By Elizabeth Busbee
You’ve decided to take the plunge and give showing a try. Congratulations! It’s perfectly normal to have show nerves, but the more prepared you are, the better you’ll handle the day. Aside from learning your test, there are other things you should know before your first show experience, and since horses don’t come with a handbook, here are some tips I’ve collected from top trainers to help you survive your first schooling show.
Horse Prep
Cleanliness is king. Before the show, bathe your horse. Trim their leg feathers unless breed standards advise otherwise. At a minimum, pull your horse’s mane to make it look even. Braiding is optional at schooling shows, but a neat appearance shows you are taking things seriously and can make a positive impression. Tidy braids don’t require FEI-level talent to do, just some practice and the right tools. Unlike hunter shows, dressage horses are shown without their tails braided, though you should trim the end for a clean appearance. Don’t go overboard, though, or your poor horse will look like your My Little Ponies did when you were a kid.
Tack
You don’t need a fancy blingy bridle, a $7,000 saddle, or exquisite matchy accessories. The most important thing is having clean tack that fits your horse. Elbow grease is free. A spotless white pad is always appropriate. You are allowed to use half pads or therapeutic gel pads under your saddle, and it’s best to show in the tack that makes your horse happiest; show day isn’t the ideal time to make huge changes to your equipment. You can warm up in brushing boots or bell boots, but you can’t enter the show ring with them on. Make sure your buddy or trainer reminds you to take them off before your test time.
Apparel
Just like your tack, your show attire doesn’t have to be high-end, but it does need to be neutral and appropriate for dressage. Many tack shops do consignment, and online sites like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace often have fantastic deals on gently used show clothing.
What’s appropriate for the dressage ring? White or very light breeches, a white shirt, a stock tie with a pin, and a subtle jacket. Traditionally, black jackets are worn, but navy, dark green, burgundy, or grey are also suitable. Allow a few weeks to break in your tall boots before the show, or the back of your knees will hate you. If you don’t have tall boots, it’s perfectly fine to wear well-fitted half chaps with paddock boots. At lower levels, you should wear black gloves. Fancy white gloves are generally for FEI riders.
How do you keep clean? Wear an apron or pants and a jacket over your show clothes while you groom so your lovely white clothes aren’t covered in horse slobber. Our equine friends aren’t great at respecting personal space. Have a friend wipe off your boots once you are in the saddle. It’s unwise, however, to have them give you a shot of tequila to settle your nerves.
Warm-up ring
The phrase “warm-up ring” strikes fear in the hearts of many riders. It can be chaotic, but if you are showing in the lower levels, the chaos should be manageable. Have your warm-up routine planned out ahead of time to ease stress; it helps if you enter the ring knowing what you need to work on. Keep your eyes up, respect everyone else’s space, and call out where you are going when it’s needed. A little extra courtesy goes a long way. Be kind to other riders and to the show volunteers.
It’s your turn!
Unlike other horse shows, dressage shows tend to be very punctual. If you are late, you will likely be unable to ride your test. If a rider scratches, officials may offer for you to go early. If you’d prefer to get it over with, go for it! But they can’t make you go before your time if you aren’t ready.
When it’s your turn to enter the show ring, travel around the outside of the ring to the judge at C, tell the scribe your number and confirm which test you are riding (the judge will often be finishing writing their comments on the test ahead of yours), and say thank you. You’ll have a short time to familiarize your horse with the arena. Make sure to ride your horse past the judge and any other scary things they may not have seen before. When the bell rings, that’s your cue to come down the centerline. Once you halt, salute with your right hand low to the side (this is not a military parade) and wait for the judge to salute you back. Only then should you proceed with your test – don’t zoom off until you’ve been acknowledged.
If you have terrible show fright, you can have someone read your test for you. Ideally, practice with that person at home, so they are familiar with the test too. Show day is not the time for your non-horsey family member to learn how to pronounce dressage words on the fly. During your test, don’t talk to your horse. This may be even harder than the actual riding part!
At the end of your test (I promise you’ll survive to reach the end!) halt again, salute, then remember to exhale. Things go much better if you also remember to breathe during your test. Five plus minutes is too long to hold your breath, and they probably won’t give you a ribbon if you faint from the back of your horse.
After your test, walk back to the judge at C and thank them. They may simply thank you back, or they may have comments to share, since a schooling show is an educational opportunity. When your class is done, you can pick up your paper test, which will be full of helpful comments and things to work on for next time. Make sure to give your horse extra cookies and enjoy the learning adventure.
Elizabeth R. Busbee, PhD, is a relationship and intimacy coach and advice columnist specializing in communication. She rides with Jessica Rizzi and Liz Doering at Sperry View Farm in Bethany, Connecticut.
