What to do with five hours between rides? UPDATE: We won the first class!!! [Archive]

LarkspurCO

Apr. 30, 2009, 05:27 PM

I am riding two tests on Saturday and was a little surprised when I was given my ride times: 10:46 (T4) and 4:07 (F1). This will be the first show for me and my horse and I am now wondering what I'm going to do during this huge gap. Guess I'll bring a book to read or something. I was all mentally prepared for an hour or so, not FIVE hours. I asked what was going on between T4 and F1 and I guess just a lot of training level rides (?).

I never ride my horse twice in the same day. I'm afraid he'll be thinking he's all done with work for the day and then won't be pleased to have me come back a few hours later and tack him up again. With the big break will his horsey brain know that it's still the same day, or will he think this is a new day, and then what the heck happened to his dinner?

I think he's fit enough to handle two warm-ups and two tests. I'm just wondering if there are any tips to get us through this, mentally and physically.

Thanks.

blackhorse6

Apr. 30, 2009, 05:43 PM

Happens all the time.. Many of us scratch the later test...hmmm, wonder if that isn't what they want us to do?;) If not, read, shop(if there is a vendor) and visit with friends. Always nice if the weather cooperates:cool:

hoopoe

Apr. 30, 2009, 05:49 PM

usually the second warmup on my horse is shorter than the first, perhaps 20 minutes tops

you can also try buying/ filling a scratch, even if it means going in an open class, if provided. Or riding your test early (in a scratch slot) which is often looked upon with less favor since it results in wrangling the test sheet and keeping track of it.

Most rated shows I go to run this type schedule and most training and first level horses are entered twice a day.

If this is a schooling show, now is a good time to learn how your horse deals with it.

slc2

Apr. 30, 2009, 05:50 PM

What I would suggest is not doing two tests in a day. I've never really seen that work out all that well for anyone.

Failing that, I would suggest you ride your horse twice a day a time or two, giving him the next day off.

What I've done is to do a very, very short warmup each time. So he goes out and warms up for 10 minutes, does his test, done, 20 minutes. The second time he goes out, barely runs around the outside of the ring once, and goes in. I do that even for one test in a day if it's hot.

In general though don't feel there is any need for my horse to go out twice. I wouldn't ask him to do that unless there was some really crucial reason.

CFiona

Apr. 30, 2009, 05:52 PM

I always find the hours fly by at horse shows! I just putter around my horse and what I think will take 20 minutes takes up takng me hours! But also, I generally do not have a groom either, so I putter around and pick at the stall all day. I have taken a book but can never focus long enough to get into it!

Maybe I have ADD but I always find there is something to do - check out the office, watch a ring, taking my horse for a walk so he doesn't get bored in the stall, feeding, sweeping, feeding myself, cleaning my tack or going through my tack trunk for the 15th time to make sure I didn't forget anything! :) Of course the last hour before your class does tend to be the loooongest one of them all, but I'd be surprised if you were ever really bored!

Have fun!

LarkspurCO

Apr. 30, 2009, 06:00 PM

Ha! Well what am I thinking? I am a master at puttering around and wasting -- er -- filling time, so that definitely isn't going to be a problem. I don't mind hanging around there all day because it's my lesson barn and very close to home, with plenty to eat and do.

I was more thinking about my horse. I'm sure he'll be fine and it's going to be a cool, rainy day so he should be pretty up. I guess I'll figure out how he likes it. My trainer is the show secretary, so I'm sure she doesn't want me to scratch!

QueenofHearts

Apr. 30, 2009, 06:04 PM

Since it is your first show I would go ahead and ride both tests. I had one horse that was fine with two tests and another that did better with one a day. If possible, I liked to treat one test like a schooling situation, get him use to the ring, use to the judge, but not demand everything from him. That way, five hours later, my horse would be relaxed and confident so that I could get a really good test. And five hours will FLY by. Between fixing braids, hair, tack, stalls and watching a few other rides I doubt you will be bored!!!! And not to mention.... I know it helped my horse if I did LOTS of hand grazing. It improved his attitude about the extra work :)

Pony Fixer

Apr. 30, 2009, 06:05 PM

What I would suggest is not doing two tests in a day. I've never really seen that work out all that well for anyone.

