Heading to a young rider’s first event with their horse can be intimidating. Use these myths and truths to make it smoother sailing for yourself and your young rider.

A Bundle of Nerves

Whether your child started out with a goal of competing horseback when they first started riding or it became a goal once they’d logged many hours in the saddle, the simple idea of attending your first show can be paralyzing for both parent and young rider. The feelings of excitement can quickly turn to anxiety due to the great unknown.

In my work with youth riders of all levels, as well as my lifelong experience as a competitive horsewoman, I see this happen all the time with first-time competitors and their parents. I’m here to dispel the myths—and tell you the truths—about attending your first show. Including how to prepare to ensure that you and your child feel ready to hit the show pen, jackpot, or playday and have the time of your lives.

Myth: I need a six-figure horse to compete anywhere.

Truth: People call all the time who are interested in getting their kids into lessons, but they’re afraid of the expense. They’ve been fed the idea that the only way to compete is at the top level. Where the investment is admittedly higher than some families can afford. The fact is there are many levels of competition, tiers of investment of time and money, and opportunities to enjoy horses and learn about competition.

Take the time to research opportunities in your area that fit within your means and feel your way as you gain experience within that barn or program. Maybe keeping your horse at home and hauling to lessons is the best way to manage expenses for your situation. Perhaps leasing a horse is an option for your child’s competitive level, reducing some of the initial cost. There are many ways to provide your child with horse and competitive experiences without going bankrupt.

Myth: My child’s horse should be entered in every event at a competition.

Truth: Knowing what your horse excels at—and will tolerate—is key to a successful outing. Additionally, sticking to what the horse and child know helps for a positive first experience. This is where a trainer or coach can be especially helpful. Because they’ll know if the ranch show in the next county offers classes suitable to your horse and rider. This also allows your child to practice exactly what they’ll need to know for that day. For example, if it’s a gymkhana playday, they’ll probably need to know the patterns for the barrels, poles, and flag race. If it’s a more traditional show, they’ll need to know how to do showmanship, handle their horse on the rail, and/or execute obstacles in the trail class.

On top of that, read the rulebook being followed for the event. It’s usually posted on the showbill, or you can ask the producer. This way you’ll know ahead of time what tack is legal and what judging standards will be used.

Finally, once you’ve decided what to enter, research those events. The resources at your fingertips are endless, thanks to things like past issues of Horse&Rider, HorseandRider.com, and Horse&Rider OnDemand, as well as YouTube and other online platforms.

Myth: I need to pull up to the event in a fancy rig.

Truth: The newness or fanciness of your truck and trailer don’t mean a thing. What does matter: safety!
If you’re hauling your own horse to the event, check your trailer’s floor, tires, and brakes well before the show so you can make any necessary repairs. Once it’s in good shape, practice loading your horse. And maybe even haul a few miles to ensure that everything goes smoothly. The morning of the event, nerves will be sharp. So ensuring that the trailer is hooked up, the horse can load, and that you’re comfortable hauling the trailer will help your day start smoothly.

Myth: My mental checklist is sufficient for packing the trailer.

Truth: We all know, deep down, that if we don’t have a real checklist, we’re going to forget something. Start a checklist on your phone that you can edit and evolve as your child’s horse activities grow and require more planning. Keeping it on hand means you can add to it or reference it whenever you need. Whether it’s at the feed store or the grocery store.

Myth: Show clothes and tack are only for the show pen.

Truth: A dress rehearsal in full turnout—from hat to chaps, bit to leg boots—will help you and your child identify any problems that can be resolved before the event. Maybe the second-hand shirt you bought is too small, thanks to a growth spurt. Or the bit you planned to show in doesn’t agree with the horse. Whatever the case, a dress rehearsal at home can expose these possible roadblocks. Further easing stress on the day of your event.

Myth: It’s OK to travel to a small, local show without all your horse’s paperwork.

Truth: Bring it every time! Keep a notebook for each horse with copies of all that horse’s paperwork and your own—from his registration to your membership cards. At the start of each year, check for expiration dates that you’ll need to honor, and do that ASAP. This allows your veterinarian to provide necessary health papers without rush fees (or the fear of them not arriving in time). And frees you to hit the road with your horse on a whim, anytime!

Myth: It’s OK to feed my horse whenever it’s convenient when I’m away from home.

