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Post by hops on Jul 30, 2010 18:51:59 GMT -5
Hops has never been in a show. I have never been in a show. I am not a rider, much prefer groundwork. We have entered one of the walk-only mounted classes. I am freaking out, but I will be really mad at myself if I don't suck it up and do it. What is the human equivalent of Ace, and can you get it over the counter???
Anyone else have limited (or no...) show experience? Any of you veterans have any advice for us newbies?
PS - I can't wait!!!
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Post by schwung on Jul 30, 2010 19:31:53 GMT -5
The human equivalent of Ace is called Xanax. Not available over the counter I'm afraid, but ask your friends. I bet at least 1 out of every 4 has a prescription and would be happy to share. ;D
And my best advice to you is to remind yourself that it is NO BIG DEAL. Honestly, it's supposed to be fun, not anxiety-inducing! Even if you are totally freaked out, plaster a big stupid grin on your face and you'll be surprised, you might actually begin to enjoy yourself!
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Post by coconut on Jul 30, 2010 20:22:03 GMT -5
OMgosh....I was sooo there two years ago at the SAFE show. I had not even watched a show in more than 20 years let alone actually shown in one.
About 6 weeks before the show I broke a rib, fractured a vertebrae and was grounded from riding until a week before the show...then my chiropractor's partner re-broke my rib accidentally and I knew I wouldn't be riding but I had done a bit of ground work while I was grounded & so I did the halter & showmanship classes. then, although my husband didn't know it, I rode a walk only class in a back brace & Coconut was so NUTTY that we had to move ourselves out of everyone's way. We also did in-hand trails & bribe-your-horse.
I wouldn't say it was a stellar performance but I think I had tenacity on my side (which has come in handy a few times!) and we ended up getting a high point Novice award.
I remember LynnM saying "Remember to SMILE" as I entered the arena that first time...facing fancy horses like Sera w/Barbara and others while I said to myself...holy cow, what am I doing here?
But eventually I just relaxed and had a good time. It stopped being about awards and more about just having fun out there and having the ability to laugh at myself helped.
I know I've told this story (probably on this board) many times (so sorry for the repeat) but I just want hops and everyone else who may be new to showing that this IS the kind of event where it doesn't matter...just get out and have a good time and lets all celebrate the rescues! In fact, celebrate ALL horses and people who actually care for them!
;D
ps: I liked it enough to do it again. Last years show didn't quite have the ribbon results as the first one as there was many more horses and lots of competition, but my/coconut's performance was better than the year before and I was happy by the end of the day. So much so that I went on to do the Donida Fall/Winter series and had a fairly successful season. I'm hoping the experience will show that Coconut has improved even from last year. It's all about moving forward, right!?
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Post by Sara on Jul 30, 2010 21:57:59 GMT -5
You can count me in this group! What if dexter brings his naught pony face instead of his sweet but naive face to the show, and I have to fight him all the way around the ring? What if I fall off? (not that this has happened mind you... just irrational anxiety  ) ...and just general anxiety over the whole thing? What have I gotten myself into?! But, we'll show up, it'll be fun, everyone will survive and safe and the horses will all be better for the experience. |
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shekaberry
SAFE Volunteer 
SAFE Volunteer Coordinator
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Post by shekaberry on Jul 30, 2010 22:52:34 GMT -5
You can count me in this group! What if dexter brings his naught pony face instead of his sweet but naive face to the show, and I have to fight him all the way around the ring? What if I fall off? (not that this has happened mind you... just irrational anxiety ) ...and just general anxiety over the whole thing? What have I gotten myself into?! But, we'll show up, it'll be fun, everyone will survive and safe and the horses will all be better for the experience. I freak out over falling off in every show I've ever been in. But it's only actually happened twice, and I've been in a lot of shows, so twice is pretty good. It is sooo nerve-wracking for everyone! We are all thinking the same thing - what if she spooks, what if I fall, what if someone else falls, what if, what if. What if you do great? What if Hops comes out and does awesome? What if there is nothing but a fun, great group of people who can't wait to meet your girl? What if there is a ribbon with your name on it?  I'm worried about Annie not getting her canter leads, or spooking at th judges booth, or breaking her gait. Not too worried about falling since she isn't really tall  |
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Post by schwung on Jul 30, 2010 22:59:59 GMT -5
Sara, if Dexter brings his naughty pony face and you feel at all unsafe at any time you go into the middle of the ring, stop, get off, and quietly asked the judge to be excused. We don't want ANYONE to get hurt...so do not feel obligated to keep going in an unsafe situation for SAFE or Dexter's sake. K? That said I really think he will be fine, based on my experience with him on the trail ride. |
