Regaining confidence for in hand showing, any tips?

[Kacey88]

I took a few years away from the horsey world, had my son and I missed it all so much. So I bought a foal last year, she's a traditional cob and a very sweet sort. She's now leading/easy to groom/pick up feet etc.

I hope to show her in hand two or three times this summer. The thought of doing it is making me so nervous, even though I did it with a yearling before who wasn't as easy going. I'm wondering if I should plan to bring someone else along, I don't really have horsey friends close by. I do get nervous leading her outside the usual yard, and I'm worried she senses this. But I imagine if I get over myself and go out and have fun all be fine. I've had youngsters in the past but maybe I was less nervous.

Anyone relate to this or have any advice? It's making me question if it's all worth the angst!

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Take a friend with you - horsey or not. Go local, don't aim high just go for the fun and education of it. You will find plenty of helpful people at the show so you don't need to rely on a non-horsey friend for anything other than handing you the hip flask!

You will be fine.

 

[dorsetladette]

Take someone. Even if they aren't horsey just for moral support and to get the burgers/coffees from the food van if you have your hands full.

Think of it as education for your pony rather than a competition for you. Your setting your pony up to be a well rounded socialised pony who won't get het up in company as they are used to it.

Youngstock class is usually first in the ring at local shows so aim to do that class and then leave. Dont over face yourself by feeling you need to do lots of classes as its a 'day out' if pony goes nicely in first class you could think about another, but if its all a bit over whelming for baby a nice quiet walk round away from others and then on the box and home is not a failure at all.

Have fun and dont expect anything from the day - well apart from a nice photo

 

[meleeka]

Go with a friend. It won’t matter if they aren’t horsey. You are just taking your youngster for a nice day out, so being calm and cheerful is paramount. It won’t matter to her if you don’t even make it in to your class, but if you do, the result isn’t important. Just go, unload and see how you feel. I bet the pony will love it.

Some of my best days were with my old pony who I knew wasn’t going to win any prizes, but she loved going to parties.

 

[Kacey88]

Such good advice, thanks everyone! Maybe I'll line up a non horsey friend, I even think I'd be less nervous just having someone to chat to.

Only smaller shows here anyway really, I reckon her classes will be very small.

I might invest in a hard showing hat - I think my biggest fear is I won't be able to manager her and get hurt which I know is unlikely.

 

[rara007]

It’s much easier showing a hairy with a spare hand!

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Dogs not horses but the first time I competed at an agility show I had a friend come along to give me confidence. Makes such a difference just having company.

 

[humblepie]

I always wear a hard hat in hand showing. That said I tripped over on a lap of honour once, face planted and looked like I’d been fighting for a few weeks after.
You’ve competed before so you have experience so just do as much as you can to get you and your new horse confident in each other. As others have said if it seems to much for the horse when you get there just use it to get her used to being out. Good luck and enjoy.