The Arabian Association Horse Show Region 9

by Charlotte
(texas)

Okay well, I went to a horse show called the Arabian show with my horse Precious. We did in hand and got 6 place out of 22 people and under saddle which I got third place for!! I love Precious. She is a bay Arabian mare she is 5 years old and we will soon teach her to jump like a thoroughbred! She's awesome!

Dressage Show on Friday! Tips please?

by Anonymous
(Hong Kong)

Hi! I have my first real show on friday (I did one at a camp, but it was just against 4 other girls), and I'm really nervous! I'm entering two classes: a walk/trot introductory dressage class and a walk/trot/canter preliminary dressage class on two different horses.

I already have the test for the walk/trot show and I've memorized it, but I don't for the prelim one yet and I only have 3 lessons to practice both the tests!

Do you have any tips on memorizing the tests and not getting them mixed up while I'm riding them?? Thanks!

Fair Show Fun!!!!

by Matty
(USA)

i was little...about 5 or 6. my pony was a beautiful pony all black..so i couldn't resist naming her black beauty. i barrel race. i was coming back to the gate when blackie (my pony's nickname) dead stopped. i flew threw the air about 2 feet. but as soon as i fell i got up and went to blackie and got back on her and rode her. of course, i don't remember this, for now im 11. but i do remember blackie and the day she died. she died august 17 2008. i am still devastated...so i pray for her every night.

Me and Show

by Katelynn S
(Oklahoma USA)

Well I was walking with my horse and he stepped and I pulled on him, and he wouldn't move. Stepped one more step, and now I have a horse that won't move. I pulled and pulled. He still won't move until our class was halter all breed so got 1st place. We are walking and he stopped again so I pulled and pulled and stepped two steps and stopped and would now move! So I waited and waited and one hour passed. He wouldn't move. He munched on grass and we left. :)

Please read.

My first show on my new horse!

by Molly Phillips
(Tanworth-in-Arden, Warwickshire, England)

It was my first show on my new purebred new forest pony Polly who was only 4 yrs old and still is. It was taking place at Wooten Warren and I had already done the 2ft show jumping class and I was about to do the 2.3ft course.

I walked the course twice and then went over it in my head about five times. Then when I went in I had a few minutes to let Holly look at the jumps and warm up.

While I was doing that I went over the course again several times then I started. I went towards the first jump but it wasn't until I had jumped it that I realised it was number 4 instead of number 1.

I stopped Holly and looked behind but the judges said carry on. So I did but as soon as I jumped number 8 and was going pretty quickly because I was in the speed part the judges blew the horn for me to stop and that spooked Holly so because we were going quite quickly.

She skidded into number 9 and I was able to stop her but she landed sitting down so she got up and I walked her out. I wondered why the judges suddenly told me to stop when in the first place they said carry on.

But in the end, because I was in a team, I came 5th anyway and BEAT MY ANNOYING LITTLE SISTER WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So that was my first show adventure!

Dressage?!

by Sylvie
(USA)

I've been working on jumping a lot, and my horse has good endurance. I'm definitely going to enter show jumping and cross country, but what about dressage? I've no clue how it works, but I want to do be able to compete in Eventing a lot.. any tips or ideas?

Will I win?

by Karen
(Virginia)

(Please comment on my writing)

The dawned early and I felt cold shivers go down my back. I looked out the window and gazed at the rising sun. I slowly, while trying to gulp my nervousness down, pulled on my shining knee high riding boots, My clean show breaches, and my brother's white tee shirt. My mom put the velvet cover on my helmet and we drove away.

Arriving at the barn, we were nervous that we were too late for my class. We were three hours early! I stood next to the ring watching the adult classes ride. Two hours later we walked my Welsh/Shetland pony out and saddled him up. Three hours later, the adult classes were still riding and we couldn't do anything but wait. When the time came to warm up. I gulped some more and kicked Tucker on.

"Heels down over the fences Karen!" Miss Layla shouted. I shortened my reins and changed my heels down.

"Open your body position!" She called some more. I tapped Tucker with a crop and opened my two-point. The ring master called my class. I trotted in with power and asked for a more forward canter. We flew over the fences never stopping or glancing at Miss. Layla for help. When we finished the course. I held the champion ribbon in my hand proudly and would never forget that day when I won my first jumping class.

The Scary Halloween Show

by Alex B.
(Bradenton, FL, USA)

I was riding a pony named Daisy. This was October 26 2007. I was in the Halloween show.

At the end of the day there is a Halloween contest where people dress up their ponies.You can ride them or walk them on lead ropes. I rode Daisy in the contest. People and their ponies were in scary costumes. It was her first time in it, and mine too.

There was a scary costume that spooked Daisy. She started galloping and bucking. She through me off and into the fence. My trainer made me get back on her but my friend Scarlett walked us in the contest on a lead rope. After one trip around she started rearing. I got off and my trainer told me to give Daisy to her.

Well, that's my story about my horse show. IT IS A TRUE STORY.

What a Fail!

by Lydia
(Moon Twp. PA, USA)

So I was at my first real show and it was my second jumping course round and me and the school horse Katie were heading to a 2" fence and she refused it 4x!

I've been riding for almost 2 years now and I've jumped 2'9" and she refused 3x and I kicked and kicked and smacked her with my crop and she still refused the jump!

I left the riding ring with an embarrassed spirit. I was mad at her but I still love her! <3

Have a horse show.. I'm so scared.. Any advice?

by Sydney
(KY)

Any advice would help.. really appreciate it!

Help! What To Wear For My Horse Show?

by Abigail
(UK)

Well I am going to a show this weekend (it is January 1 2011 when I wrote this) and I need help what to wear.

What should I wear and do with my hair? I have long blond hair, and I am going to be in 1 flat work class and 3 jumping classes.

My First Horse Show!

by Mackenzie
(USA)

diesel and I

At my first horse show I rode a horse named diesel. When they handed out ribbons I placed 6th out of like 15 kids.

I think that is pretty good for my first horse show, don't you think?

FIRST PLACE!!!

by Olivia
(Portland Oregon)

One day i entered 4-H, so now I get to go to the Washington County Fair. My horse that i rode Buck a 19 year old chestnut and white paint. And Katie my trainer rode my black and white horse Genius who is a 11 year old American Saddlebred. Any way it was the dressage day, and it was my turn there was only 1 other person in my class (i was doing training level 1) and i went last. The other person did really well. I got a 62.8756 something. And i got FIRST YAY. Then i had no other things to do that day so Buck just got to chill out. At the meeting that night, I was called down to get a medallion and a finalist ribbon. I was so proud of myself and Buck. He is truly the best horse in the world.

HELP! What to wear to show?

by Rienne
(Texas)

PLEASE PLEASE READ!!! I REALLY want to be in an english pleasure class and maybe jumping. What should I wear?

My First Show

by Emily
(Kansas)

I was so excited! I couldn't sleep the night before. It was a local show so I didn't have to be there that early because I was riding a lesson horse but I still woke up super early. I got up, got my breeches and a polo shirt on. I loaded up the truck with the cooler, lawn chairs and my tack box then climbed in the car with my mom and dad. I didn't say a word the whole way there as my nerves grew. Once we got there I was ready to throw up I was so scared. The place was huge! and all outdoor, so pretty.

