Relateable Equestrian Rants

33. To the Competitive Rider...

The following is from my blog, https://rachelmullerblog.wordpress.com/ where I post much more than on here (I know, it's been forever. Hi, how are you?) Check it out if you like what you read below! I write about horses and about life and other things. Also, my friend gave me a writing prompt book for Christmas and I plan on making a new book on here using that, so keep an eye out for that! Enjoy(:

To the competitive rider...

I was you. No, I'm not some 40 year old looking back on her beloved days competing in the show ring. I'm not some 20 year old who rode every once and a while and maybe made their debut at a show once or twice. No, I'm just a seventeen year old girl with not enough money or time to devote to the trying world of showing horses. No, my last show was two days ago. And while I was kind of excited for this new found freedom and time I would acquire by not riding as much, it was more than a little odd to know that this was the last time I would probably ever compete in the show ring. So I have some advice.

Notice.

Notice the little things about showing, and about your horse. Notice the crackle of the PA system before the announcer gives out a command. Notice how the scent of show sheen, hoof polish, and leather cleaner blend fluidly together as you walk down the show barn aisles. Notice the sun on your skin as you sit waiting for your next class. Notice the way people's eyes light up when their names are called for first place. Notice the kids that try their best in a class, only to receive no acknowledgment for their efforts. Notice everything about the day.

Let it go.

So you had a bad ride. Your horse picked up the wrong lead after a fence and wouldn't switch for you. He wouldn't stand still in line. Maybe he bucked because another rider got just a little too close. Let it go. Laugh about it. Shrug it off. Ignore it. Maybe the judge wasn't looking. Even if she was, deal with it. Move on. Nothing is worse than getting angry at your horse for one simple mistake and having your whole day ruined. It happened, now get over it. Go fix it, or just move on. In my experience, whenever we mess up in the ring, I laugh it off. It helps me move on and find amusement from our mistakes. Don't take it so seriously. Now, I try everything in my power to prevent these things but sometimes you have to just let it happen and let it go. For the sake of everyone around you, please let it go.

Drink water. Eat something.

July 28, 2016. English showmanship class at county fair. 20 horses. Half an hour of standing in the sun. And one heat stroked exhibitor with nothing in her stomach. Not a good combination. That was me earlier this year, and let me tell you, leaving the show ring in a hurry because you are about to faint is not fun. So please, especially before showmanship, eat breakfast and drink water.

Memorize the pattern.

Over fences, equitation, horsemanship, showmanship, it doesn't matter. Please memorize the pattern. Know which side of the cone you are supposed to be on. Know exactly how far you should back up. Realize that after a hunter hack practice, the pattern includes dropping your reins(!!!) Understand that your pattern isn't done until the next person starts. It's never truly done, actually, until the end of the class. Don't relax. Practice. Memorize that pattern until you know it like the back of your hand. I promise you, the littlest things can make or break a first place, and you'll make the judge's day when you are the first one who actually knew the pattern. It's a good thing, I promise.

Be self-sufficient.

Now, there's nothing wrong with having a little help from time to time. But please do not rely on someone else to get you through the day. Unless you are a professional with a paid groom, you should know when to tack up, when you should be practicing, and how to get your horse ready. It's all a part of the showing process that I promise you are missing out on if you skip it. My favorite part of showing was after a long day, giving my horse their grain while I take out their braids, and then hosing them off and putting them out to pasture. It's such a nice way to simply thank your horse after they've just toughed it out in the heat all day long. Don't rely on someone else to do this for you, please. Learn how to fend for yourself and you'll find your show experience to be so much better.

Have fun.

Nothing is worse than seeing that one girl cry in the middle of a class because she or her horse messed up. Just forget about it and move on. Have fun with your day. Enjoy the time you're spending with your horse and the people around you because before you know it, these days will be over. You'll be the one on the sidelines watching everyone else show. You'll be the one wishing you could get back in the show ring. You'll be the one writing this article. And you'll regret not doing all of these things. So shape up. Learn to appreciate what you have and fully immerse yourself in the fantastic sport you have chosen to take up your time with. Because you and I both know, it's a good sport. And it's a good life.