Any advice please - showing

[walkandtrot]

I bought a lovely ID mare last november, who's turning out to be a real star, she's 12, previously brood mare and RC horse, I showed her over the winter indoors and she was great, but our first time on grass was a different story, it was a very busy class and being an amatuer got totally boxed in and cut off, the usual tricks, at one point she didnt like the mass of horses behind us, and I could feel her tensing, and before I knew it she was up in the air, the judge was really helpfull and suggested taking her off hard feed, riding more in groups etc, and trying a calmer, but if anyone else has advice for a horse that tenses when horses come up behind like that i'd really appreciate, i feel her career in showing could be over before its began! and I dont think blinkers are in at the moment!

 

[Kenzo]

I'd say the last sentance is really answering your question (not the blinkers part!) just time, patience and lots of experience at shows is probably the only way your horse will get used to it all and eventually settle.

Just politely ask other riders at shows or if your in the class not to come too close, as your horse is not used to groups of horses coming up behind her yet, besides it better to be safe. Other competitors in ridden classes should not get too close to you anyway if they have any ring craft sense.

I'm sure if you stick at it, this time next year will be a different story.

 

[scotsmare]

Stick a red ribbon in her tail - that will usually back them off!

 

[walkandtrot]

Yeh, someone else suggested that to me, wasnt sure if it was ok to do that in showing classes?

 

[scotsmare]

Yep, it's fine, if judge mentions it tell them it's to stop horse getting crowded at the back. Most won't care.

 

[conniegirl]

I'd be more inclined to stick a green one in then a red one.

Also try a supliment with magnesium in them as it is good for calming horses, or some oxyshot.

 

[FMM]

Consider stuffing her ears so that she can't hear them - sometimes it is the noise of a load of horses coming from behind that sends them off their trolleys. Best thing is to be more ring aware and don't get into a situation where you are getting crowded. Circle away when you see the herd approaching.

 

[mickey]

I would say that the key to this is desensitisation. Lots of practice riding in groups - Firstly where the people you are sharing with give you lots of room, to build her confidence. Over time I think then you would need to introduce the scenario of having a horse or two overtaking, then one getting a bit close behind - Introducing each step gradually so as not too overwhelm her. (Could you hire a school or something to share with people that understand your steps/aims or perhaps attend some clinics where other people will be sharing with you although obviously they may not be so aware of this issue).
I think the ribbon idea is good too.

 

[Theresa_F]

I am just starting out with Chancer under the saddle and have now completed three classes. First one was excellent - only three in the class and the judge and those in the class were lovely to me and gave me lots of room.

Second class - 7 in the class and we coped but again I kept myself as far away from the others in the canter as I could and mainly let him trot round and do a few strides of canter.

Third class - oh dear, sudden late entries and there were 13 in a fairly small ring. Walk and trot was fine, but canter was not, as the fifth one cantered past him he finally gave a huge leap and lots of prancing and very excited. I had asked others to give us as much room as they could, and to be honest they did their best. I managed to get him to walk and then trot round whilst others cantered past. He was not happy, but he did do it.

I plan to keep taking him out and keep my distance and I tell everyone that he is a baby and could they please help me by giving him room - so far everyone has.

I would try a calmer, cut back feed and work on getting her out as much as I could and and try going to as small and quiet shows - I also spend plenty of time in the warm up area - just walking round to get him used to horses going past and up behind. In the ring I keep myself as far apart as I can.

Hopefully this will get her used to showing and you can start really getting out and about either late season or as I intend to do, get experience this year and really start showing next year.