My mom went with my trainer to get my registered while my dad helped me groom and tack up. Then I hopped on and headed up the hill to warm up. I came back down the hill to the trailer to chill until my first class. After a while, I changed into my show coat, climbed back on and headed to the gate. I looked over the course again, watched some other girls go and then it was my turn.

My horse refused 3 times, I forgot a jump and it was a mess. I didn't place in that class obviously. My trainer told me to shake it off and we'd try better in our flat classes. I ended up getting 6th place in Equitation on the flat and 1st place in Hunter on the flat.

Even though my horse had technically won the fist place and not me, I was still really happy :) Yes, we still have things to work on but hey for a first show, I think we did alright. It's definitely a show I'll never forget!

The Great Fall

by Elizabeth
(IL)

Ok so it was my first time going to a horse show. I ride English by the way and I jump. I was a nervous wreck horribly nervous. As you all know horses can tell when the rider is nervous. So it was my turn to go out into the arena for a jumping class. I was extremely nervous. It started out ok but than my horse spooked. My horse Belle took off and started bucking and rearing. All of the sudden I fall off my horse trips and lands on me. She rolls over me and knocks the jumps on to me. A couple hours later I woke up in the hospital with...... broken ribs, black eyes broken right leg broken left arm and bruised up every where.
p.S TRUE STORY

New horse and show story!

Well I got my first horse he is a dark bay welsh/poa gelding large pony his barn name is prince but I don't have a show name -_- so any suggestions? Not anything like prince charming! Original!

Now it was my last show of the season I was riding my leased small pony :) truffles and she is so sweet I love her :) so anyways it was my first trip in, the fist jump was a diagonal she refused and I flipped over! I got a 4th and 3rd in my other trips:)

so please comment a name for my horse!

Show Jumping Event

by Sarah
(Michigan)

A while ago I entered my chestnut Thoroughbred in a showjumping competition. It was really fun and my horse and I got 3rd place in our division!!

Naughty Horsey

by Caroline

It was your basic flat class. Walk, trot, canter, turn around and repeat. I had my horse in a snaffle bit which was not holding him back at all. My arms felt like falling off. Eventually I couldn't hold him back at the canter any longer. I let go for one second, my arms were killing me. That was enough.

He bolted like it was the Kentucky Derby. It got worse. He began to buck like a mad man. Then the worse of all. I saw a horse coming up. The horse was walking between the fence rail and a jump standard. There was no room for two horses to squeeze by. I pulled back with all my might but nothing worked. He ran right into the back of the horse. The horse bolted too. But he stopped after a few strides. Mine didn't.

Surprisingly I was still on. He bolted a little more and then he decided he had his fun and stopped. I was called to the middle and didn't receive a ribbon. I never thought you could be eliminated from a flat class except from falling off. I guess I was wrong.

Tips for any English rider!

by Jill
(USA)

There are many things a judge looks for in an English rider. All judges are different. So experiment a little, and find out what he/she likes the best!

Here are my tips. They always, always, work for me. As you know, you can enter in an Equitation and Pleasure class.

Equitation is based on the rider. It's 30% horse, 70% rider. Be sure to keep your heels down, you knees relaxed, back straight, and looking straight. Also, this may feel a bit weird, but it's important. You want your hands very high, so your elbows form a perfect L shape. It's hard to maintain, especially at the canter. But it's very VERY important in equitation classes!

Pleasure classes are based on the horse. It's 30% rider, 70% horse. This class is the total opposite of Equitation. You want your horses' head as low as you can get it (unless you a riding a naturally high headed horse, such as a Freisian. The judge will know.)You want his head either level with the withers, or lower. You need to keep yours hands low. Place them just above you knees. The point of this class is to make it look like your horse is a pleasure to ride.

In Jumping, it really doesn't matter what you or your horse looks like. Just make sure you do two-point, and look up. Never look down at the ground or jump, or that's where you'll end up. If you are a beginner, always ride a horse that knows his strides and his leads. If you are more advanced, you can ride a horse that you have to force to do lead changes or get the right striding. On the course paper, it usually says how many feet are in between each jump. Let's say it's 12 feet. Divide it by four, and you get three. That's how many strides your horse should take. If you are riding a pony, you can usually fit in 3-5. Five is pushing it, however.

I hope this helped! I almost always win first or second when using what I just said. Good luck!

Rainy Day

by Caroline
(Texas)

We spent a whole week getting our ponies ready to ride in an equitation show. As it was going to be my first show I was doing walk/trot on my amazing loaned pony Smoaky. I would have done jumping if it had been there, probably around 2 feet. (I now jump 2'6.)

We washed all the tack, the horses, and we rented show coats. I even bought new breeches and half-chaps for the occasion. My friend Cory, who hadn't called in time to get a place in the show, and I, woke up at 5 in the morning to get ready (she was a groom). But at 5:30 am, when we were about to leave, we heard thunder and saw lightning.

After about 2 weeks of preparation and nervousness, it started pouring down. And my riding instructor called and said that obviously, we couldn't go. I am going to bigger shows (still haven't been in one) in the fall, though.

And hopefully jumping shows, I'm best at it and I love the feeling. ]<3 Smoaky!!

Help with Latte

by Kylie
(Indiana)

Okay, my horse latte is crazy! He is a professional barrel horse and I love him to death but he is a little hard to control even on the trail. When he is in the arena he is even harder to control and I've never shown him.

What should I do!?!??!??!

The Fall

by Ebonys Sugar Pine
(Canada)

Hey there 2 or 3 years ago I was riding a little white pony named Blaze he was half Welsh and Half Arb. I loved him cuase he was small like me he was only 12.3 hh with a long white mane. We were at our second year showing together and I decided to start jumping a few days before the show and when i got there I went over a 2.6" jump and I was still leaning when we landed and I went over top of his Right shoulder and hit the ground Hard as could be of course there was people around watching and me on the ground and when i opened my eyes and saw myself on the ground i thought maybe my brother pushed me out of the car and drove off. I was a little mixed up till i looked the other way and saw Blaze running still. I went to the Hospital and they said i had a Cacaution and both my back, arm and leg hurt like heck. I had another show to go to a week after and I was not suppose to ride for a week and half but i did not care and i just hoped up and rode at that next show. And that was my first bad fall off of my pony Blaze . Sadly we had him on lease and he had to go back to his owners and now I just heard and found out he has a really bad founder case and he can barely walk now. :(

How good do you have to be to be in a horse show?

by Claire
(Flordia (for now))

I was wondering how good you have to be to be in a horse show? Do you have to pay? If you do how much?

Please respond!

Thank you! Or in german Duncah

Oxford Trail Riders

by horselover490

Hey girls,

I've been riding for 8 years now and been in alot of shows. But my first show I rode in Western pleasure and I can't tell you how nervous I was.

I've got a tip for all of you girls out there that haven't been in a show before. Just go out there and just think, it's you and your horse no one else just like when you practice. I kept doing that and now I compete in hunter under saddle.

