How to get horse used to HOYS atmosphere

[Lizzie000]

Hi all!

Having qualified for HOYS for the first time this year, we are trying our best to prepare our horse for the occasion! He is usually very sensible but I can imagine the atmosphere at HOYS will get to him a little.

We are looking for busy shows/clinicsand we are riding with music etc at home.

Does anyone have any other advice?

 

[AdorableAlice]

Which ring are you in ?

 

[Lizzie000]

Which ring are you in ?

Topspec arena

 

[humblepie]

Oh well done and good luck. Depending where you are look for shows with evening performances. I must admit when my horse was in that ring and I heard all the noise when you are in the warm up (clapping, cheering, stomping etc) I did think I am wearing a cardboard top hat and this is not going to end well - he was a fine and was placed. It sounded noisier outside than when you are actually in the ring. You get a warm up allocated time to ride in the arena although of course it is quiet on the people front then but still useful. Main thing is to really enjoy it and not drink too much wine before you have to work your horse in late evening (yep, not a good move!).

 

[splash30]

First off congratulations which class?
my suggestions find shows with evening performances, I have my own flowers on a trellis for flower practice. Play loud music/clapping etc.
They can be overwhelmed, use the warm/arena times, go down early and use the warm up as well , they will get the feel/heat. Use the outside warm up if needed (take note of times as changes daily)
Find clinics on the run up, there are a few being advertised.
Do you have any producers close by, go for lessons they will help you.
Do not over feed on the run up, cut down as they will not need any extra oomph, the adrenaline will kick in.
But remember to enjoy, its knackeringly fantastic and take in every moment.

 

[AdorableAlice]

That is search for a star classes. MM and pony classes. It is tiny and manners will be vital, in all honesty there isn't anything to replicate it that I can think of. There is nothing indoors at the moment and only a few county shows left.

I think all you can do is have him totally on the aids and listening to you at all times and hope for the best !. Enjoy and good luck.

 

[ycbm]

I have in previous times hired an indoor with a gallery and got friends with unruly children to have them run around crashing and banging in the gallery while I rode, to despook a horse. It worked, we placed at our next event
.

 

[Snow Falcon]

I was going to suggest hiring an indoor school too. Rent a HHO mob for densensitization.

 

[Widgeon]

I was going to suggest hiring an indoor school too. Rent a HHO mob for densensitization.

Can you imagine? "Here's the postcode everyone, I've bought in the wine, bring your kids and dogs"

 

[southerncomfort]

Would something like this help?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crowd-Noise-Disc-Tools/dp/B000I6B3G6

Eek just saw the price!!

Sure you could get something like it cheaper though.

 

[ycbm]

Would something like this help?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crowd-Noise-Disc-Tools/dp/B000I6B3G6

Eek just saw the price!!

Sure you could get something like it cheaper though.

Play any premier league football match on max volume?

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

It's mainly the clapping that seems to upset most horses whenever I have been, I would hire an indoor school and get an audience together, failing that earplugs and a calmer

Well done for qualifying what class you doing?

 

[Hallo2012]

hire an indoor, get kids with dogs to run round in the gallery and play crowd noises loudly. dont use the whole arena as the TS arena is tiny, try and have fake spectators all the way round so theres no let up to replicate it better!

 

[Lizzie000]

Thank you everyone! So much useful advice xx

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Equifest evening performance is quite similar but I gather the evening bit is outside this year due to covid.