Taking my first horse to shows?

[amanda1788]

Hi, I am thibking of doing some local shows in the summer with my new horse, who's also my first one. I was thinking of doing some unaffiliated dressage, beginners session, but wondered if anybody knows what sort of things I will need to be able to do? And how it works?
Thanks

 

[dawnpetenathshir]

I started doing dressage for the first time last year and I started with the basic pony club walk and trot test. If you look on the internet you should be able to find where unaffiliated dressage is taking place but if you belong to a club I expect they will do it or be able to help. I have loads of fun but personally don't take it too seriously. You need to wear jods, shirt and tie, riding jacket etc but I love it.

 

[Happytohack]

Get a schedule in advance and have a look at what classes are being held - at our local show, you can enter on the day. Start off low key - tack and turn out, minimus jumping, that sort of thing and just go and enjoy it! Have your got your horse from Annette yet?

 

[bex1984]

I did my first ever local show last year - I decided we'd go, and maybe enter some classes but that if I didn't feel like entering I'd ride around a bit, have a look at everything, watch other people. i ended up entering two ridden classes and doing really badly - but we did it and I was proud of us, and we had fun! It was good to do it with no pressure, and friends from the yard came down to support me. This year I plan to go to some more local shows and am possibly going a walk and trot test in a few weeks.

So get out there and have some fun - and take lots of piccies to show us!

 

[Chumsmum]

I got bucked off twice at our first show

but don't let that put you off

I am probably doing my first walk and trot test end of March -against my better judgement lol!

I would go to a local unaffilated show for your first time, maybe even just have a ride around at first and see how you both feel. Also, I would highly recommend joining a Riding Club - they usually organise training sessions and their own shows / dressage tests so you get lots of encouragement.

Have you been to a show or dressage test before? If not why don't you go along to one and see how it all works? I used to steward at the local shows with my friend (who was a judge) long before I owned a horse and learnt loads.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do