Horse shows are stressful enough, so when you have to memorize a few different patterns, it can be overwhelming. Instead of drilling the pattern over and over again on your horse, try this tip.
Tip of the Week: Set your pattern up on a smaller scale with cones, fly spray bottles, water bottles, or anything that will work as a marker. Then, practice your pattern on foot. You can walk, trot, lope, turn, back, and anything else the pattern calls for.
This is a good way to drill the pattern into your head without over schooling your horse. It can also be helpful to to say the pattern outloud as you run through it on foot. Now when you’re nervous, you can walk your nerves out and practice you pattern!