Hope my tip helps,

horselover490

The Best Birthday Ever!

by Sydneys Mom
(Florida USA)

It was my birthday and we thought we might go to Disney for the day. (You get in free on your birthday.) But we discovered Sydney had a horse show that day. That was fine with me.

Sydney had only been in two horse shows before and she was supposed to be in crossrails. However, another girl from her horseshow was riding Poncho (the horse she rides at her barn) in crossrails. So Sydney had so advance to the mini stirrups class. I am not totally sure what the difference is, but mini stirrups is harder because you have to keep your horse at a canter.

Sydney really wanted to win me a blue ribbon for my birthday. But I told her not to worry, I would be happy no matter how she did. Truthfully, I didn't think it was likely she would win a blue ribbon because she had never competed in mini stirrups, and had little show experience. In addition, it was a full class with eight or ten girls competing.

Imagine how excited we both were when they announced that Sydney had won a blue ribbon for one of her rounds! I had tears in my eyes. I was so happy for her.

I'll always remember that as the best birthday present!

The Terror of Barrel Racing

by Danielle
(Canada)

I clung to the reins my palms sweating inside my leather gloves. I took my gloves off and wiped them on my chaps, then I fixed my black cowgirl hat. The gate opened and justice flew out bolted around the barrel. Justice bucked reared and leaped as I clung on,the last thing I remember was flying to the ground and tasting blood and horse hoofs pounding me in the face, stomach and legs.

I woke up in the hospital with dried blood cuts, my lip was swollen and I had a cast on my leg and arm. There were stitches all over me. I couldn't ride, not because I couldn't, I didn't want to. My mom held me close as I limped to the gelding paddock. I sunk my hand into Justice's mane, she nuzzled me. I had the dream of the rodeo, of the terror of barrel racing. I knew I would ride again someday but not today.

For english horse shows...

by Claire
(Flordia)

For english horse shows how good do you have to be? My instructor said I was not ready but she did not ride english. I think I am good.(not to bragg) I have been riding for 4 years. How can I fix my self up to be in a horse show? Can you give me hints on like you know keep your heels down and helpful stuff like that? That would be so great! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

Perfect First Pony Her name is "Lady" or " Lady Bug"

by Arianna
(USA)

Dream Pony!

This is lady she is a welsh pony. Lady was my first pony. I remeber when we went to go look at her the first day she had not been out in the pasture for a while so she was excited and got testy with me. But that didnt effect anything. I still loved her and new she had to be mine. I loved Lady so much. she was an old gal but she still got around. At the horse shows i always placed 3rd and higher. I remeber one time at a horse show I got high point and i was rewarded 5 red ribbons(second place), two 2 white ribbons
(third place), and a blue halter that said high point on it. I was so proud of myself. But I was even more proud of my pony. I always knew that i owned a champion. She had the biggest heart.She was my sister and I loved her. As I got older, I decided that I needed a bigger, stronger, faster horse. And Lady was ready to retire. We sold her to a little girl who we knew would love her and care for her. We actually lived close to her because the people who bought her were the people we bought our hay from. LOL :). Months went by and we were in Mexico on vaccation. We were sitting around our place when my mom asked me...
" What would you say if I told you Lady passed on"? I told her that I would be sad and it would hurt me. But i would understand if she did. She told me that Lady had passed away... I cried and I was hurt..but I told my mom that I did understand that Lady was old and that I understood that it was her time to go. All I could do was try to remember all of the good times I had with her. That wasnt hard at all because my whole life with Lady was absoloutly perfect. I loved going to the gaming shows with her and she loved them to. She loved being bathed and given treats. I loved taking care of her. She was my angel and I knew she was in a better place now. Lady died in 2007. She was the best pony any little kid could dream to have. Thank you Lady for being the best pony for me. I will never forget you. You will always fill a spot in my heart. I love you.

uh oh

by hannah
(nebraska , bellevue)

It was the high jump and jolleyrancher had just got a pep talk from me. Our names were called.! i knew he was stressed he dosen't like the high jump! so i gave him his fave jolleyrancher (blueberry) yumm.!

he was ready to go we had to go right then we went over the first two jumps and the third jump he bucked me off like a bucking bronco i went flying in to the audience face planting in to horse crap!!!! crap !!! i screamed it totally was embarrassing

My first show

by Sydney a HorseCrazyGirl!
(Florida USA)

At my first show, I rode a pony from our barn named Sparky (his show name is Fairy Dust). We had so much fun. It was a small show but I really liked it and Sparky was so sweet. We won three ribbons.

Love<3

I have an Arabian horse..of all my horses he is my fav.! i have a palomino, Oldenburg, and 3 thoroughbreds...and much more at the barn i plan on adopting another horse from the SPCA or another shelter for horses,i think its really nice how a lot of the money does to the other horses in need..anyways my show story is about this show i did when i was showing in short stirrup div. (im a hunter jumper) i work with my horse 6 days a week and we were definitely ready to show i came off my 4th jump and i lost my balance and fell on my horses neck,i could feel he wanted my off but he didn't stop cantering he kept going (but not as fast)i got my balance back and i thank him every day cuz' he just never let me down

i would also like to say R.I.P. Mystical and Tory u girls lay too rest next too each other.We will ride again someday <3
-ily girls

My first English Show!

by Autumn

At the beginning of fall, I had sent my horse to my friends for a training refresher. I knew my friend would make me show her before the season was up, so when I got a text saying there was going to be a horse show the next day, I said I would go. Thinking, it was going to be a western show like all the other ones I competed in, I loaded up my tack and headed to her house. When I got there, I saw her loading her english saddles.
"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Oh just loading up tack for the show!" she replied in a cheery voice.

"Isn't it a western show?" I asked hesitantly.

"No silly, its English!" she stated.

At that moment, I started to freak out because I had only been on an English saddle once and it wasn't even with the horse I was showing.

"No, I ain't showing!" I quickly stated as my friends boyfriend grabbed me from behind and shoved me in the truck.

I ended up going and I ended up getting stuck on an english saddle.... against my will. My friend told me, ah you'll be fine, but my horse thought, ah I start to rear. So long story short, I ended up being led into the arena on a rearing horse and ended up posting for the first time. At the end of the class, I started to trot out of the arena but I was told stay... for another class.

At the end of that class, I finally got to exit and untack my horse. Thinking I wouldn't place, I ignored the announcements and went to the truck. A few moments later my friend trotted her horse down to me and told me I had taken third in both classes.

This story just shows that you don't know what you can do until you try!

Won Grand Champion!

by Sammie
(SC)

I was showing this pony named Fatty and his name suits him. I've been riding him for 3 years, almost 4 now.

I had 4 classes two w/t/c and two jumping courses only like 2 feet. After the classes and everything I won GRAND CHAMPION IN SHORT STIRRUP and you had to go to the 3 of the shows and I only went to 2 shows and still won!