Truth: Any experienced horse person will tell you that a horse’s feeding schedule is one of two things you should never change when you’re at an event. (The second never-change tip is the next myth!) Stick to your schedule as closely as possible. Especially when you’re away from home, to maintain consistency and comfort for your horse. Additionally, offer water every chance you get—hydration is a major component of your horse’s health, and it can be easily forgotten at an event.

Myth: If you see a new-to-you training technique at an event, you should try it!

Truth: Just as with feeding, do your best to stick to your training and riding program at an event. If you see something you’d like to try, bank it in your brain and try it once you’re back home. Implementing new techniques—especially ones you or your child might not have the expertise to try—can lead to frustration of both your child and the horse.

Myth: Filming my child’s runs places too much extra pressure on them.

Truth: Filming—both at home and at an event—can offer valuable feedback to your young rider. As well as to yourself and/or the trainer/coach. Thoughtful evaluation of how your child rides at home versus at an event can offer great insight for everyone involved. It’s also helpful to share these videos when you seek help from someone who might not be familiar with your horse or child, such as an online coaching platform, at a clinic, or just sending to a friend for help.

Myth: We don’t have time to practice this week, but it’ll be good just to go to the event and get the experience.

Truth: This can be true in some cases. Mainly if your rider is experienced or needs to learn the value of practice. However, in the novice phase, if your child doesn’t have time to practice, he or she shouldn’t be put in a competitive environment and set up to fail.

Myth: Grooming is only necessary for “showy” events.

Truth: Teaching your child that presenting their horse with pride knows no specific event helps them learn to respect the time and effort they—and you—put into their horse endeavors. Whether the horses in my barn are going to a playday or a show, they’re bathed and presented in their best light.

Another grooming note: It might require some practice. If you’ll clip the horse, ask for help or watch tutorials, then go slowly with your horse. It can be stress-inducing for the groom and the horse, so do your best to keep it a quiet process rather than rushed the night before.

Myth: It’s just a small event—I don’t need to get there too early or worry about preparing too much.

Truth: Especially when it’s your first time going to an event, pad plenty of time for your arrival, unloading, checking your entries, preparing your horse, and getting your child ready to compete. Just as with grooming, rushing leads to anxiety and crabby kids. Arrive with enough time to take it slow. Remind your child why they’re there, and talk about any looming emotions or worries they might carry. Keep it light and fun!

Once your child is on their horse, encourage them to take it slow. Longe the horse if that’s part of your usual process. Walk around the grounds with them to see the sights. Keep the horse on a loose rein and the vibe relaxed and fun.

As the day goes on, don’t let your child sit on the horse all day. Give the horse breaks when it makes sense, allowing them to eat and get a drink and have a mental break. Taking care of the horse means he’s more likely to stay “on” all day and ready for the fun that’s to come.

Myth: When we get home, we need to get right back to the grindstone to keep the momentum.

Truth: Once you’re home from your first event, it’s likely your child—and you and the horse—will be exhausted! Take time to unload the trailer, clean up your tack, put things back where they go, and take a breath. Let your horse relax for a day while you and your child review videos of their runs. (Waiting 24 to 48 hours can help your child have better perspective on their performance, whether it was good or not so good.) Keep your child in the barn, but engage in other activities than riding, such as therapeutic treatments for the horse to repay him for his work and playing with barn friends. This keeps your child in the barn, but without always focusing on showing and competing as the central focus of their horse life.

When You’re the Newbie

Being a first-time competitor isn’t just for kids! You can be a newcomer to shows and events at any age. All the tips from this article will help you with your first event, and here are a couple more that are specific to adults entering up for the first time.

Tip 1: Find a Friend
It’s generally easy for kids to find new friends. Adults can find it more challenging. Before you hit your first show or jackpot, enlist a friend to go with you. Bonus points if he or she is an experienced competitor, but even a non-horse supportive cheerleader is helpful.

Tip 2: Consider Your Nutrition
We’re always mindful of our horses’ intake, but what about your own? The types of foods you eat leading up to the event and on the big day can play a big role in your attitude. Try not to overindulge in caffeine, eat wholesome foods, and pack healthy snacks for your event.

Tip 3: Go to a Clinic
Many show producers also put on clinics that align with the events they offer. Look into clinics by known professionals in your area and from around the country, as well as those from judges. Their input before you go compete can really change your perspective and help you prepare.

[WATCH: Take Time to Breathe and Relax]