Horse Showing

This issue of Horse&Rider Monthly has everything you need to know about overcoming horse-show nerves, getting ready for your first show, and having a successful horse-show.

In 2014, Horse&Rider sat down with Kelly Lear to hear the story of how she turned the fearful grade yearling her mom bought for $350 into a multiple world champion. What we didn’t know then was that Kelly would still be winning world championships with the now 27-year-old horse, Singin Saddie Sue.

While on her way to the Pinto World Championship, Vannah Paulson’s dream of competing at her first world show came to an end after her horse suffered a devastating injury. With the help from friends, family, and even strangers, Vannah was still able to make her dream come true—even if it looked a little different than originally planned.

Skip the line at the concession stand and pack these easy snacks for your next horse show.

Most kids meet their friends through school or on the sports field. Friendships often become strong by bonding over a shared interest or passion—which is why the horse community can often help build lifelong friendships.

It's easy to get caught up in the competition of a horse show, but if we let it take control, we might forget the reason we started riding in the first place.

Learn the in’s and out’s of preparing for a horse show.

Create a supportive vibe that feels good and makes you smile, and you’ll become a more confident, effective rider.

Use our list to build your own template that'll keep you organized and prepared every time you haul your horse.

Correct your horse’s lead-change anticipation in the Western riding pattern with these expert techniques.

Challenge yourself! Have fun and learn interesting facts about horses, horsemanship, and horse showing with Horse&Rider’s Trivia Challenge, featured in The Ride newsletter.

Mindful management can extend the career of your senior performance horse.

Sandra Bentien is the consummate do-it-yourself non-pro reiner, from the breeding shed to the saddle. Here's her DIY rider story.

If you show in the trail class, you’re probably quite familiar with the rope gate obstacle. It’s easy for show management to transport and set up, and it’s forgiving when it comes to working the obstacle. But now we’re seeing the metal trail gate return to the show pen, which adds another item to prepare to face in a class.

Leslie Lange offers advice on how to fix dullness and achieve light contact in showmanship patterns.

Trainer and clinician Laurel Walker Denton offers the finer points of presentation for ranch riding classes, from tack to rider turnout.

An equine behaviorist teaches you the why, and expert trainers teach you the how behind your horse’s anticipation—so you can nix it now.

Sometimes cost and pedigree and professional training aren’t what make the difference. Sometimes it’s what’s inside that counts.

Working a rope gate for the trail class requires style and finesse. Here are pointers for earning high marks.

Use this tip to control thick hair before you put on your Western hat.

Master trail class lope-overs by learning how to gauge your horse's stride length with this private lesson from Charlie Cole.