Anyone going to Chagrin on the 29th?

[jenarby]

I'm taking my green bean to the schooling show and wondered if anyone else will be there?

[Equi88]

Are you asking about the one at Chagrin Valley Farms?

[dghunter]

I was going to try and make that our first show but alas Mom is going to be out of town for work :( Good luck though!

[jenarby]

Oops, yes, Chagrin Valley Farm. My screen froze and I didn't think this thread actually posted. It will be my first time showing there and didn't really know what to expect. ie....is the warm up inside? Are the stalls near the area so horses can see what is going on? Is it greenie friendly? That sort of stuff. I've been there to visit one time and it was over 10 years ago.

[slc2]

I don't know for sure, but normally the warmup is inside and the show is inside.

[ValleyMiss]

I wish I had the money to go. Maybe in January. I'd love to get my mare out over the winter.

[Equi88]

Yes, everything is inside. The stalls for the show horses are backing up to the warm up ring. The horses can hear what's going on, but can't see out that way. (Unless they are realy tall;))

It is usually a nice small show. Ideal for the less experienced horse and/ or rider, since it dosen't get very crowded.

The show ring itself can be "interessting", since it has windows into the lounge at the end behind the judge, and the walls along the sides are open on top toward the barn aisles. It's mostly not a problem, but once in a while, loud noises from the adjacent stalls can startle a horse in the show ring.

They do let the riders work their horses in the show ring during breaks, so make sure to use that opportunity, or come extra early, to go in before the show starts!

Good Luck! Barb Soukup is the judge and she is super nice and very fair!!

[jenarby]

Thanks for the info! That makes me feel a lot better at least knowing what to expect. I'm just getting back into showing after several years of galloping racehorses and only doing hunter paces. That plus a green mare and my nerves get the best of me! Anything to prepare lessens it a bit!

[Equi88]

So jenarby, how did it go?? I saw that in general the scores were on the low side....

[jenarby]

Wellll....we didn't pin. lol Since you already saw the scores you know they were pretty low. At first I thought the judge really didn't like me or my horse. But I left right after my rides so I didn't see the remainder of rides or scores. My horse is very green and this was our first attempt at a test with canter. I was not expecting much since it was my intention to just go and practice and see how my horse would handle things. I think she did really, really well. She handled everything like a pro. I'm very pleased with her. I had a good case of nerves and forgot that one should BREATHE through the first test. After setting myself straight the second test felt MUCH better but didn't reflect it in my scores. It's all good though. I was hoping for at least something positive from the judge but didn't get anything from her like that. All in all a good learning experience. I had a few compliments from on lookers and met a super nice trainer from South Farm. I wish I wasn't 90 minutes away or I'd take lessons from her in a heartbeat!
I think it would be nice to be able to show under this judge again in a few months and see how my scores change though. Definitely good motivation to work harder!

[Equi88]

Good that you had fun! As far as I know, it's going to be a diff. judge for the January show.