Pish Posh. When was the last time you went to a show? EVERYONE in the lower levels does 2 tests, unless the horse is very young/very green. In fact, I showed 2 tests at every day of every show all last season at 3rd level, as did most of my competitors since I know them all in that class.

And what does that mean, "never really seen that work out"?

Jaegermonster

Apr. 30, 2009, 06:06 PM

I usually tidy up my area, pick my stall, if there are any things that I'm done with I put them in the trailer to make packing up easier, stuff like that.
If I have time, then I hand graze my horse, they usually appreciate that. Then a good grooming, tack back up, get myself ready and back out we go.
I don't show dressage, I do hunters, so we get lots of wait time :(

oldenmare

Apr. 30, 2009, 06:35 PM

I'm still chuckling over the comment about not doing two tests in one day..... I work a ton of rated shows and with the exception of FEI rides, everyone does at least 2 tests in a day. Its hardly stressful on the horse (noted exception - extreme weather, but that's what common sense is for). And it can create a scheduling challenge as you have just encountered.

Usually, the horse/rider do better on the second ride - have had a chance to adjust, deal with show nerves, figure out what judge is looking for, whatever... I'm sure your horse will be just fine - best not to sooo anticipate an issue that you end up creating an issue....

When showing, I take books, some music, phone, etc - but usually find I'm so busy chatting with everyone I only get to see at shows - that I have to be careful to not get so caught up in talking that I shortchange my prep time for my second ride.

Go - have fun - have some good rides.

Good luck!

merrygoround

Apr. 30, 2009, 06:50 PM

Pish Posh. When was the last time you went to a show? EVERYONE in the lower levels does 2 tests, unless the horse is very young/very green. In fact, I showed 2 tests at every day of every show all last season at 3rd level, as did most of my competitors since I know them all in that class.

And what does that mean, "never really seen that work out"?

Yes!! After all that work to get there, at the lower levels you are barely warmed up after one test.

To get my horses used to the notion of two rides. I would frequently ride twice a day at home. Horrors! What will "slick" say to that? :eek:

SillyHorse

Apr. 30, 2009, 07:15 PM

What I would suggest is not doing two tests in a day. I've never really seen that work out all that well for anyone.

That's one of the funniest things I've ever read on this board, and I've read some pretty darned funny stuff here. :lol:

slc2

Apr. 30, 2009, 07:36 PM

You guys are doing exactly what you always b**** about - no one can have a different idea than you, or you slam them personally and call them names.

My trainer for many years encouraged all the amateur lower level riders as well as the more advanced ones, to ride one test a day and the majority of that trainers students did exactly that. Why did he say that? Because he felt that the only reason people did it is to try to get scores for awards, and to tire their horses out so they would be quiet in the ring, and he felt both horse and rider get tired because both horse and rider only go once a day at home. He felt horses' gaits were the best, they were the most forward, when they do one test a day, and he wanted students to learn to ride the horses when they were fresher and put less miles on them, because he felt they would score better and ride better.

Because he felt that people ride far better and score better if they ride one a day and no more, they focus on one test a day completely as well. He felt the horses went better. He also said that since many of the students go through long warmups that in doing one test the horses are getting as much work as at home and following the same routine they do at home.

When the horses are being worked differently from home, that is asking for them to behave differently, and at times, unpredictably, at the show. He said many times that a lot of horses get irritable, strong or behave in ways that surprise the rider, because their routine is different from home at a show.

A very few people rode more than one - people wiith horses that were just absolutely horrible and they had to be tired out before they even stayed in the ring. Maybe 1-2 student in 17 years or so. I did once, and I thought it was better to focus on doing really well on one test, and then reward my horse for a job well done. I feel that the horse doing enough to do one really good test a day.

It just depends. Today, it may really be that absolutely everyone in the world agrees with you. Wouldn't that be wonderful for you?

Some people have very good reasons for not agreeing and the way they approach it works out very well for them. If I work my horse once a day at home, I work him once a day at a show. If I ever have to ride 2x a day to qualify for the club least-floppy-award in Bumpass, Ohio, I'll consider it, but I probably won't do it again.

whitewolfe001

Apr. 30, 2009, 07:44 PM

"A very few people rode more than one...Maybe 1-2 student in 17 years or so."