I had some pretty good scores and everything! :) one of the coolest days ever and I won a photobook with the ribbon. :)

First show, please help!

by Jasmine
(Goulburn, NSW, Australia)

I am going to one of the Equine shows located near me this weekend (Tarago Show, Australia). I am entering the Quarter horse led and Ridden gelding - Rider 13 yrs & under 15 yrs (Hacking classes); Rider 15 yrs & under 17 yrs; and Prep 3 dressage test.

This is my first show and I am not sure if I have to salute the judge at the end of the test and what to do in the hacking classes.

I would really appreciate help and am hoping to win some ribbons and get a good result in the dressage test.

Thanks!

Warm-up Fall

by Eliza
(MN)

I was showing at the Youth Round Up in MN. This was my second show of the day and the horse I was showing, Valesano (otherwise known as Val, and I where riding around the warm-up ring before entering our class. So we where cantering around the the rider cantering in front of me pulled into the trot.

I steered Val around them but it was near the edge of the ring so the dirt wasn't as compacted. Val tripped because of the soft dirt and I was tossed from the saddle. Unfortunately when I fell over his head I brought the reins with me and he got his hoof tangled in the reins.

For me it was all a blur, one minute I was in the saddle, the next I was laying in the dirt. I was awake the minute I hit the ground. I was fine, and actually was more frightened that Val was hurt. I started to get up when a woman rushed up, "I'm a nurse! I'm a nurse!" She made me lay back down. Then another woman came up saying that she was also a nurse. So I lay there.

The only thing that hurt was my lip because I bit it. Then they called the EMT, who the stable girls were teasing me about because he was 22 and really quite cute, came over and he looked my over for broken bones and bleeding etc. I was fine and once I got my mother's ok I got back on Val, he was fine too, (It's actually amazing. He had his legs tangled and he stayed still, just looking at me.)

We went into the arena and I won second place! It turns out the other stable girl I was competing against was more nervous than I was. I felt so touched that she was more nervous for my sake than I was. It really goes to show you how much your stable mates can be your second family!!

First jumping show in a week! Help!

by Taylor

I have shown for over 5 years now (western and english) and I have recently started jumping.
I am doing a 18" hunter hack course a week. My trainer is mostly about western pleasure and stuff like that, and she doesn't want me to "ruin" my horse by doing jumping. I don't see how you can ruin a horse by jumping 18"!

But anyways she refuses to teach me jumping and that's what I need help on. I know the basics, (taught myself 2 point, release, etc.) and my horse knows the basic's to, she just doesn't tuck her legs under her when we jump. Is that okay?

The class I am showing in it only has 2 jumps, about 2 strides away from each other. I haven't exactly practiced spacing so I need help.
Any jumping tips are needed!!!

Crazy True Story!!!

(Hampton Bible Horse Camp)

Last year I went to this summer horse camp for a week and we did this horse show with our lesson horses.

My horse was a palomino appaloosa with a few spots on her back. I braided her tail and mane and brushed her. I chose the black saddle and put it on her. I put on the lead rope, and she started walking. I was about to get on her when she stepped on my foot!!! I was lucky I didn't break my foot. I got on carefully, and I started trotting towards the end. I turned around and cantered towards the jump.

Once my horse got over, I celebrated. I couldn't wait for my next turn. I started riding towards the exit when I lost control and my horse and it started galloping and jumped over again and again while I held on for my life until I put my feet back in the stirrups. I grabbed the reins and stopped the horse before it ran into the electric fence!!!

I have never rode a horse since!!!

First Show

by Lizzie
(Cedarburg, WI, USA)

This is Me and Stormy at the show

On my very fist horse show I didn't think I do very well. In the middle of the day before my classes I wasn't even going to ride. But I decided to try it and guess what? I came home with two blue ribbons and a fifth place. The classes I won were both equitation and I had to post with out stirrups for three laps in a very big area. Every time I went past my trainer she would just say, "I know it hurts Lizzie but just keep smiling". I was the only won posting which really amazed me because I thought the competition would be really stiff. I rode the love of my life, my pony Stormy. He's a 14 hand Quarter Pony. I love him so much even though he can be a royal pain.

First Hunter Trials ever!!!

by Morgan
(UK)

I've got a pony but I'm taking my friend's horse to a Hunter Trials because she can't- she's embarrassed about beating the same opponent again-.

It's a 2'6 course and the horse I'm taking, Melody, is 14.2hh. She's a supposed Arabian cross but that's very doubted. Anyway, it's my first ever Hunter Trials and it's in April.

I am going to take her cross country to practice but Melody likes to go very fast. I've jumped up to 1m on her and she never refuses or runs out. Once she see's a jump, she fixes her gaze onto it and gains speed to clear it. But then she gains too much speed and takes off early or late. We've tried lunging her over jump, walking over jumps with her, everything.

She doesn't like half-halts and even though I still use them, she yanks her head down whenever you try. Please help! She likes to yank her head hard down when she does canter to trot, straight after a jump, cantering a circle, extending or collecting trot or canter, quite a lot. We use a lot of different kinds of martingales but she finds tricks to get out of using them. We really need some tips but please don't act like a know-it-all. I don't want to seem mean but people are always acting like they know everything about you and your horse just by reading something. Thanks!

IEA show

by Hannah
(usa)

This was the last show of the IEA season before semi finals.In IEA they randomly choose a horse name and a rider name and whatever horse you get is who you ride. I got a 2nd in my jumping class and 1st in my flat class.My team qualified and now were going to semi finals. if we qualify in semi finals, then we go to Gorgia for the Finals.Its realy exciting.

A Fun Show!!!!

by MJ
(USA)

I have to tell you my story!! I must!

I was in summer camp so it was sorta a show.
My parents came to camp and we had practiced EVERY spare second on this. I was nervous because there were two groups that had a totally different routine. In the middle of the week I had to switch groups so they told us to go but I didn't know what to do.

Finally we did something for parents and we cantered around the ring then did the routine. We all did great including me! After that we had judges at camp. For them, we did stuff like barrel racing (we did three things. Guess what I won third place in everything. Barrel racing, I almost had second!

Please comment I want to know what you think.

Hunter Hack?

by Reana
(USA)

I'm going to a show on Saturday and I'm jumping in Hunter Hack over 2 2' jumps. Do I do a Hunters Circle?

My 1st Horse Show

In my first horse show, I rode a buckskin pony named Denver, I did 3 jumping classes and 1 flat class.

Here are the results:

Flat: 4th place
1st jumping class: 1st place
2nd jumping class: 2nd place
3rd jumping class: 1st place

I also earned the over-all reserve champion ribbon!

I was SOOOOO proud of Denver!!

My First Horse Show

by LAhorsegirl95

A few months ago I went to my first show. I could have gone sooner but my family sold our trailer a year ago and we're looking for a new one.

But anyway, I was riding a small pony who is really terrified of ribbons and flags and stuff (because one time in a parade a color guard ran at him and scared him) but anyway, he's taught me everything about riding, and so we were taking him to a local show (hunter jumper).

First of all we took him in warm up and we did okay on the flat (considering they had about 35 riders in a relatively small ring) but then we started to warm up over fences. We had been doing a lot of desensitization with flowers and such, leading up to the show…but over fences there was one jump and every time we went over it he would take off.

