Dressage Riders,why do you show?

[ctanner]

I have been having this conversation with my trainer and friends for sometime now.
I haven't shown since the dark ages,really 25 years ago.I stopped for a number of reasons.Nerves being one of them.
I now "think"I want to work towards showing again.Believe me this is a longer road than one might think.I feel I have something to prove to myself.That I can do it and not be sick,for starters.
So,why do you show?
Please try and be as honest as possible.One of my friends shows her horse because she loves the attention he draws,even though her rides are usually dreadful.She also mentioned that she also does it for all the "right reasons"too,must admit I don't know what those are.Enlighten me.

[Rhiannonjk]

I show because if I don't have a goal with a set timeline - I'll not progress as quickly. I push myself TONS more in anticipation of a competition, and during competitions my trainer and I are looking at every detail of my riding a lot more intently than normal, and I usually come away a much better rider.

And I like the social aspect.

And I have new shiney boots, and will use any excuse to wear them.

[amastrike]

I'm very new to the dressage world (did one schooling show last fall, but I'm looking forward to showing more this year). I show because I like getting the input on my riding and getting a score telling me how I did, and seeing how my horse and I perform in comparison to others. And yeah, I like showing off my horse :D.

[brgreyhndz]

I'm pretty new to this whole showing thing ( at 40 years old)- last year was my first year out and it wasn't stellar but I really enjoyed it.

It helps to increase the level of distraction on my part and my horse's part with hopes that we can work through it and ride the same way at the show as we do at home. I'm not there yet but the nerves get better every time. The horse I show currently is a wonderful gal who has been there and done that and has been teaching me so much. She's an easy horse to handle but a difficult horse to ride well (she has the ability to disconnect in more directions than any horse I'd ever ridden to that point) and each time we get a little closer to riding well. We actually found round at the canter the other day on both reins :) If we can continue to grow together we will hopefully meet our/my training level goals this year and perhaps try our hand at first level next year.


Oh yeah- I also have shiny new boots AND a very pretty coat :winkgrin:

[SillyHorse]

I show because if I don't have a goal with a set timeline - I'll not progress as quickly. I push myself TONS more in anticipation of a competition, and during competitions my trainer and I are looking at every detail of my riding a lot more intently than normal, and I usually come away a much better rider.

And I like the social aspect.

And I have new shiney boots, and will use any excuse to wear them.

I'm very new to the dressage world (did one schooling show last fall, but I'm looking forward to showing more this year). I show because I like getting the input on my riding and getting a score telling me how I did, and seeing how my horse and I perform in comparison to others. And yeah, I like showing off my horse :D.

All of the above. Except for the part about being new to dressage. And my boots aren't new. But they're shiney.

[Alpha Mare]

I shosw to get the feedback on where I am - considering it means rising to the challenge of riding at an 'away' location and maintaining the performance I've tried to achieve at home. For me it's a check to maintain 'honesty' of self assessment. I do mostly schooling shows with a few rated shows in the mix.

[Samantha37]

Because it is fun!
And I like seeing judge's feedback- that really helps me and is probably one of my favorite things about dressage.
Besides, my horse is so darn cute, it would be a shame to keep him to myself :D lol!

[grayarabpony]

To show off horse and to show off progress. That's why it's calling showing.:D

[J-Lu]

Honestly, as an adult, I started showing again because initially it was FUN. A group of us got together for dressage and jumping lessons on a regular basis and had a great time. As we progressed, we showed for a few reasons. 1-we wanted independent feedback on our progress and 2-it was so much fun to spend a weekend away from work with your friends (including all of the friends I'd see at the show) and the horses 3-it is very educational to watch your tapes and see other riders riding the same tests.

I show now mostly for the same reasons. I want my training, my riding and my horse to be judged by qualified people who don't know me. I read every score sheet in front of the video of that ride and I learn alot this way. Secondly, for the most part, I still have alot of fun at shows and I go with a fun and supportive group. It is such a nice break from my "real" job/life and it is fun to cheer for my friends and watch good rides. However, I don't show if we're not ready, because then I DO NOT have a good time. :no: I also show to reach my goals as a rider with a particular horse. I'm alot more serious about things if I have something I'm working towards or a deadline. I don't push my horse to meet a deadline but I do push myself.

So that's why I show, which will become rarer as the shows get increasingly expensive!

[Kimberlee]

I like being able to track my progress through my tests. Setting a goal to accomplish before that next test, and seeing how well I accomplish that. Also, I have to admit I like to see how I stack up against others. I always look at competition as a way to keep yourself from getting stuck in a rut.