Maybe in Jerry's Bizarro Dressage World.

blackhorse6

Apr. 30, 2009, 07:44 PM

I appreciate everyone's view but I have to tell you...with the cost of showing now a days, one may as well take advantage of the show ground and experience offered to him/her and their horse. I don't see where riding two test a day is harmful to be honest.. The horse has many hours to rest and relax before the next test. I have found the 2nd ride to be far less stressful for both horse and rider. Lets be realistic here....there are many horses that work from dawn to dusk in the fields pulling buggies..(amish) Just my opinion and also my personal experience...and I have shown several "young" green horses at recognized shows.. ;)

slc2

Apr. 30, 2009, 08:02 PM

thanks for the insult, whitewolf, but no, actually. It was actually quite unusual for any of his students to ride in more than one test a day, and he did encourage everyone to think about it in a different way.

I can also see the other side of it too. Showing is very expensive, and some horses do seem to settle down.

There are different ways of looking at it. And yes, actually, from what I've seen, the second test is usually not the better one. It may be quieter or more obedient, but the gaits and expression are often better the first test.

egontoast

Apr. 30, 2009, 08:08 PM

Oh yeah, that there training level is grueling. No horse should be forced to go out twice in one day and wtc and do a few circles :lol:

mjhco

Apr. 30, 2009, 08:29 PM

If your show is where I think it is, come on down the road a piece and watch the rest of the Debbie McDonald clinic at Canon Ridge. It is only about 8 minutes away.

RogersChapelFarm

Apr. 30, 2009, 08:35 PM

You train for what you do at a show. Your horse will get used to the routine of 2x per day at the show if you do it ...try hacking once and working once at home sometimes...extra saddle time is good for you both. Warm up less or walk alot more if you allow too much warm up for the second test. It takes a ton of showing to figure out what works best and exactly how much time you need in the warm up....thats how many a test is won or lost-in the WARMUP! ...and nothing is ever the same on show days.

I preferrred to only walk my horse under tack on Friday at a big show and my mare took 45 min for her first test and about 15 for the second test and then on Sunday we would ride much less warmup for the first test and if she was awesome we might not ride both...but mostly when I pay I ride! In the rain too if footing is good...had some damn good ones too-my mare is a mudder!

RogersChapelFarm

Apr. 30, 2009, 08:36 PM

Oh and when your horse is a butt and spooks at the judges box or you are nutty nervous and blow it or forget your test you get a second chance!

GreekDressageQueen

Apr. 30, 2009, 10:22 PM

I'm riding two 3rd level tests a day at my next show. My horse is used to be ridden and hacked out for at least an hour every day. He is going to be pretty fresh and "up" so I need that first ride to settle him in hopes that my second ride at 3-3 will be better since that score is the one I want to count. ;)

I came from the eventing world where it is very common at horse trials to do dressage in the morning and then do your stadium round maybe an hour or several hours later. Some one-day lower level horse trials/schooling events do all three phases in one day and we all managed. It is not stressful for a fit horse and rider.

To the OP: I don't think your horse will get confused. He is already going to know his routine is changed and realize that things will be different. Keep him happy with hay and encourage him to drink and just relax.

Pony Fixer

May. 1, 2009, 01:15 AM

You guys are doing exactly what you always b**** about - no one can have a different idea than you, or you slam them personally and call them names.

I don't see where anyone called you names? I asked where you get the "it doesn't work out" thing, since the majority of people DO show 2 tests per day. Feel free to do whatever you or your trainer want--I just don't see what your statement meant.

Oh, and my horse is spooky. I can get plenty of sparkle and expression in the second test, with the added benefit of him being more relaxed the second time around. And with a 20-30 min warm up, even twice, plus the two 6 minute tests, equals one normal work ride for us. I don't think he cares if it happens all at once or in 2 installments.

LarkspurCO

May. 1, 2009, 01:24 AM

If your show is where I think it is, come on down the road a piece and watch the rest of the Debbie McDonald clinic at Canon Ridge. It is only about 8 minutes away.

Good idea. Maybe I will absorb some of the greatness through my pores and go back and ride like a pro.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Very helpful.

Alagirl

May. 1, 2009, 03:37 AM

Jealoushe

May. 1, 2009, 09:09 AM

Watch the other tests, always a lot to learn from that!!

