How to get experience of showing/competing..

J

Jingleballs

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without actually competing myself??????

This probably sounds a bit odd - I have started looking into transport options to allow me to get out and about as since I bought my horse a year ago I have only been to one local show - the only one that was in hacking distance and was not cancelled!

I really like the idea of getting out and starting off with some local shows doing some inhand and then some small ridden classes and then eventually perhaps some dressage tests or some jumping etc but that will take a long time until I feel up to that.

The problem is I have no experience of showing or competing, have only been riding for 4 years and I think I would feel completely out of my depth.

I would also be going on my own as I would only be able to transport my horse and no one at my yard competes so there is no one I can really learn from and I don't think I would ask any of them to go with me.

I'm going to start going to watch some local shows to get an idea of how things are run etc but will feel a bit silly TBH as I'm not going to watch someone I know and I don't think I'll get an idea of all the behind the scenes stuff!

Any ideas how I can get the showing experience I'm not actually competing - I'm worried I might spend all that money on a 4x4 and then be too nervous or dislike showing! Anyone want a rather unknowledgable groom to help them out?
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I'm sure if you go out and watch as many classes as possible you will get a feel if then you fancy taking part. Then just try a tack n turnout or in hand loca shows. Eventually you can build up from there to bigger shows. possibly working hunters? He looks like he could do coloured classes which cover a wide variety of types. If he is native then you have that option as well.

You will see how the horses and people are turned out and what is expected from each class.

I have also got some good information from books, magazines ect. Jane Holderness Roddam? has a good showing book.

Main thing is to have fun and who cares if its not perfect etc.

Hope it all goes well.
Dont be afraid to speak to others as well, many people are just doing it for fun and love gossiping how they started etc.

best of luck x
 
If you're anywhere near Nottingham you can come and help / watch me anytime. I'm out every 2 weeks, nothing spectacular, just local show jumping / uk riders shows.

Also have you thought about volunteering at a local show? A venue near me are always looking for people to help and you get a £10 voucher to spend in their tack shop - bonus
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what about contacting your local riding club.
They are ALWAYS wanting people to help out putting up jumps/marking etc so perhaps you could go along and volunteer? Would be a good way to meet people also.
 
Thanks estelle_charlie - unfortunately I'm in Scotland so a bit too far away but if there are any Scottish riders I'll take them up on any offers !
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Like the idea of volunteering - I'll look into that too!
 
Whereabouts are you?

You need to decide what classes your horse could go in (based on type/breed), unless you have a M & M or Arab you will need to plait up. I would watch as many classes as possible, practice at home then have a go.
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You could also offer your services at the RC as a steward then you'll get to understand what the judge is looking for.

If you have any specific questions, PM me if you want.
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[ QUOTE ]
Whereabouts are you?

You need to decide what classes your horse could go in (based on type/breed), unless you have a M & M or Arab you will need to plait up. I would watch as many classes as possible, practice at home then have a go.
smile.gif


You could also offer your services at the RC as a steward then you'll get to understand what the judge is looking for.

If you have any specific questions, PM me if you want.
smile.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

I'm just outside Glasgow! We have a small local RC but TBH it's so small and informal that I don't think I'd learn anything from that so I am going ot try and find out what other RC's are in the local area and see if they need any volunteers! Sounds like a good place to meet people and learn the ropes as it's not only the specifics for the classes I need but just general ettiquete as I'm totally clueless and would probably embarass myself if I had to go to a show just now!
 
If I am competing ove the winter at shows etc with kia your more than welcome to come!!!

If you wanted to pop casper in the trailer and have him there then that would be ok too!!

Nikki xxxx
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