How to ride a riding class?

[Claiired]

Ive never rode a riding class before, ive only ever jumped .

Theres a few local shows going on soon and would like to try something new.

If anyone has any help or diagrams or websites that would be of great help!

Thanks a lot

 

[TriFilly]

Its easy, so dont worry!.
Do a full lap of the ring when riding away from the line up, then on approach back to the judge, do a figure of 8. Once you have done all 3 paces, on both reins (make your show short and sweet) give a small gallop up the longest side of the ring, and go behind the line up, then walk up the judge, give a little nod and thank him/ her.
If the grass is wet, slow ur horse down on the corners.

 

[Janette]

Think I'm being a bit thick here, but 'do a full lap of the ring when riding away from the line up'??????

You might be given a set show, or not.

The aim is to show your horse off to it's best. So if your horse has a lovely trot, then do more, if canter is better.......
You need to show walk, trot and canter on both reins, with a bit af extension in canter.

A basic show is 'walk away from the judge and do a fig 8 in trot, repeat in canter with a few strides of trot in the middle to change the rein. If the going is safe, extend down the long side. return to the judge. Halt and salute.

But there are all sorts of variations. Some people put a serpentine in for the trot work, some people canter a circle, transition down to halt, reinback and then staight up into canter......

The best thing is to keep it simple, use the ring to it's full advantage and have fun. Those are the few minutes you've got to really impress the judge. (or not as in our case )