It’s show day! The alarm goes off early, and suddenly everything you’ve prepared for is actually happening. Take a deep breath; you’ve got this.
The morning rush
Wake up with plenty of time because rushing causes stress and mistakes. Even if you’re nervous, eat a good breakfast and drink water. Your body needs fuel. Get dressed in comfortable clothes for now – save your competition outfit for later.
At the yard, feed your pony early enough that they have time to digest before riding, then check they’re healthy and sound. Give them a quick groom, check their plaits and repair if needed, pick out hooves, and do a final check for any problems.
Loading up should be calm and methodical. Pack all your kit in the vehicle, load your pony without rushing, check everything is secure, and take your time. Drive carefully to the showground, allowing plenty of time – plan to arrive at least an hour before your first class.
Arriving and settling
When you arrive, park carefully where directed, unload your pony calmly, tie them safely to the vehicle, give them water, and let them settle for a few minutes. They need to take in their new surroundings. Then go and collect your number, check your times haven’t changed, get a programme if available, and ask where your rings are. Locate the toilets and refreshments.
Walk around and find your rings, warm-up areas, and ring entrances and exits. See where the judges stand and watch other competitors if classes are already running. This familiarisation time is really valuable and helps calm nerves.
Getting ready
About thirty to forty-five minutes before your first class, change into your competition clothes. Do a final check that everything’s clean and tidy, your hair is neat, boots are polished, number is clearly visible, and helmet is properly fastened.
Thirty minutes before your class, give your pony a final groom, apply hoof oil, and tack up carefully. Check all tack is secure with nothing twisted and no mud or stains anywhere. Double-check that the girth is tight enough, bridle is fitted correctly, all buckles are done up, and nothing is broken.
Warming up
Allow twenty to thirty minutes for warm-up. Start by walking for several minutes to let your pony look around whilst you both stay relaxed and remember to breathe. Gradually progress to trot, check your steering and balance, do some circles and changes of direction, then move to canter when you’re both ready.
Practice the relevant skills for your class. If you’re showing, practice walking, trotting, cantering, and your individual show. If jumping, pop over the practice fence. If doing dressage, practice movements from your test. Don’t overdo it, though – you want your pony listening to you and moving nicely, not exhausted. Keep an eye on the clock so you’re ready when needed.
In the ring
Be at the collecting ring entrance before your class is called, and listen carefully for your number. The steward will tell you when to enter. Different classes work differently. In showing classes, you’ll enter and join others walking around the ring, follow instructions from the judge or steward, walk, trot, and canter when asked, line up when called, be ready for your individual show, stand quietly whilst the judge looks at others, and listen for results.
For jumping, once the steward has allowed you into the arena, you’ll wait for the bell or buzzer, enter and circle before starting, jump the course, then leave the ring promptly. In dressage, you wait for the judge’s bell, enter at A, ride your test, then exit at A when finished. Don’t forget to salute at the beginning and end.
Always be polite and friendly, follow all instructions, respect other competitors, thank the judge, and stay calm if things go wrong. Don’t cut in front of other riders, go too close to other ponies, argue with judges or stewards, make excuses, or be a bad sport.
When things go wrong
If you forget part of your test, knock a jump, have a stop or refusal, or go the wrong way, just stay calm and carry on. Everyone makes mistakes (even the top pros), and how you handle them shows good sportsmanship. Smile, correct yourself, and continue. Don’t give up – try to finish your class even if it’s not going perfectly.
After your class, leave the ring properly where directed, thank the steward, and walk your pony calmly. Cool down by walking until they’re breathing normally, loosen the girth, and let them drink small amounts of water. If you have more classes, check the timing and keep your pony tidy. Between classes, make sure they rest and stay comfortable.
Prize giving and going home
If you’re placed, return to the ring when called, line up in the correct order, graciously accept your rosette, thank the judge, smile, and don’t leave until dismissed. If you’re not placed, that’s absolutely fine; it’s all experience. Clap for the winners and stay positive.
Once all your classes are finished, untack promptly and check for any rubs. Walk your pony in hand to cool down, offer water, provide hay, sponge off if sweaty, put on a cooler or rug, pick out hooves, and check legs for any problems.
Pack up methodically, making sure you have everything, put rubbish in bins, and load your pony calmly. Drive home carefully as everyone’s tired. At home, unload carefully, turn your pony out or stable them, provide water and hay, check they’re healthy and happy, and unpack your equipment.
That evening, check your pony thoroughly for any injuries, make sure they’ve eaten and drunk, look carefully at their legs, and ensure they’re settled and comfortable. Then you can eat a good meal, drink plenty, rest, and think about your day. You did it!
Next: Learning from your show and planning what’s next!
