Barbra Schulte

This is a difficult topic to talk about. But I’m going to make the case for not overshowing your horse. You probably ride your horse for 30 minutes to an hour a day when you’re at home, or you take an hour-long lesson. But some competitors get to a show and end up riding 10, or even 15 hours a day. They start first thing in the morning and show all day till late at night, only to get up and do it again the next day.

Showmanship at halter tests you and your horse’s ability to confidently work as a team and execute a series of maneuvers on the ground. The great part about this class is that most horses of all price points can do it. I’ve seen horses that compete in reining, English, and Western pleasure events all be successful in showmanship. [READ: FIX SHOWMANSHIP DULLNESS] Confidence and correctness will help you improve your showmanship score at your next horse show.

Select a catchphrase that encourages you and provides key reminders, then link it over time to a confident posture, a feeling of relaxation, and a visualization of performing at your absolute best. Mallory Beinborn Do you get nervous before competing at an event? Most people do. Fortunately, there’s a way not only to calm your horse-show jitters, but also to prepare you to perform your very best.