Try these top 5 tips that will get you noticed in the show ring.

Be on time

You know the judge understands that you may have conflicts in other rings, more students to walk courses and horses to ride.

PLEASE let the whipper in know what is happening so the judge isn’t waiting and wondering WTF is going on.

Know the Rules

It is not the judges responsibilty for you to know and understand the rules. If you enter the competition field, with inappropriate tack, boots or not dressed correctly according to the rules, it isn’t anyone’s fault but your own.

Be Prepared

 Have your tack, brushes and equipment ready and waiting.

Be prepared mentally – Know your course, requirements and strategies for your day of showing.

Clean your Tack

And

Remove the rein stops from the reins (unless you need them for your running martingale). Tuck the extra ends of leather on your noseband into the runner and keeper. No flapping straps.

If the judge notices it…

and

ask the question “why” then you will be noticed for something that maybe shouldn’t have been there in the first place.

Have Impecable Turnout

Have your horse turned out really well.

Brushed, bathed and braided.

If you can’t braid then hire someone on the show grounds to braid your horse.

Have your horses tail braided. This, in my opinion, is the icing on the cake and makes that difference in getting noticed.

Oil the horse’s hooves. Even if it wears off before the end of the round, start the beginning of the round like a winner.

Wipe off your boots. Nothing says I don’t care like having a piece of manure or hay hanging from the heel of your boot.

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Have Fun

Have fun and know that what is in your brain goes down the rein. Be relaxed and enjoy your ride.