Monthly Archives: July 2014

10 Tips for Show Parents

Dads at MayflParents play the most important role in developing young riders. Parents do much more than haul their sons and daughters to lessons, arrange rides to and from the horse show and provide necessities. They are more than cheerleaders or providers, they nourish and shape children in their fold. Regardless of their level of involvement, parents are often the driving force behind a young rider’s ability to handle the pressures of competition.

It is wonderful to see parents take an active role in their child’s horse hobby and encourage their son or daughter’s progress. However, parents walk a fine line between encouraging their children to achieve and pushing too hard. If you are an adult with influence over a child’s riding and showing, here are some tips to improve the experience.

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7 Tips for Show Ring Nerves

Kelly Ponce - Ready to ShowEveryone experiences horse show jitters at some point in their riding career. It is only natural to feel some anticipation and excitement before stepping into the show pen. In fact, it is the rush of showing that gets you out of bed at 4 a.m.

But if you are going to be truly competitive, you will have to learn to get a handle on your nerves. Acknowledging your nerves is the first step to overcoming your nerves. Here are some tips to help you master your nerves.

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Student or Teacher?

SL Gry Cnt BlDo you ever get on a horse only to wonder if you are the teacher or the student? Sometimes the horse poses such an interesting challenge that you may feel as if you are listening harder than the horse is; trying to figure out how to make the horse understand you.  Other times, we are so sure of ourselves, so sure of our plan and approach that it takes a drastic move from the horse to make us realize we do not have all of the answers. In fact, you realize you missed the question all together.

That is the lure of riding horses – the never ending search for the perfect ride. In reality, we know there is no such thing. It is the journey, the pursuit that pays dividends. Only the best riders can bring out the best of each individual they are privileged to sit atop. But the quest is there for all to enjoy and nothing feels better than when you and your partner get on the same page.

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Five Steps to Break a Bad Habit

 

  1. Kel Gray CantStop trying to break a bad habit. Instead concentrate on building a new habit. Your brain has difficulty trying to break circuits – habits – yet it can easily adapt to build new circuitry. Spend your time building the habit you want to possess such as a good heel or proper hand position or a deeper seat.
  2. Expect it to feel strange. When you are accustomed to doing something in one particular way changing that routine will feel awkward at first. This is normal and to be expected. If it feels correct or normal, you are probably not changing the routine enough.

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