LegoMyMego

May. 1, 2009, 09:54 AM

That's happened to me and what I do is call the secretary and get a day stall. That way you can relax and so can your horse, munching on some hay or he can take a nap and be refreshed for your second test! I will not tie my horse to the outside of my trailer and I don't really like to have him standing in the trailer for that long.

I'd go with a day stall.

FriesianX

May. 1, 2009, 11:15 AM

Happens all the time at bigger shows. If I have a day stall, I put my horse in the stall, if we are tied to the trailer, I put a hay bag out (and take him for a walk or two). In between, I may take a short nap (bring a few lawn chairs), do a little shopping at the vendors, watch some rides, help a friend with braiding and grooming, read the newspaper, it all depends on what else (and who else) is going on at the show for that five hours ;) If the weather is bad (miserably hot or raining) I may scratch the 2nd ride.

rothmpp

May. 1, 2009, 11:40 AM

I'd also add - for quite a few of us - while we may ride once a day - our horses are used to being turned out for anywhere from 4 to 24 hours a day. What they are lacking in extra riding time at home you are getting back in no turn out at a show to a degree.

I always do a shorter warmup for my first test than I ride at home, since he's often getting tired, at least mentally, after a ride at home. Then I do an even shorter warmup for the second test. By day three of a three day show, he can be pretty done, but then I can always scratch as well.

What I do see is some horses that are used to being ridden at a certain time of day getting somewhat frazzled by being ridden on a different schedule at a show. I try to vary, when I can, what times I ride coming up to a show.

quietann

May. 1, 2009, 11:54 AM

I don't see where anyone called you names? I asked where you get the "it doesn't work out" thing, since the majority of people DO show 2 tests per day. Feel free to do whatever you or your trainer want--I just don't see what your statement meant.

Oh, and my horse is spooky. I can get plenty of sparkle and expression in the second test, with the added benefit of him being more relaxed the second time around. And with a 20-30 min warm up, even twice, plus the two 6 minute tests, equals one normal work ride for us. I don't think he cares if it happens all at once or in 2 installments.

Same here... We just had our first show and the mare was looky and up and a little silly in Intro A, then went like a charm in Intro B. Our scores were 63% and 69.5% respectively. I did about a 30 minute warm-up before the first test, and after it got off of the mare for a few minutes, then back on and a 15 minute warm-up for the second test... The warm-ups were much longer than we needed, but keeping her moving helped keep the blackflies at bay.

It's funny how many of us view the first test of the day as "practice" and don't expect to do that well. Warm up is *way* different than riding an actual test.

Dune

May. 1, 2009, 11:56 AM

ACTUALLY....I'm going to agree with slc on this one....with a few ammendments. :winkgrin: If your horse is fresh and a bit of a ding-dong during the first test= DO the 2nd test. :yes: If he's good, settles in and you are happy with your ride= GO home. :cool: If *you* are the kind of rider that takes a while to settle in/calm down/get your game face on= DO the 2nd test, otherwise if you're satisfied with you and your horse= GO home after the 1st one. I don't really like to show lower levels, so I'll bring a youngster out at 1st level, sign up for two tests, but usually only end up doing one. As for the OP's comment about scratching, TRUST ME, the secretary won't mind having one less ride at the end of a long day. It's only a pain for them if you 1. don't tell them 2. at the beginning of the day when folks are before/after you. As for those of you who are showing 3rd level and above and doing two tests, I'd be really surprised if your 2nd test is consistently better than your 1st. And, if it is, I'd say that you probably need to "go for it" a bit more in your first ride, but that's just MHO. ;)

JRG

May. 1, 2009, 12:00 PM

Add me to the list of people and horse that do better by the second test. By the way I am showing Third.

Showing is expensive enough, without packing it in early. You have already paid so use the time to your advantage. Let your horse settle and eat, relax and you can watch some rings.

This year, I am going to add "meet people" to my list of what to do in the down time. Should be fun.