[Dixon]

I show for the precision requirement. While schooling, I'm more likely to let the letter slide by a stride or two, or skip the planned transition if I don't feel I've set up the horse properly. But in a show, I must execute timely. It forces me to ride much more precisely. Same applies when I'm showing over fences. In a show, I can't circle if I don't see a distance, or pull up if the horse gets strong. I have to deal with what's under and in front of me right then and there, and make the best of it. I like that added pressure, and it's a good test for me and the horse.

[Dressage Art]

Dressage Riders,why do you show?

The question for me would be "why would I choose not to show?"

It's an adventure.
It's a mini vacation and I love traveling!
It's a chance to spend a day with my horse and my hubby
It's a chance to get away from the house and business chores for the whole full day!
It's a chance to really groom my horse - she looks so pretty in braids!
It's a chance to really clean my tack.
It's a chance to catch up with friends at a show.
I finally overcoming my show nerves and I taught lots of tricks by now how to showcase my horse in the show arena.
It's an adrenaline rush to go to pick up my scores.
Finally, at the good times it's a proof in my hand that we can do it! Last weekend we scored 66.4% at 3rd level and only one year ago I was very firmly told that my horse is not good enough to do that and I should buy another horse if I want to progress - it's a good feeling to get a bright outlook on my horse's future back with a good score!
If we score not so well, it's a wake up call to go back to the "drawing board" and correct our mistakes. I've been blessed with several great trainers both in Europe and in US, but also had a couple who was mudding my journey. Showing provides an independent second opinion to make sure that we are on the correct track.

I love showing, even it's a rollercoaster at times. I mostly do that for myself, my hubby and my horse. It's an event that we look forward to.

[dwblover]

I like to show because I think it's a bonding experience for my horse and myself. We go off on a mini-adventure and just have a ton of fun. I like to check to see if he will listen and remain attentive in a new environment. I also like to see how we compare to other people/horses at our level. And the scoresheets are like a short lesson for me. I take the comments and work on the problem areas for the next show. It keeps riding interesting and fun. It gives me a goal to work toward. And as others have said, I am very proud of my gelding and love to show him off! Just remember to always have a fun attitude. When you start to take yourself too seriously, that's when the nerves set in!! Best of luck. :)

[atr]

I haven't had much opportunity to show over the past few years--haven't had the horse, time, money or respectable training, or horse has been injured, but this year I'm planning to go for it...

Partly because I'm a competitive person. I can go around all year saying and believing that "it's the journey", but get me into a showring and I wanna win... (non-PC attitude, I know, but I can't see the point of spending all that money to show unless I have a reasonable chance at a good score.)

And of course, I really do want a neutral benchmark as to how horsie and me are progressing together.

I want to make my trainer proud. She puts a lot of effort and faith in to me. The world needs to know she's damn good at training as well as riding.

I want to show that an unconventional breed can do well in the show ring.

And I also want to show off my very cute horse and my fabulous braiding skills :D



(Not that I'm putting much pressure on myself or anything...)

[J-Lu]

I want to show that an unconventional breed can do well in the show ring.


A talented rider named Martha Diaz brought a talented 14.3hh pinto Bashkir Curly stallion to Intermediare II, gaining regional championships and reserve championships all along the way. In dressage-speak, you can't get more unconventional than that! So go for it!

[atr]

I'm not that talented, J-Lu :) But I'm going to do what I can within the parameters I have open to me!

[Bronte]

I do not enjoy showing, the best things about the day is when it is over to me!

However, I do love the progression of training my horse. And this I absolutely believe ~ if you can't put it in the ring, it's not confirmed!
So, for me I need to get the mid 60's to prove the work is confirmed, before we move up.

There is a huge difference between tooling around at home and being competitive in the ring!:winkgrin:

[fsf]

For all the tremendous amounts of $$$$$ I rake in from winning!!!! :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: :lol:

Seriously - If it ain't fun, I ain't doin' it!;)

[mickeydoodle]

I love the social aspect of going with friends for a mini. vac weekend, and I love winning things- I like prizes!

[slc2]

I showed (i don't now, this was in the past) because i wanted to be sure my instructor was helping me progress in the right way. it's a good way to check up on all that money one is spending on lessions.

