and if it is a pony club show or just a local unaffiliated. They all have different dress codes etc. At local level no-one will mind if she isn't quite there for dress, but tack can make a huge difference particularly if showing or doing dressage. The thing that probably happens most often to new families in this situation is not knowing what is needed for the class they have entered - or expecting something different.

But in general... a hat to current standard. She won't be allowed to compete if it isn't. If its a pony club show they might even tag it for her - but if not don't worry. Gloves of the correct colour for the discipline. Hairnet of some form - exactly what depends a little on the discipline - scrunchie vs no scrunchie etc. Children in showing can have plaits. (Or her hair might be short in which case no problem!) Make sure the tack is clean and safe - in case there is a tack check. PC are notorious for that one!

If you can and if she is doing more than one class - a spare set of Johds. In case it rains or she falls off. Something to cover the horse with if it looks like rain - a summer turnout sheet is fine - but it stops her having to get back on to a wet saddle if the heavens open between classes.

Baby wipes for last minute tack cleaning / boot cleaning - or pony slobber removal -if showing or doing dressage.

Cash. For photos if they have a photographer, any extra classes she decides to enter on the day, food and any emergency trips to the on site tack place if they have one of those!

Above all - have fun! Welcome to a very expensive hobby.....

 

[Showmum]

Thank you Shay. Its just a local show, not PC and she'll be doing one in hand and one ridden. Some great tips, particularly about spare jods and wipes which I will definatley be taking!

 

[alainax]

Give yourself loads of time, no drama or stress, and just enjoy it

If she is hacking load the car up with all the things they might need. Haynet, water bucket, picnic, water bottles etc.

 

[wkiwi]

I don't have kids, but from observation of parents when I have leant a horse to someone:
Work out what to say regardless of the results and what happens. The 'I'm really proud of you' line if they get a rosette tends to put pressure on that they always need to do that well for you to be proud.
The 'It doesn't really matter' line doesn't wash either when they fall off or have a disaster - at that age it really matters (and when older too of course). Don't get too tense yourself - I have heard that it is more nerve racking for mums than riding yourself (my mum couldn't watch me jump anything at any age, though she could manage to watch flat classes).

 

[Izzy_billy]

Hey, you said you were hacking there. My top tip would be where a pair of jogging bottoms over the top of her jodhpurs. I remembered when I hacked to a show and a bird pooed on me. It was horrible. Bring brushes you never know when you need a quick touch up. Hope this helps x