CLB15

May. 1, 2009, 12:07 PM

The good thing about a short break (hour or less) is that if you hop off and take a break you and your horse can still be in "work mode". I think it's that 1-3 hour break (like if 1 class is before and 1 after a lunch break) where if you untack, graze, relax, etc. the horse thinks he's done done for the day. The good thing about the 4+ hours though, is even if you unwind after your first test, you still have time to get back in the game for the second one.
I volunteer with a GMO and it's always interesting scheduling times (it's a smaller series so a lot of horses are ridden by 1 or 2 riders, and a few riders are there with different horses). We try, but cant always avoid having some tests that are almost back-to-back and others with hours to spare. Happens at recognized shows too- I went to one last summer where I had 8:20am and a 4:00pm tests. I had been hoping to do the 2+ hour trailer ride the morning of, but with such an early class, and such a break between we ended up getting a stall and spending the weekend.
There's always something to do- getting boots and tack wiped down, grooming & fixing braids, reading, napping, watching others, help out in the show office (or stewarding if your horse doesn't stand on the trailer), or pick up a scratch.

katarine

May. 1, 2009, 12:47 PM

ACTUALLY....I'm going to agree with slc on this one....with a few ammendments. :winkgrin: If your horse is fresh and a bit of a ding-dong during the first test= DO the 2nd test. :yes: If he's good, settles in and you are happy with your ride= GO home. :cool: If *you* are the kind of rider that takes a while to settle in/calm down/get your game face on= DO the 2nd test, otherwise if you're satisfied with you and your horse= GO home after the 1st one.

Exactly my thoughts.

If you opt to stay for the second test...If you can get a day stall so you can turn him LOOSE with hay and water and shade, do it. Leave him alone a while. Go watch the show. Eat lunch. Take pictures. If you *can*make yourself do it...lay down for 20 minutes somewhere in there for a little power nap. You'll use yourself up mentally otherwise with watching the clock otherwise. Set a timer on your cell phone at say 3:00 to mean, ok, go get the horse and get ready now. Do NOT bother him before that :)

normandy_shores

May. 1, 2009, 01:25 PM

Heck, I've shown my horse 3 tests in a day (one occassion), and all rides were about 90 minutes apart.

Granted, I do zero warmup. Muahahah, it's for fun, whatever. That particular day, I had 3 pony clubbers with me. I watched their tests, realized my test was in 20 minutes, figured I better get walking back to the barns. Threw tack on, did a few trot circles and off we went. With three tests that day, test 1 WAS my warmup. Horsey got untacked after each ride and handwalked or grazed or put back in the stall.

Granted, our third ride was in the heat of the afternoon and our debut at first level. I think three rides was a bit much, but again, I paid to get there and I'm going to show. My horse was no worse for wear, it was only a one day show, and I often used to ride him twice a day. He's agreeable pretty much no matter what you do, and I don't push for much in my tests (quit riding so conservatively!). He basically carts me around at 70% effort while I just sit there and smile.

He settles really well at shows, and just goes with the punches. I could get on and off him 15 times a day and I don't think he'd mind.

I had another scenario where I did two tests, and my first one was SO bad. *halt* *salute* *cry*. The judge actually asked if I was going to come back for my second test. Um, YES. This is all a learning experience, and the goal is to come back and ride a better test the second time around. I made good on my promise, calmed down, rode a slightly better score but was MUCH happier with my horse and my riding.

It's all a learning curve. Kill the time, offer to run tests or help the show secretary, and ride the test. If horsey has an attitude, you know for the future and it's something you can work on.

slc2

May. 1, 2009, 01:38 PM

"69.5% respectively"

-- quietann

i just fell off my tack trunk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
whooo hooo!!!!! yeah little mare!!!!!!!!

WB Mom

May. 1, 2009, 01:43 PM

I guess I must be a little different. The last show I went in (schooling) I only did 3 classes because the show management didn't allow anyone to do more than 3. It was just Training level, however. We had fun and learned a lot!

mickeydoodle

May. 1, 2009, 01:52 PM

I would get a stall, so the horse can have water and hay easily, and you do not have to worry about what he is doing in the trailer or tied to the trailer. I would also feed the horse a little of his grain for lunch. It is a little treat, and a little energy. I would give the feed about 1 1/2 hours after the first test. Just a little bit of feed.

Nojacketrequired

May. 1, 2009, 01:59 PM

Have you guys BEEN to hunter shows?
Those horses stand around and do the "Hurry up and Wait!" thing ALL DAY LONG.
And, they often get used as mobile couches for hours at a time while kids chatter between classes.
Not saying I think that's ideal, but I don't think 2 classes of 4 minutes each, plus warm up is going to hurt anyone.
The hunters seem to show weekend after weekend and hold up just fine.