Well because it was close quarters (and there were a few barns who thought they owned the place and would send one of their riders down the line while you were already going down it on one side, forcing you to pull out) my mom/trainer took me and her students out of warm up.

We decided not to put the pony in any jumping classes and just to stick with flat classes because she wanted my first show to be fun for me and for my pony and we would just stick to me schooling him more at home to get him ready for jumping at the next show. Well that was fine with me.

So they start the first jumping class and it was pretty simple with the same jumps in warm up, and all of the sudden the horse goes to that one jump that my pony kept spooking at, and he flips out, refuses, rears up and tosses his rider. So that was that, and the next rider comes in. At that same jump, her horse refused the jump then bucked over it, and took off.

This seemed to be a reoccurring event, as 5 riders were tossed at that same jump, and 7 horses refused and nearly threw their riders too.

All this time, no one from the show grounds came out to check and see what was wrong with that particular jump. Well finally after all the mishaps, right before the last rider went out to jump, one of the people on the show staff came out and inspected the jump and said “There seems to be a family of birds roosting in the jump.” (It was a cross rail with two large plants on either side.)

She didn’t do anything to get rid of the birds she just walked away and the next rider came out and was tossed at that same jump.

So the jumping did not go well but I went out and got a ribbon in every class I rode in. All were large classes and I got two seconds, one third, and one fifth.

So just as were packing it in, very satisfied with the day that seemed to be coming to a close, a friend of a friend came up and said “Well you have stirred up some drama.”

He then explained that people were outraged at my results, and that I was getting in the way of their children, who were trying to qualify for points, for year end champion.

The judge said that I had good equitation, and he couldn’t not pin me. So even though I didn’t get any blue ribbons our friend said that I probably would have if 1. I had competed in over fences, and 2. If the judges were not afraid, they would upset any people competing for points.

So I’m not trying to brag with this story, but I am very proud of myself as I have had to overcome many obstacles and fears that I have had…most of them silly stories that I am sure will make it up here on this site at one point or another.

My next show is coming up in a few weekends and my barn is suppose to be taking on, an extremely “known” barn at that particular show, and they sponsor most of the divisions and let’s just say that their riders always pin.

One of the riders also use to be a friend of mine but…she turned out to be a 100% snob, and ended up leaving our barn because my mom wouldn’t give her free services just because we were friends. So…tune in for my next dramatic chapter in this here world of horses.

By- LAhorsegirl95

HELP!!! Refusal issues!

by Kaitie
(U.S.)

Okay. I've had the same horse for five years. We're the perfect match and he's the most amazing boy in the entire world. We know each other inside and out. At home, schoolings, and lessons we don't have any problems with refusing and he jumps everything he sees like a dream. But at shows I get nervous, really nervous and he senses it. On course walks I tend to look at the jumps and pick which ones I think he will have trouble with and those are the ones he always refuses. I'm not sure if that's because I know him so well or because I get myself worried about that jump and he senses it. Sometimes he goes over everything perfect but most of the time we end up getting eliminated on the first couple of jumps. The last show we went to was last week, a Pony Club rally. He did amazing all throughout eventing and had the best clear round of his life in showjumping and only one refusal on cross country. However, we didn't get through one showjumping course besides the eventing one and on the last day didn't even get over the first jump :(. So he proved that he is can behave in the ring with that clear round but I'm clueless as to what I did different that time. Any ideas on how to get him to go over everything? Please help.

My Very First Horse Show

by Kristi
(USA)

I still remember my very first horse show to this day.

A couple years ago in July, I visited a horse camp that I go to each year. The only change was that we were going to show at a fair! We trained long and hard during the week, and finally the show came.

We paired up with our friends and hopped into the trailer, and off we were! The whole time I was grooming my mount, my stomach was flip=flopping. This was one day I didn't want to make any mistakes at all!

So finally the show came. First was showmanship. I completely blew it! My mind was all over the place, and I wasn't focused at all. We didn't even place in that event!

Next was ages 10+ western pleasure. Kit Kat and I attempted to stay focused, and do our best. It worked! We got 2nd in that class. My mind was completely focused, and I didn't let Kit Kat lose focus at all, either.

There were many classes in between, some we watched, some we were in. Then it all came down to my last class entry. Pony pleasure.

I was so tired, and was scared of the next class. I had wanted so badly to get 1st! We all loaded the arena, and we were off! Walking, Trotting, and Loping around the arena, we went. Roll backs, stops, collection, and more. Kit Kat and I were in 'game mode'! The judge called us to the center, and asked each of us to back up. Kit Kat moved off my seat smoothly. Now the judge went to the announcer to tell the placings.

"In 3rd place ..." The announcer said another girl's name. I smiled at her.

"In 2nd place ..." The announcer said one of my best friend's names, I flashed her a smile too.

"And last, but not least, our first place winner is!" The announcer paused for dramatic effect. I held my breath. "Kristi and Sweet As A Kit Kat!" My instructor, parents, and friends all jumped up and down screaming. I have done it!

Now years later I look back on that experience. It comes with a few life lessons: A.) announcers always pause for dramatic effects B.) Never sell yourself short and C.)If you set your mind to it, you can do anything.

Good luck on showing, HCGs'!!
-Kristi

Barrel racing!!!!!!!!!

by Makenzi
(TX)

I'm not an english rider but I do ride horses!!! I barrel race in tx. and I love it!!!! I've won buckles and halters and all kinds of other stuff!! It's fun some girls who ride english should try western. ANd people who ride western DO NOT abuse their horses the horses just like to RUN!!!!!

denisees best horse story

by denise l.
(norwalk boeardien)

Hi! my name is denise and my age is 8 i am going to be 9 in august 1st. when i was little i road a black horse and my dad was holding the rope and i almost feel down! and when i was with my uncle he took me to ride a horse at the afternoon and he still does.

Two-timer who is very VERY nervous

by Cowgirl in a dressage cap

Okay, I'm sure I'm not the only one, but I get show nerves really badly. At my most recent show, I almost took a wrong turn in my dressage test. I still placed third, but there were only six people in that class, so I'd like anybody who has hints on how to get rid of or at least calm my nerves to please share them.
-Cowgirl in a dressage cap

Showing Tommy

by Britt

My parents let me show my 13 yr old Thoroughbred cross paint gelding. He's beautiful, smart, sometimes silly, sometimes stubborn, but I love him! The picture is me jumping him. This was my 7th show!

Help! Doing first show in Summer!

by Georgia

Okay, so I'm doing my first show in the summer. I don't know what I'd like to do though as I haven't really got a specific talent yet. But what I really need to know is what you actually do in a show! I have no idea!

The owner of the yard I go to is taking us, she really is like a second mum, as the yard is a second home as I am there all the time even though I don't own or loan a horse myself. I just go to spend time with the horses and look after them.

It would be really good if you could tell me what to do in steps from start to finish just so I could think about what I'll need to do. We'll obviously have a little practice at the yard first but it would be amazingly helpful just for more advice.

Thank You!!!

