First Show!!

[lhopkins_]

On Monday, me and my boy are going to my first ever show and his first show in 7 years, long before I ever owned him! It's only unaffiliated dressage at a local, laid back riding school but it's sudden dawned on me that it's in under a week and I'm suddenly very nervous!
We're doing intro c and prelim 2, and I know he is more than capable at performing it, it's myself I'm worried about messing up. I'm having a caller just incase, knowing me I would forget half way through.
What I'm most worried about is though, is he's quite an anxious horse. He gets quite stressed when left on a yard or in his stable alone and will go mad until another horse is put near him. I know the only way for him to get used to this kind of stuff is if he does it, I'm just really worried he'll have a full on meltdown on the day and we'll embarrass ourself. He's been on a show calmer for about a week now, but I know some people believe they don't actually do anything.
Other than the stressing, I'm not too worried about anything else! I've got travel sorted, bought all new show wear and have been practising for a couple of weeks and I've got a lesson on Thursday to go through the tests. Anyone got any last minute tips or advice for my first show? Thank you!

 

[Sukistokes2]

If you stay as calm as possible it will help him . I've used the magic syringes before now and did see a difference in my horse.

My tip is to go and have fun and enjoy. Remember to smile at the judge as you hit the centre line. Also do no not over warm up.

 

[McFluff]

From my experience, I'd recommend giving yourself lots of time, more than you think you'd need. Also, if you can rope someone in to help you, that makes the day more fun and more of a shared adventure (and they can help you with last minute panics!). I also set myself a series of goals, and mentally prepared myself to do what I needed to do to give my mare the best experience. So, be prepared to pull out of a class if he is really stressed - success could be getting prepared, arriving, warming up and maybe doing one of your two classes. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[Equi]

My horse can be anxious on his own too, so the best thing about shows is they are never alone! There is always another horse about...it seems to relax him a lot (rather than wind him up)

Just go, and see how you all feel. At the end of the day you don't HAVE to ride. Go, see how he is, and decide. Chances are, he will be totally fine and you will gain confidence from that then ride as you normally would

Good luck and just breathe.