NJR

Trevelyan96

May. 1, 2009, 02:36 PM

LOL, this is a scream! I hadn't realized how badly we were abusing our poor hunter by entering in him 2 divisions in one day, which is a total of 6 rides! Didn't seem to faze him a bit to go in the Novice Eq. in the morning with DD and then do the Working in the afternoon. He'd just hang out in his stall and eat some hay, and he loved standing at the rail watching the other horses jump their rounds.

I can understand how an upper level test may be a bit more demanding on the horse, but wow, I had no idea that 2 tests in one day were actually a cause for concern?

That said, I do LOVE assigned ride times. Its a special treat coming from hunter world.

To the OP, your horse should be fine if the weather isn't extreme. Hand graze him for a bit, visit with friends, relax and enjoy. Warm him up just enough to get him forward and listening, then strut your stuff.

CFiona

May. 1, 2009, 05:41 PM

Hand graze him for a bit, visit with friends, relax and enjoy. Warm him up just enough to get him forward and listening, then strut your stuff.

And take plenty of pictures and report back to us on Monday! Have to give me a reason to get to work in the morning!

JackSprats Mom

May. 1, 2009, 06:06 PM

What I would suggest is not doing two tests in a day. I've never really seen that work out all that well for anyone

:confused::confused::confused:...wowzers.

Generally my 2nd test is always better then my first as you get a feel for what the judge is looking for (if same judge).

I was going to suggest SLEEP! but if Debbie McDonald is down the road I would be heading there :winkgrin:

Honestly I think you'll find the time flies :)

indyblue

May. 1, 2009, 08:50 PM

Two tests at any level is the norm here right through to GP.My second test is usually my best as my nerves have calmed down by then.I think you may be surprised how fast that five hours go.Have a great time.

Tiligsmom

May. 2, 2009, 01:13 PM

I appreciate the OP's question. Here's my experience fwiw: I always sign up for 2 tests/day (never done FEI). My 2nd test is almost always better than my 1st because we've worked out all of the bugs. Now, the big question is how many days in a row I show and how much energy my horse has after day 2.

It depends on the type of horse you have. When I was showing my Fjord, he naturally didn't have alot of "heat" or go, so I had to be very careful about how much warmup before each test and how many days in a row to show. Stamina was always an issue, so I had to keep the 2nd warmup short - 10mn max!

However, with my Dutch WB, he had alot more heat and go, so 2 tests/day each day was no big deal. We did a longer warmup for the 1st test and shorter for the 2nd because he was generally "tuned up" for the 2nd test.

I say GO FOR IT and have fun! The worst that can happen is you scratch the 2nd test.

narcisco

May. 2, 2009, 05:47 PM

What I'd do is ride my first test. I would read the comments, closely. Then, for the next 5 hours, I would watch every ride in that judge's ring. I would score them, even if in my mind. Then, I would go to the posted scoresheets to see how that judge was scoring. If I had friends riding, I would watch their rides and ask to read their scored tests when they were done. I would really get an idea of what that judge is looking for. Then, I would take a deep breath and ride the heck out of my second test, striving only for improvement.

nuts4cowboybutts

May. 2, 2009, 07:03 PM

Narcisco, I agree completely with what you said.

I don't do dressage, but at our shows, we often have classes at various times of the day. Many people never stay and watch the competition.

I firmly believe that if you watch the judging and watch the competitors and horses, you are bound to learn something. Some people go back to the stalls and drink and bs. That's no way to get ahead, except maybe socially?!:?

Make sure your horse is well taken care of first, then go watch, watch, watch. Of course, we leave time to go get our next horse ready and get mentally ready for the next class, but watching other people and judges is an edjumacation as some of you would say.

papony

May. 2, 2009, 08:28 PM

I usually only show a horse in one class per day, but I show multiple horses so the end result is often the same....lots of time between rides. I believe the advice about watching rides, epsecially if there are 1st level classes during your down time (I am assuming that your second class is 1st 1) is right on.... especially if there are riders in those classes you respect. It will give you a visualized picture of the self carriage, etc you want to attain. I try not to watch riders who share my position or technique faults though because I tend to mimick what I see, and my faults don't need any more encouragement! lol! I have found it also valuable to watch quality tests that are a level or two above me.