We're Goin' To Fall Off! (LOL)

by Lexy N.
(Pierce, Nebraska)

My cousin and I were at a horse show in Leigh, Nebraska in about September of 2006. We were signed up to do the Pickup Race. The Pickup Race is where a person rides up on their horse and picks their partner up from the ground; their partner then gets on the back of the rider's horse and you run back to the finish line.

Well we decided to practice it so we'd be ready to do it at the end of the show. My aunt and dad had brought me and my cousin to the horse show. Me and my cousin were just teasing my aunt 'we're goin' to fall off'. My aunt was like 'no you won't'. We said 'yes we were' you know just kidding around.

Well that day I forgot my billet to attach the cinch to the saddle so i had to use my back billet which was only one layer whereas the front billet had two layers. So we were toward our turn in the Pickup Race. We went into the arena set to win. I ran up beside my cousin swung her up on the back of my horse and turned to head for home.

But.................................. the next thing we knew we were on the ground....... with the saddle. As so as we fell my cousin said 'are you ok'? I said yes and i just felt al ittle stunned.

But my horse meanwhile ran to the end of the arena before she realized nobody was on her back! She came loping back to us and we got up with everybody surrounding us hoping we were ok.

As we exited the arena the crowd was yelling reride, reride but the judge said that that wouldn't be fair. And I thought we wouldn't be able to ride anyway because my billet broke(lol)!

So we exited the arena and burst out laughing! But my dad on the other hand was as enthused. We still laughs that we predicted our fall (sort of)!

Crazy Day

by Stacey
(vic.)

Well at a jumping day a horse slipped over and fell on the rider then got up and kicked her in the face! People thought she was nearly dead! Another 5 people fell off that day( but it wasn't as bad).

HALLOWEEN HARVEST FEST

by HANNER
(USA)

WELL IT WASN'T A COMPETITIVE SHOW ITS A FUN DRESS UP MUSICAL FREE STYLE DRESSAGE SHOW. WE WERE PUT IN TEAMS AND EACH TEAM DRESSED AS SOMETHING DIFFERENT, MY TEAM AND TEAM'S HORSES WERE DRESSED AS HANNAH MONTANA. BUT THE OTHER TEAMS DRESSED AS MICHEL JACKSON, PIRATES AND THE FIDELIS FOUNDATION RAN THE HARVEST FEST SO THE OTHER TEAM DRESSED IN THE FIDELIS FOUNDATION COLORS (GREEN AND WHITE).IT WAS FUN! BUT MANY HORSES SPOOKED BECAUSE THEY WERE DRESSED UP AND SO MUCH WAS GOING ON.
PLEASE COMMENT MY PAGES! (WINDY!)AND (WINDY2)

Jump off !!

by katie
(lincolnshire)

well i went to a showjumping class and i got through to the jump off and i came 2nd but my time was 34.001 andthe winners time was 34. 000 i was not happy lol i lost by i point of a second haha but wae still haad a good run :)

The Canter!

by Thoroughbredgirl1011
(Candy Island)

I was at my very first show. I was in a walk trot class and my horse PW (Pretty Woman) cantered and bucked on me! They told me to circle but i didnt know what that was! So I came up really close to a horse hind and didn;t place!

I was sad but i still love her. That was 2 years ago.

The Day of the Show

by Kaelyn
(Mayville, MI, U.S.A.)

The day i showed was a Tuesday and a Monday. the first day i was in 4 classes. 2 showman ship classes, and 2 riding classes.

That day i got 1 first place and 3 second places. My favorite class was my costume class. you had to dress your horse and you up into something and walk around the ring. I was an Indian with a deer skin blanket and i had arrows on my back and i rode bareback.

But the 2 day i showed it poured down rain and hailed, so i only got to show 2 times. all together i got 2 first places and 5 2 places and 1 third. it was fun!!!!!!!!!

written by kaelyn g.

I'm so proud of Shorty!

by Maxi
(Sarasota, FL)

Ok, so this was the first time I showed in 2'3" with Shorty (AKA Feature Presentation). We've done up to 3'6" at the barn but this was her first time showing at that height...We took home 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd that weekend! I was so proud!!! Keep it up baby:)

Kid's First Show

by Jazz
(Goulburn, NSW, Australia)

Kid is a friend's horse and he only been to one Dressage training day and the owner has asked me to ride him in the show because he is too scared to ride.

Kid is an OTTB and at the training day he was hyped up.

I was wondering if anyone has any ideas to calm him down before the show other than lunging and using calm paste. Thanks!

(Would taking another horse that is calm help with calming him down??)

My First IEA Show is coming up soon. Help!?!

by A.J.L
(TN, USA)

I used to compete on my pony, Subtle Abu, until I had a terrible accident. I just started back up a year and 5 days ago. I am back at a walk, trot and canter.

My trainer is putting me over crossrails, but I still don't have the hang of it again. Just a couple days ago I fell off. We were doing gymnastics, and I didn't put my heels down far enough, and rolled right off my horses neck. I got right back on though, and I'm fine now.

IEA shows take a rider and draw a horse's name for them out of a hat. I am so nervous. Me, being a taller, heavier person, would never be assigned a push button pony, or an older school horse with a bad back.

I have to ride the giant, bouncy, uncontrollable draft cross. I am so scared. If I can't stay on my own smooth, slow horse, how can I just jump on and show a big bouncy thing?

Oh my goodness, this will be my first real show since my accident. I am so stressed, can ANYONE please help me out by giving me tips, or even a story of their first IEA show or horse swap? I am soo stressed.

My VERY first Horse show

by Roxanne
(Michigan)

My very first horse show i got 5th and 6th place. i always think i could have done better,but i know that my horse nick did his very best to please me! Even though i was a little bit scared at first it turned out alright. I can't wait for my next one in the spring!!

Zorro

by Carly
(Miami )

This is my horse Zorro. He is SO sweet! In this pic we had just won Grand Champion at Crystal Brook stables in Miami. Zorro did so great that day.

Sadly he died of Colic 2 years ago, but if you can hear this Zorro, I LOVE U AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!!!!!!

First horse show

by sydney
(Pennsylvania)

It was my first horse show ever and my horse and i went in and place 6th out of 23 people and they were mostly adults. Also we got two 5th place ribbions too.

Talk about a colorful personality!

by A horse owner

I got this pony last year. She was white and her name is Kenzie.

I had Kenzie for 3 years until I grown out of her.
Before I MOVED ON I BEGGED AND BEGGED my parents to do one last horse show with her. They agreed and brought the pony to the vet to make sure she was good since I hadn't done a competition with her in such a long time.

They took her into a stall and looked at her. I waited a while until the vet said she was OK. She had also mentioned that there was a little accident there. The vet was about to check her teeth when her elbow hit two paint cans on one of the shelves and my pony's mane turned green and pink!

We scrubbed and scrubbed but we couldn't get it clean so we entered my colorful pony in a show jumping competition. And guess what? Thanks to her colorfulness we won first place!!!

THE END!!!!!

Horse Show Story: Canfield Fair Misshap!

by Alaina
(Ohio)

My pony's name is Cloie and we went into a walk, trot class. There was a boy behind me slapping something hard at Cloie that she bolted across the ring.

