When is it acceptable to go to a show?

[pnap]

Yard hired an indoor arena last week (as kids were on holiday) and since I'm the oldest kid on the block I tagged along. We set up a nice course and being a rather big feardy I did the first two classes - probably around 60cms and 75cms. Jack was very well behaved with only one rearing fit the whole afternoon and I eventually got him to walk in the ring on his own without a lead. To top it off he went double clear in both of the classes and the following jump offs (though I wasn't by any stretch of the imagination pushing him for time in these) but he was jumping nicely and really seemed to be enjoying himself. My question is should I do this sort of thing a couple more times before taking him out somewhere where other people will be or do I chance it and just go for it? I just don't want to become known as that woman with the difficult chestnut that she can't ride and takes up loads of time with his hissy fits locally

 

[racingdemon]

Personally, i'd do another couple of things like you just have, not because of other people & their thoughts, but because if the show you pick happens to have a crowded entrace to the ring/busy warm up arena etc, you may find he becomes more anxious about going in, by spending a little more time doing some practise type things, it should reassure him and help his confidence grow.

i Used to have a terribly ring shy horse, and it took a few months of perserverance before he'd trot happily into a ring, but picking the first few locations is really important

good luck

 

[cyrilsmum]

I'd find a nice friendly riding club near by and go and enjoy yourself, sounds like your horse with a bit of experience would enjoy it too. Have a go and do it with a big smile on your face and people dont mind half as much as you think. My horse goes round like a bulldozer skattering all he meets, but we still go out, and occassionally won!! Not often mind.

 

[Marchtime]

If you feel confident go for it. My TB was a right pain when we first started going out. I used to have to get off, lead him in to the ring and remount once in. He did not accept being eld by anyone else! It took numerous shows but eventually he learnt. Some people gave me wierd looks, a number laughed (I don't blame them!) but the show organisers were always understanding. As long as your horse isn't a danger to others and you feel able to deal with him then go for it.

 

[pnap]

Yeah he never lashes out or anything he just sometimes throws a bit of a paddy which ends up with a couple of rears, some feet stomping and then a big sigh before he realises I'm not getting off or giving up and he will finish whatever it is I've asked him to do. I must just have my nice hat on today and don't want to inconvenience others whilst he throws a strop.

 

[Kenzo]

Yeah stay local, dont bother with any classes in mind, just go and have a ride/walk round and get your horse used to it, keep out of the way of other horses people if you think he's going to get a bit highly strung which is common sense really.
If he is good then have a go, you might be pleasantly suprised. Your horse will never get used to it unless you give it a go.