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cricket
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Dox and Ariel
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Post by cricket on Jul 30, 2010 23:27:57 GMT -5
Hops has never been in a show. I have never been in a show. I am not a rider, much prefer groundwork. We have entered one of the walk-only mounted classes. I am freaking out, but I will be really mad at myself if I don't suck it up and do it. What is the human equivalent of Ace, and can you get it over the counter??? Anyone else have limited (or no...) show experience? Any of you veterans have any advice for us newbies? PS - I can't wait!!! I had never ridden in a show until just recently at the last schooling show at The Trails. It was a total spur of the moment thing; I hadn't planned on riding (I thought I was just there to help tack and warm up horses) otherwise I would have been really nervous. Everything went fine (I even got placed by one judge!) and now I'm so glad that I just did it! I think if it's something you want to do, you should just go for it! If your horse is too hot when he gets there and you don't feel comfortable riding, it's still good experience for him. You can walk him around, ride in the warm up ring, and do the in-hand classes if you don't end up riding. |
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Post by Sara on Jul 30, 2010 23:36:46 GMT -5
Sara, if Dexter brings his naughty pony face and you feel at all unsafe at any time you go into the middle of the ring, stop, get off, and quietly asked the judge to be excused. We don't want ANYONE to get hurt...so do not feel obligated to keep going in an unsafe situation for SAFE or Dexter's sake. K? That said I really think he will be fine, based on my experience with him on the trail ride. Oh, if we're being rational, I see riding dexter as a VERY low risk prospect and not at all scary. I wouldn't get on him at home or otherwise if I was concerned otherwise. I have strong sense of self preservation! But irrationally... that's another story. Just like public speaking jitters I get every time, even though my job requires a lot of it. |
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Post by wildwoman on Jul 31, 2010 0:10:35 GMT -5
I'd like to chime in too! I took Hil Billy last year (A-hem.. Miss Hilary, she wishes to correct) and we even got a ribbon-a lovely teal color in western something or other-she being a fresh OTTB coming off a few months of R&R and me JUST having started riding her and-well I 'think' I may have done 3 shows 25 years ago-so I am about as clueless as they come-but....WE HAD A BLAST!!!!!!!! sooo if anyone is planning a pre show get toghether and practice-let me know when and where and we may join you!!
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Post by schwung on Jul 31, 2010 0:27:37 GMT -5
I just want to say, this is THE show for newbies! Yes, there are more advanced classes available for those that do a lot of shows and have very trained horses, but really, we want EVERYONE to feel welcome which is why we have lots of Walk Only and walk/trot, in-hand, and fun classes like bribe your horse, not to mention Other Half Leadline!
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Buena
SAFE Volunteer
No horse will ever teach you as much as your first horse.
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Post by Buena on Jul 31, 2010 0:57:24 GMT -5
Don't put any pressure on yourself. Just go and be who you are. Don't worry about what others think, or even what the judge thinks for that matter. Go to absorb the atmosphere and good friends and healthy horses.
I hope to be there with 2 ponies, but might not be. If I do go, we certainly won't be placing or getting any ribbons, but if we do, I will be pleasantly surprised!
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Post by hops on Jul 31, 2010 19:06:59 GMT -5
Thanks so much, glad I am not the only nervous Nelly!
We're entered in almost all the in hand classes, interestingly enough I'm not freaking over those. Smiling - great advice, honestly didn't think about that! And good to know to just pull up in the center and talk to the judge if needs be. I'm 99% certain the horse will be fine, have been riding every day. We are going in a bitless training bridle with gaming reins and my cruddy old Western saddle. I hope that's OK. (if not can someone please let me know?) Have nice tack for the in hand stuff.
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Post by winterlakesfarm on Aug 1, 2010 10:51:14 GMT -5
You will be just fine bitless and in your regular saddle.
One of the very best things about the SAFE show is it does not focus on the "fancy" and is very friendly to all. There will be some absolutely stunning horses there and some with the most beautiful tack you have ever seen......I still have saddle envy over the Stubben Scout I saw last year......but I will say I saw more than just a few classes where people with schooling tack and jeans placed over the more fancily clad riders because they and their horse did a great job in that class.
This is a great show for everyone! All the participants, staff and volunteers are super friendly and you will have a great time!
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Post by kdunham on Aug 1, 2010 13:27:15 GMT -5
Winterlakesfarm is a good show hand-holder, stand close to her if you need moral support. Thanks to her and cat I learned what the heck a "diagonal" is at last years show... :-)
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) ...and just general anxiety over the whole thing? What have I gotten myself into?! 