I fell off and I could not walk. They took me into a fix up nursery. They cleaned me up, put me on a board so my spine wouldn't crack more and took me to a hospital in an ambulance. After 4 hours I was home again.

That's my story.

Ya Snooze, Ya lose

by Emmalee
(USA)

This is (unfortunately) a true story!

I own a purebred Arabian mare (Her name is Stylish Celebrity, which is SO like her personality!) and we show at a regional level, so not 4-h.

OK, so here's the story: I was at a show--qualifying for nationals! I had done in-hand the day before, and had to wait until 12:30 to get the results (UGH!) and then, after 5 hours of sleep, me and my mom had to go back to the show!
My instructor/trainer let me sleep in a cot for a couple hours. . .but when someone woke me up there wasn't even an hour until my class!!!! And Stylish wasn't braided or warmed up.

So I quickly got dressed (I was wearing pajamas) and lunged her--for 30 minutes!!!! At this point I was freaking out and Stylish still had energy, but I didn't--couldn't--care. I raced back to the barn where all of my barn's horses were, and quickly brushed and braided her while my mom braided her tail.

We only had five minutes until my class--at least on the schedule. But LUCKILY a horse threw a shoe before a class and then they had to postpone it. I used that time to trot Stylish to the warm-up ring, and had not even ten minutes to warm her up.

Our warm up went perfectly, her gait smooth and agile, her head tucked very neatly; she wasn't fighting the bit at all.

But of course, with my luck, the second my trotted into the ring, she decided her leg was quite itchy. So she stopped COMPLETELY and scratched for a few agonizing seconds until I yanked her head up.

The rest of the class went horribly, with Stylish going either too slow or too fast, and fighting the bit the ENTIRE time.

We didn't place, BUT we made it to nationals for in-hand!

THE END

EEP!!! Help! First horse show next month!

by Julie
(Georgia)

So, I am having my first horse show next month. I will be showing on a horse I really trust, but I am still nervous. Please help?! What if I mess up, go the wrong direction?... EEP!

My First Show

by Brook
(Texas)

After a lot of begging, my parents finally let me attend a county horse show. I entered the show jumping with my lesson horse Lucky Lady, a buckskin mustang mare. I groomed her, braided her mane and tail, tacked her up, and warmed her up. We did beautifully, but she stumbled which caused her to knock over the last fence. Afterward, I hugged her and told her how well she did. The judges called us out again and handed out ribbons. Third place to a boy with a tall dappled gray gelding, first place to a girl with a beautiful chestnut mare. Second place goes to......number 15, Brook Howard and her mare, Lucky Lady!!!! I was so excited. That was six years ago, Lady is retired from the show ring, and I have a pony of my own to show. I love you Lucky Lady!!!

Me & Jay

by Kayla
(Suffolk,VA,US)

There was once this horse that I showed at a horse show at Happy Valley. The horse that I was riding was a horse named Jay. Everybody that had ridden this horse in a show and not done well 'cause the horse was very lazy.

But when I showed him I didn't do good cause I got 6th place. But on that same day I showed him again and got 1st place (nobody had ever gotten 1st place on him b4). People were so mad at me though...and that is my horse show story!!!

Help! I get nervous before horse shows...

by Lauren

Heyy i had my first AA horse show last month and i totally freaked out!! i need some help with anxiety at shows. i don't know if its just me who gets nervous or if its everyone...but all i need to know if this can be fixed?

Wow!!!!!

by Kendal
(livermore Ca usa)

I never knew horse Shows can be so exciting I done almost a season of barrel racing and I loved it I am a purebred Cowgirl. Thats all I have to say right now.

The Bad Show

It started out Ok. We got to the show, tacked up,and schooled a little. When we schooled,we walked and trotted and my pony (Nemo) was fine. Then, I asked him to canter. He bucked. I asked again he picked it up this time.

Next, we trotted over a couple little jumps. Then, we cantered a jump. He jumped it, but the second he landed. He bucked. I stayed on. Next, we waited around for a little while until my first class crossrails.

I was doing it as a warmup class and was supposed to do a 2 ft. after. Well, it was time for my turn at crossrails. I did my courtesy circle and went for the first jump. Nemo jumped it, but the second he landed. He ducked out to the side and bucked. I fell off. He ran off across the arena and someone caught him.

Since it was a local show they let me get back on and do my course. I did. My mom didn't let me do 2ft. after that( I was soo mad). Instead I did 2 walk, trot classes.

One was judged on the horse and one was judged on me. I don't think that judge knew what she was doing. In the first class she gave me last, but my pony was forward and good. In the second class (equitation) she gave me second to last even though all the other riders had horrible positions.

After all that, later when my pony was grazing my mom told me that someone told her that my pony was unsafe and that I shouldn't be riding him. Well, that was just about the WORST show ever.

Time to move on, I think

by Amylou
(Regina SK Canada)

So everyone on here is a fan of horses, right?
Most people on here ride.

I do, I have been in shows.

I ride Western, I do trail, western equitation and western pleasure. They are some of my specialties.

As any rider does, I feel great on a saddle, running against the wind, racing against your friends.

Ah, yes. Most of us are familiar with the freedom of riding. The one sport that I am good at, the one place that makes my dreams come true.
Some people hate the natural smell that comes with every stables but I don't.

I had been riding at a local stables for two years now. I was used to the horses. There was one horse that was only two and a half. The owner let only me ride him. His name was Frankie. Frankie used to follow me and sometimes gallop next to me when I was running beside his pasture. I loved the stable, I really, really did!!

But all things must come to an end, right?
Well the prices went up ($55 dollars per lesson) and we had to leave the stables, leave behind both Frankie, the little Quarter horse and Bento, the fast and stubborn Welsh pony.

We looked around 4 different stables and finally picked the one with a good vibe and nice people.

This stable had 18 baby bunnies, 3 goats, 3 sheep, 4 dogs, 8 cats, 5 chickens, 3 donkeys, 2 miniatures and a load of horses.

The Speedy Pony

by Horseluver4evernever
(Canada)

So on valentines day I was at a schooling show with my favorite school pony Crayola! I got to the barn early because my divisions (I entered 1division that has 3 classes and I entered a speed class) didn't have a set time.

I saw the little 13.2 pony in the cross ties and I wondered why he was out. Then I saw my friend and asked her why Crayola was out. She told me she didn't know. So I decided I would just groom him because his legs were dirty. I figured a younger first division kid tacked him up.

I got all the mud off his legs and groomed him for about 1 1/2 hours. My friends and I decided to go to the warm up ring and warm up. I just trotted and did a small canter before going into the show ring for my flat class.

Crayola is a pony that has a habit of throwing his head down while he canters to try and throw riders off. He tried to put his head down but I'm used to it and I was ready. We came in first. For our jumping we jumped 2 ft.

Crayola may be small but I've seen that pony jump like 2 feet 6! It was the hunter over fences but he decided to be as fast as he could! He took so many short spots and one very long spot! He did that in the equitation class too. We placed fifth in both classes out of like 10.