[kahjul]

I grew up showing (but not dressage), for me, it's part of owning a horse. I would be bored with a trail horse-I don't really like to trail ride. Now that I'm a grown-up and foot the bills, I only show a few times a year. It's a way of tracking my progress. I love the feedback you get on tests, so much better than a ribbon! I can check last years test and see that, yes, my canter depart really has gotten better. I love showing off my horse (and sometimes will replace a show with a clinic, get to learn & show off my girl!!!) But if I wasn't getting to a show at least once a year, I would lose sight of some of my goals and get complacent.
Now that I have kids (and leave them home with hubby when I show) I enjoy the mini-vacation and will sometimes stay overnight just for fun!

[VTHokie]

Hi Tanner!
While I'm one of THE most nervous people out there at shows, I love being around other horsey people for a weekend. I'm keeping my new horse at a private barn with one other person so I don't get to be around a lot of horses/and their people that often anymore.

I also like to stay overnight sometimes even though the ag center is only a half hour away. It's like a mini vacation as others have said.

And it is also nice getting feedback from other people.

I say go for it and try showing again. :yes: Try and find a fun/schooling show to get your feet wet again for the first show.
Now that I'm converting to dressage, I will probably go ahead and show at Intro level even though my new trainer says horse and I are ready for Training. Nerves will still be an issue, because I'm hard on myself so better to be at an easier level at first.

Good luck!

[papony]

It's great feedback on my training and progress since the last show

I get to hang out with my horse buds and talk about horses for hours on end

At multi-day shows, I get to actually take care of my horse .... great bonding time

I will crawl backward over broken glass for a neck ribbon

[Sabovee]

For the RIBBONS and the GLORY!! ;)

It's total fun.

[FancyFree]

I'm competitive but also very shy. It takes A LOT for me to get out there into the ring. I also show more for my horse than for me. It's kind of a testament to how far my horse has come training wise. I can totally imagine myself shedding tears after Baby's first show. It will be a long hard road we've gone to get her there, if we ever do! I really will cry.

[Whisper]

I like getting outside feedback, being able to track my progress with written tests, getting better pictures (sure, you can do that at home, but not usually from a pro, and it's a lot harder to get the logistics sorted so you and the horse are all spiffed up), and I feel it helps me with setting and tracking goals. :D

[Trixie's mom]

the above replies...plus

great outfits...
braiding my mare's mane...I don't have a daughter
getting out of the house and away from mom duty
traveling
sharing the joy of the sport with other horsey enthusiasts
competition
I like ribbons
the smell of horses
Miller time with friends
as slc said...confirming training

at bigger shows...SHOPPING

[ctanner]

Trixie's Mom,

I think maybe I should be showing with you!;)

Really feeling alot more positive about the prospect of showing again after reading your posts.:yes:

[rabicon]

First of all to be really honest I love to compete. :D I'm a very competitive person, good sportsman, but competitive. I also have just started dressage and I love getting a card that tells me exactly what the problems were and what the good things were. I love to know what I have to work toward exactly and what to improve. I love being able to work toward a goal and accomplish it. Dressage is all about harmony and togetherness with your horse and that makes me happy ;) Even though my horse might not like the togetherness at times :lol:

[ChaseTheDream]

I show because it makes me feel closer to my horse...exspecialy when we start something new...

I also loves how he suprises me everytime we go into a ring....:)

[reidsporthorses.nz]

a) i show because it gives me something to work towards- i'm a competitive/goal oriented person.

b) i show because i love it.

seriously, shows are great- catching up with everyone, making new friends, seeing students progress, shopping at the vendor tents, getting your horse all pretty and dressing up in the show clothes ;)

oh, and the whole gettting feedback on the training thing too...:lol::winkgrin:

[Vesper Sparrow]

All of the above, particularly as a way to set and work toward goals. In addition, as long as the weather is not too uncomfortable, I think my horse likes it. She likes to strut her stuff (well, whatever stuff a 24 year old mare still possesses) and it makes her feel like she's still in the game. She also enjoys the interesting smells and new food opportunities...

[Touchstone Farm]

I show:

(1) For the social aspect. (We have a great, supportive group that goes to shows. We have a great dinner Saturday night...with wine, of course! And, I get to see other friends that I only run into a few times a year, including at shows.)

(2) It helps me set goals to keep me motivated

(3) I'm competitive, so I set goals for certain ribbons/awards

[merrygoround]

For all the tremendous amounts of $$$$$ I rake in from winning!!!! :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: :lol:

Seriously - If it ain't fun, I ain't doin' it!;)

For all of the above, I stopped doin it. No more warmup scrimmages, no more riding to the clock. I enjoy schooling, I enjoy the progress, I trust my instructors to trash me when necessary-- that means all the time. :(