Show-Ring Ready
Show-Ring Ready
We've all heard of the book and movie, "Act Like a Lady, Think Like A Man". Well the same goes for practicing and training for an upcoming show-ring competition. One must "Act Like a Rider, Think Like a Horse". Competition judges today are looking for functional riders. They want to see rider and horse, fully integrated. Just warming your horse up in the ring then heading to the gate, just isn't going to cut it. And, as with every solid performance, in or out of the ring, homework and preparation is the key. As you enter your final stretch of days prior to competition, know the rules. Set your goals. Write down your goals. Then make them objectives that drive you to the win. Establish and maintain the ideal warm-up session with your horse. Identify the warm-up that will best loosen his muscles and joints. Remember to utilize various positions and gaits, to maximize flexibility, balance and timing. Changing directions at the trot will work on lateral suppleness. Steady and consistent pre-training, a solid warm-up routine and mental day-of-event focus, should yield the results you seek.