So then came the speed round it was also 2ft. I think. So we did our practice jump and then into the arena. I was the fifth one in. I was so excited. Over at the other shows I do me and crayola always are the fastest riders there. Don't get me wrong, I don't like kick him and abuse him to go fast. He simply chooses to.

So in our speed class I got through the first part without any faults so I could go on to the speed part. So we jumped the first speed jump and the crowd goes wild.

Over the second jump and as I'm asking for the tight turn he puts his head down and everything seems in slow motion as I'm trying to get his head up he fights it but I manage to get it up! We finish the course in 17.63 seconds!!!! We placed seventh out of 12 people!

Crayola is the smallest horse there! I was absolutely fine with that show because it's something he always does!!!

Dunn Near Perfect (Kody)

by Amy
(Florida)

This is my pony Kody. He's the sweetest pony EVER! Sadly I outgrew him and had to move to a different horse, but I'll never forget this show.

My parents had told me right before I went into the ring that this would be my first and last show on Kody because I was too big for him, I almost cried but the judges called my number and I had to stay calm for Kody's sake.

After the show I gave Kody the BEST grooming he's ever had while the judges figured out the winner. When the winner was announced I nearly cried again when I heard "number 65, Amy Chanceton" I had won!

In a couple of month's we had bought another horse for me and had sold Kody to the farm down the road where they offered riding lessons to handicapped kids. I knew that all the kids would love Kody as much as I did, but I'll never forget him!

My First Show

by Taylor
(Heartland, Canada)

When I was about 5 I entered my first walk trot and canter show and all I knew how to do was walk and trot I didn't know how to canter at all, I just knew it was really fast and the thought of going really fast on my horse was kinda scary at my age.

So I got into the ring and the judge asked us to walk our horses and I did for almost 2 minutes around the ring once and around it the other way, then she asked us to canter our horses and I gulped the other horses were already passing us so I took the crop whip that my mom had given me and I used it just like the other people did on there horse and my horses ears pricked up and she blasted in the fastest but most smoothest rythem i had ever ridden in and all in all I got 2 place and I was happy and now I am 13 and from that day I know how to canter except this time alot better :)

I was soo close!

by Shauna
(Ireland)

I was flying over my jumps, never knocked any but there was a really tight turn. I was so close until my pony went the wrong way and I didn't expect him to go that way and I flung off. So embarrassing!

*~Zoe~*

by Liz
(Temperance, Mighigan)

We got 3 1sts & 2 6ths!!! Zoe did SO great! I was so proud of her!

PS. I should've gotten 1st place in my flat class but they wanted to give the bigger ribbons to the littler kids because they didn't usually win many ribbons, so it was alright w/me :-)

Shes too fat!

by Allisha
(Derby)

I was going in to open pony. We got in there and Boonie, the horse I have taken in, it was coming to the end. He was putting us in places and he put me last. I asked, "Why have you put me last?" He said, "Because your pony is too fat!"

My First Show

by Abby

Well, my first horse show was kinda well, hectic! I was SO nervous and I forgot some stuff...my boots and my girth...so I borrowed a girth and some boots...my show went pretty well tho...and I got placed in every class...I competed in four shows that year...I placed in every class except for one show when my horse went lame=/ he recovered a few days/a week later though

Best Horse Show Ever

by Haley
(Salem, Oregon, USA)

Horse showing is one of my favorite things. But with 4-H, you get scores, not placings. Blues, reds and whites. No first, second or third. This was my first ever show with placings!

It was also my first ever show with my new horse. I had had her for 5 months and she was green. I was worried about how she would react to everything, but she was really good.

The first class was showmanship. Showmanship had never been one of my favorites, but I liked it. I groomed my horse, picked out her feet, brushed her long mane and we were ready. It took forever to get in the ring, adn the butterflies were insane!
When we got in the ring, I was totally focused. This was what we had been practicing for! We did our pattern as smoothly as possible then lined back up.

FINALLY every person had done the pattern. For placings, I would have been happy for 5th. The class was 10 people and 8 ribbons were possible. They called first place as I waited anxiously.
To my utter surprise, they called me for 2nd!! I was sooo excited!

I collected the ribbon and patted my horse. She nodded as if she'd been expecting the 2nd place. I was sooo happy! It wasn't the end of the show, but it was the best moment that I'd experienced in a long time.

NBHA

by Tori
(Backwoods, FL)

I run with NBHA. They are an amazing club. Just some tips for future barrel racers: DONT EVER GIVE UP!!! It gets very Frustrating. Trust me I know. Just get up and dust your self off and do it again!!!!!!! It is a very fun sport if you love speed!!

My horse Wonder

by Natalie
(England)

I was at a show one day helping my friend Tina. My lease was over so I could not ride till I found a new horse, all of a sudden a stallion jumped out of his paddock and mounted this poor mare (Wonder). I kicked the stallion of her and calmed wonder down.

This man approached me and said "Young Lady you've just saved my horse's life, you know she's for sale and free to a good home so would you like her?" "um just a sec, I have to call my mum."

I rang up my mum to asked if we can board Wonder at my farmette and she said yes right away, so my mum brought our two horse trailer and loaded up Wonder and took her home. Now Wonder is my best friend and my show horse. She is 16.2 hands and black with 2 socks.

pony finals 2008

by lillie k.
(new york)

last year i went to pony finals my first time in 2008 with my large pony named porter we got 26th in the jumping and it was so much fun whoever is out there that has not been to pony finals and is going soon well, ur gonna love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My big day

by Horselover
(US)

Well, it all started when I began riding a friend's horse. We were great team and had been together for a while when I decided I wanted to enter a show.

A week passed and finally the show day arrived. I groomed him and spent lots of time riding him before I competed.

When the time came, I entered the arena. I did as the announcer said and came in second place! I was super excited and couldn't stop smiling. It was a great experience!

I loved my first show

by emily
(sheffield)

When i went to my first show at wersbrought i was really looking foward to it. i know my new forest thoroughbred can jump really big. i knew we would place somwhere but when i saw all the other horses i was like "bet they will do better than me." but they didn't i came first in my 15hh CARRIE she tries her best in everything.

My first show

by Dressagefreak
(-_-)

Well, I went to my very first show ever, and won fourth and fifth place, which I think is fairly good, seeing as I've never showed before.

My 1st Show

by Katie
(U.S.A)

Katie's horse EZ Spirit

It was in August. Not many people came because it was supposed to rain. My horse EZ Spirit was waiting for me when I got there.

Me and my BFF's where warming up our horses when we realized that we where all competing against each other. (because no one else showed up for intermediate jumping) You should have seen how well we all performed. In my opinion we all did great!

I placed 4th, 3rd, and 4th out of 8 places possible. I love EZ so much that he enjoyed a nice rub down after the show and lots of pats and treats from the people that came to watch. Thanks for ready!!

The Noble Horse Theatre

by Sarah Vi
(Chicago, IL)

I haven't actually BEEN to the Noble Horse Theatre, but it's so cool!!! They do entire plays on horseback. Every Halloween they do Sleepy Hollow. They also do Quadrille (a medival story) & The Nutcracker. It's the most amazing thing for horse-lovers!!!!!!!! The theatre is located in Chicago, IL 1410 N. Orleans.