East-West Arena Construction Blog

It's Show Season: Is My Horse Show Worthy?

Posted by East-West Arena Construction

Jun 5, 2015 11:09:00 AM

Every equestrian's goals are different. Maybe you want to trail ride, breed the next Triple Crown winner, ride for pleasure, or compete locally or even internationally. At some point during your riding career, you may ask yourself: Is My Horse Show Worthy?

There are many factors to consider when deciding if your horse is ready for the show world, but the most important to consider is safety. Is your horse physically and mentally able to perform at a show in a manner that is safe for the horse, rider/handler, and other competitors? If the answer is yes, then you are off to a good start.

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Next, you will want to consider the type of showing you want to do with your horse and whether it's a good fit for you and your horse. A horse that competes in western pleasure is very different from a horse that competes in eventing. Certain breeds and types of horse excel in certain disciplines, but that doesn't mean you have to limit yourself. With the exception of shows or competitions limited to certain breeds, as long as a horse and rider are physically capable then they can compete (within the guidelines and rules of the show). Perhaps many of the other riders at the hunter show are riding warmbloods, but that doesn't mean you can't ride your off-the-track thoroughbred or your flashy paint.  

In short, as long as your horse can compete safely and soundly at the level you desire, then your horse is show worthy! However, it is still important that you are reasonable about your show goals. You may wish to have an equine professional help you to determine whether a your horse is a good fit for a certain type of competition and the appropriate path to achieving your blue ribbon dreams. Training and preparation are key to achieving you and your horse's show goals. Showing will take hard work and dedication, but can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Contact us about constructing an arena to help get you and your horse show ready.

 

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