How to prepare for your show ring debut

Are you targeting a show ring debut this season? If you’ve never been showing before, you might find it a little bit nerve wracking and not be sure what to expect. Our founder Jodie has produced horses for the show ring, so she really knows her stuff. Now that Jodie has a thriving business and a young family, she’s handed over the reins (literally) of her home-bred mare Papaver Dior - known at home as Poppy - to professional show producer James Knight. The duo qualified for Horse of the Year Show last year, so we can’t wait to see how this season goes for them! But that doesn’t mean Jodie has forgotten anything she knows about showing horses. Here are her top tips so that you feel organised and confident for your show ring debut and can enjoy the day as much as possible.

Prep your kit and turnout carefully

If you’re new to showing then you’ll need to research what tack, clothing and turnout is expected in your class. For example, native types competing in mountain and moorland classes do not have to be plaited, cobs are usually hogged and show horses and ponies need to be plaited. You will need breeches or jodhpurs that are cream, buff or fawn and never white, navy, black or any other colour! The rules apply to your boots, jacket, saddle, bridle, numnah and more, so check with the show, read these tips from Horse & Hound or check in with a governing body (such as the British Show Horse Association) before you compete. If you need a double bridle or a pelham bit, you can find lots of brands and styles of both to browse here.

Know your warmup and show ring etiquette

Taking some time to learn what is and isn’t expected of you on the day will help calm your nerves - and make sure you don’t accidentally make a blooper on the day. For example, you should pass left hand to left hand, regardless of the rein you’re on, and most warm-up rings require you to follow the flow of traffic - even if that doesn’t exactly match what you had planned. Generally, if you want to walk or halt, go to the inside track and leave the outside track for canter and trot warm up work. If someone falls off, then stop until the horse or pony is caught and the rider has moved to safety.

When you’re in the show ring itself, make sure you don’t get too close to the horse in front of you and give yourself enough space to show your horse or pony off in all paces. It’s fine to ride a circle to get more space, but don’t cut inside other competitors.

Practise your show

Depending on the type of class you’re competing in, you might be expected to have a show practised, in others the judge will tell you what they would like to see. You can always call or email the show secretary if you’re not sure or it doesn’t state in the entry information. If you are told what show to ride by a judge, listen carefully and don’t be afraid to ask a question or two if you need clarification.

If you’re riding your own show, practice at home so you and your horse know what you’re doing.
That could include starting and stopping with a square halt, riding accurate and balanced transitions and working on both reins in walk, trot and canter. You may need to show some extension in the pace, so work on that in the school and in an open field if you can - you want to make sure you have brakes… The same applies for in-hand shows, practise so that your horse knows what’s expected of them and that you can easily control them in the ring.

I do want to add that it’s totally acceptable to just enjoy your first time in the show ring and not have lofty ambitions. So please don’t drive yourself mad worrying about your show and ringcraft…

Make a show-day checklist

This one applies to any competitive outing as far as I’m concerned, so eventing, jumping, dressage AND showing, but it’s worth mentioning! Sit down a good week or two before your show and make a list of everything you need to do the day before (bathing the horse, plaiting, washing your breeches, polishing boots, fuelling the lorry or towing car) and everything you need to pack for the day itself. It might sound over the top, but it will prevent ‘oh sugar’ moments on the day when you realise you’ve packed a white numnah instead of the usual black or brown…! Plus, you could think about doing an inventory check so you can snap up a new bag of plaiting bands, a new bottle of shampoo or anything else that you either don’t have or need a new one of. It’s a pain to only realise you don’t have something the day you need it.

Plan your day to reduce nerves

On the day itself, plan how much time you’d like in the collecting ring and how much time you need to get you and your horse ready and work backwards from your class time. There’s nothing worse than rushing and having to mount up or even go into the ring feeling underprepared. Give yourself extra time and if you spend it chilling on the ramp or watching other shows, you’ll be very grateful. I’d also advise you to think about what you’d like to do in the warmup ring, so you don’t wander aimlessly and let nerves take over! If you have questions then don’t be afraid to ask stewards and judges - they should be happy to help, especially if they know it’s your debut. And, finally - but most importantly – remember to have fun!