Since shows are often short handed, I also will call the show secretary and see if they need a short term vollunteer to fill in for a few hours. Often I can volunteer as a gate person, warm up steward, or runner and still see plenty of the action.

If you can afford it and the facility has the option, you might want to get a stall so your horse can relax, eat lunch, munch hay and walk around in between rides. I find this puts my horses in a much better mood and leaves their backs more supple than standing in a trailer for hours.

have a great show!!

LarkspurCO

May. 2, 2009, 11:39 PM

Hey everyone...thanks again for all of the great ideas. I took a stall overnight and I think it was a good decision. My horse did accidentally get another horse's breakfast, including her Isoxsuprine, but other than that and the terrible wind and c-c-c-cold and dampness, the show went great.

I did not end up riding the second test, because one of my other horses had lost a shoe and I finally heard back from the farrier that he could come and shoe him at 3:30. I didn't want to risk this horse tearing up his hoof before my regular farrier could see him next weekend, so I decided to go home (my aching right hip also wanted to go home).

Besides that, I won the first class ... in my first ever show ... in open division!:eek: Moi, a 70.8%? I must have some ridiculous beginner's luck. My coach was riding a different (greener) horse in the same tests right after me, and we had a good laugh about me leaving so that she could win the next class.:lol:

I never expected to do so well in my first show, especially after the hysteria in the warm-up arena. Coach's horse got loose and was racing around. My horse was spooking and leaping and spinning and bolting all over the place and almost threw me off.:eek: But as soon as we entered the show ring he settled right down to business. I do think he knew that all eyes were on him and I do think he liked that.

I am SO PROUD of my horse. To think that the first dressage trainer I worked with told me he was worth "dog food" and to put him out to pasture and get a real horse.:no:

Mr. Larkspur did manage to capture a few grainy, dark and blurry pictures:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/hfournier/Tanager/trot.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/hfournier/Tanager/canter1.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/hfournier/Tanager/trot-loop.jpg

Oh, yes, and the ribbon.:D
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/hfournier/Tanager/ribbon.jpg

Alagirl

May. 3, 2009, 12:27 AM

HAHAHAHA, nice horse! he does seem to enjoy it! :yes:

Congratulations!

indyblue

May. 3, 2009, 04:30 AM

Thats so cool.You and your horse look lovely.I had to laugh at the grainy photos though.They remind of UFO sighting pictures.

thatmoody

May. 3, 2009, 07:14 AM

Or loch ness monster photos - that was what I was thinking. Does that horse have ONE hump or two? :D

I am glad that you had such a good time, and that the show went so well for both of you. My last show I got dumped and broke my foot the day before, so I was happy just to survive my tests!

RogersChapelFarm

May. 4, 2009, 10:31 AM

WTG-That little bit of crazieness might have given you a little added brilliance!

A friend of mine was about to ride her first Grand Prix in like less than 2-3 minutes and her horse spooked, dumped her and ran for the hills....she was fine, hopped up, ran to catch him and mounted and entered barely in time for the bell...she then had a beautiful first GP with a great score....he'd never done anything like that before but it didn't rattle her and she too might have had a little more umph in the piaffe passage tour...stuff like that happens from first show to first GP!

Congrats again!

FriesianX

May. 4, 2009, 10:40 AM

Congratulations! Nice of your shoer to help your trainer out :lol:

Trevelyan96

May. 4, 2009, 11:10 AM

Congratulations Larkspur! He looks great, and your position is beautiful! So glad that your first experience was a great one!

Dune

May. 4, 2009, 11:21 AM

Good job, congrats!!! (and because I can't resist, I guess slick and I were right) :winkgrin::lol:

SillyHorse

May. 4, 2009, 12:37 PM

Oh, not really.

LarkspurCO

May. 4, 2009, 12:44 PM

Good job, congrats!!! (and because I can't resist, I guess slick and I were right) :winkgrin::lol:

Well, in retrospect I would have to agree. It wasn't my plan starting the day, but as the signs began stacking up, I did consider this advice and it DID influence my decision. I'm not sure I would have bagged out had it not been for this thread. But I am really glad I did. So thanks.:)

Even though my horse was not by any means physically exhausted, he seemed tired after I took him home. I think all of the excitement was mentally taxing for him. And he felt fantastic when I rode him last night.

And, yes, I do think the pre-game "party" gave him a boost.

