Go Show

I have heard lots of excuses for not showing a horse. He/she's not ready, I'm not ready, the weather is too hot/cold/rainy/whatever, it's too expensive, but why am I not placing when I do?
The fact is, the more you show your horse the better you will BOTH get. You will learn a lot about each other and that's what makes good teams...knowing each other through all the little problems and how to correct those little problems before they become HUGE problems.
When you do show, take mental notes of those competitors that do very well, how do they prepare before they walk through the in gate? You can learn a lot in the warm up pen.
Watch those that are the next step up for you...are you novice? Watch the youth or amateur group, see what it takes to do the next step up. Observe other exhibitors practicing with their trainers, you'll be certain to catch a handy tip here and there.
The point is, the more you show, the better you will get faster. You'll learn how to deal with your nervousness (if you are) and possibly your horse's nervousness (if they are).
Do you have a green horse? Take them in the class with small goals, ie. 3 second set up, nailing the spin, etc... and be proud of that accomplishment and make a mental note of the next goal to set for yourself and your horse.
Are you green? Make yourself a small goal, ie. looking up and smiling at the judge during your approach, nailing your crossovers, feining confidence.
Basically, get your rear in gear and go show, you'll get better, your horse will get better and before you know you'll start placing higher and higher!
Until next time, see you in the arena!