This months blog post is for those who are showing, regardless of whether its reining, cow horse, 4-H club level or just doing it in a town club.
I find that it does not matter what you place in a class, the important things are that you learned something new from just being at the show. Maybe you saw another rider do something and you tried it and it worked for you; or you realized you needed to change something in your riding, or your horse needs improvement with your guidance.
I also believe that fun has to be the number one reason you are there, if it's is not fun then there is no point in doing it. Whether you are showing as a professional who is making a profit or are just a beginner. Fun is still a key.
Be proud to show your horse, he is yours (or your clients), and you did alot of work to get him where he is, he is the reason you are there!
I always smile in my Pleasure Classes, it is important to show how much are enjoying your ride; I watch riders in all classes and I don't see too many smile, it really completes the whole picture of showing off your horse.
In one of my shows I decided that I was going to smile, sit proud, and show off my horse even it his lead was wrong or if I knew we goofed, because being there in that moment is fun and that is why I am there.
I was told years ago with my injures I would never ride, and I do. In lots of pain, I go to each show because I like the thrill of riding and showing off my handsome gelding. I am proud to be there, I may not be the rider I use to be, I can't ride at a trot or a lope on a daily bases, but I am able to at least ride a bit and push myself to show once in awhile. Just showing up and riding with other horses is a big achievement for me, it also helps build my confidence and I am grateful. So I smile, and the last show I smiled every class, every moment I was on my horse, as well when I made eye contact with other riders, it really helped my performance, I was grounded and happy. I was known as the girl that always smiles, and I had an amazing time!
You should try this, it really works!
- Have fun
- Don't stress too much
- Show support for others
- Be proud to just be there
- Smile (Big)
- Be kind
- Learn something new, from someone else or from your classes
- and love your horse
Vanessa Bardeck's mission is to educate and improve the relationship between horse and rider; she has eighteen years experience with horses and at the age of twelve she was riding her horse without a bridle or halter. By age twenty she was able to jump a course not only with no bridle or halter, but also with out a saddle.
Vanessa had a major set back from her neck injury, caused by a car crash when she was sixteen, that almost kept her from ever riding again.Due to this crash she damaged all the muscles in her neck. Vanessa has always suffered in pain since that horrible day; In 2008 one October morning she woke up paralyzed. After a year of therapy and rest, Vanessa was still nervous to get on a horse, the pain she now has from that set back some days is too much to handle. She spent a lot of time with Dillon, her horse, even if it was just being in his stall. Over time she finally got on him, once she did she knew she had to continue riding.
http://www.wix.com/manesuccesshorse/horses is the place to check out to view her website and for her contact information.
If you have an idea for something you would like her to talk about in December, please feel free to contact her by email at manesuccess@gmail.com or you can post a comment on our new facebook page which can be found here. (Dont forget to "Like Us" if you like the work Frank Callaghan did, and want to keep reading each month! )