Beasmom

May. 4, 2009, 01:20 PM

Good for you, Larkspur! Super score! You'll get one of those stars on your brass plate indicating a score above 70% at the RMDS banquet.

You had a lousy (as in cold and rainy) day for a show. My hip would've wanted to go home, too.

We showed in two classes on Sunday, and the second test scored higher than the first. So there. Two classes a day are pretty normal around here. Oh, and the tests I rode were about an hour apart. Ditto for the tests my coach rode.

rp4241

May. 4, 2009, 01:54 PM

Another eventer here... I recently retired my upper level event horse and am trying to turn him into a dressage horse for the rest of his career. We get better and better as the memory of x-c begins to fade but neither of us bat an eye at riding 2 or 3 third level tests in one day. Its about a million times easier on him than doing an intermediate level 1 day horse trial. The biggest problem we (I) have is that he is very very bouncy and by that third ride sitting his trot can get a little exhausting! In my opinion, just entering these shows is so expensive (all the fees on top of the actual class fee) its not worth it to make the trip for just one class. Also, I am trying to save money by, whenever possible, only showing in one day of the show (so no hotel, food, stall). He gets the next day off and is just fine. I'm really competitive and love showing. I also work my butt off to be able to afford to show (and board and feed and pay the vet, etc). The shows are for my enjoyment, not my horse's. I don't think he really cares :)

To the original poster, congrats on your win! That feels good doesn't it?!

LarkspurCO

May. 4, 2009, 04:35 PM

Good for you, Larkspur! Super score! You'll get one of those stars on your brass plate indicating a score above 70% at the RMDS banquet.

Brass plate? I'll have to ask KC what that is (I'm such a dork).

I do plan to ride two tests my next show, but this was perfect for the first time out. Perfect for me and perfect for my horse.

Glad you did well at your show.

LarkspurCO

May. 4, 2009, 04:38 PM

To the original poster, congrats on your win! That feels good doesn't it?!

Oh, yeah.:D

mjhco

May. 4, 2009, 05:50 PM

Congrats on your great ride.

It was a nasty weekend for doing horse things. But the clinic was great.

DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"

May. 4, 2009, 05:58 PM

congrats!

Dune

May. 6, 2009, 12:40 PM

Well, in retrospect I would have to agree. It wasn't my plan starting the day, but as the signs began stacking up, I did consider this advice and it DID influence my decision. I'm not sure I would have bagged out had it not been for this thread. But I am really glad I did. So thanks.:)

Even though my horse was not by any means physically exhausted, he seemed tired after I took him home. I think all of the excitement was mentally taxing for him. And he felt fantastic when I rode him last night.

And, yes, I do think the pre-game "party" gave him a boost.

I think the biggest thing to take away from this thread is that there is no set "rule" for doing things...especially when it comes to life and life with horses. We have to be flexible about things. If this thread helped you realize that what you might have "expected" wasn't necessarily the end-all, be-all then that's great! For those that choose to ride 2 tests, good for them, but I would challenge them to just think about putting their "all" into one test and making it spectacular (especially for those showing 3rd and above)....you might just be surprised with the result. :yes: Congrats again and keep us posted on the next one!

Beasmom

May. 6, 2009, 01:05 PM

For sure, anyone riding 3rd level and above probably doesn't ride two tests a day unless in extraordinary circumstances. The upper level tests are more taxing on horse and rider. But the lower level stuff -- gee, my horse works harder at a clinic than he does to put in two tests a day at training or first.

Think of the horses who are expected to go all day long -- cowhorses, workhorses in the field, delivery horses in the old days. Our present day horses have it easy! Yes, the demands are different -- the cowhorse may never get out of a walk as his cowboy checks fence or cattle -- but he's out there for hours.

With the costs of showing, gas, lodging, food, etc. I see the logic in riding two tests a day IF the horse/rider is up to it. Certainly I have scratched a last test if I was getting tired/overheated or my horse seemed overly stresssed/tired/overheated.

If your first test was spectacular, maybe you want to "quit while you're ahead". If that test was NOT up to snuff, you can use the second test to correct the errors made in the first one. Not everyone can school in the show venue beforehand. I usually use the first test as a "schooling session", especially with a greenish horse. Then in the second test, the horse is more settled and gives a better performance.