Get Lists Together in Advance, Take Your Time to Pack and Be Prepared
Showing takes a lot of preparation and equipment for both you, your kiddo, and your pony.
Don’t wait until the last minute to pack.
TIP: A packing list will be your best friend here, and I have a post on that for you here, complete with a printable check-list: Mom, a.k.a., The Groom: My Horse Show Packing List
Start packing at least a day or two in advance, so you have plenty of time to double-check your list and make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.
We found this vendor on Etsy that provides a great packing list that is a dry-erase list! And that price! WIN/WIN! Thank you, "TheBarnMom!" Image is a hyperlink.
Good to know: Some larger shows often have leather cleaning or repair services available. Remember to bring anything you’ve been meaning to get fixed.
Organize Everything in Advance - Save your sanity later!
Just do it! Take the time to organize your tack and clothing by your scheduled classes, divisions, and/or special classes. Do this with your kiddo so they can be part of the process and learn their classes and schedule.
What are you packing everything up in? DIY tack trunk (that we did!) and coupon code from an awesome Etsy vendor to help out in this post: Follow Up RESULTS: Tack Trunks for Less...And On Wheels!
We found this vendor on Zazzle that provides a fantastic, customizable dry-erase board for your show schedule! You can bet you will see us out there with one of these beauties!
Image is a hyperlink.
Talk About What Success Looks Like
Take the time to talk to your kiddos about what success looks like for them and the goals they are looking to achieve at the show. This can give you the opportunity to have them visualize success, calm their mind, and bring some positive energy to the ring! Build confidence in your young equestrian by talking to them about good sportsmanship and the benefits of focus and staying calm in the heat of competition. Have them visualize performing at their best, riding their pony with confidence. Have them imagine the feeling of satisfaction and pride that comes with accomplishing their goals.
Fuel Your Machine (body)!
Proper nutrition is essential for fueling your body for a horse show. It’s important to eat foods that provide sustained energy and are easy to digest. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and fried foods, which can cause a drop in energy levels and increase inflammation, upset stomach, and can lead to lower-tract distress. No one wants diarrhea at a horse show. Remember to eat at regular intervals to maintain blood sugar levels and avoid hunger pangs. Additionally, no one wants a hangry kid on a pony!
Tip: We have a post on this called, "Fuel the Machine! What to EAT!" Kids and nutrition – they need our help! Recovery nutrition starts immediately after you finish exercise, training, practice, or competition.
Drink water and stay hydrated. hydration is the most important way to fuel your body for success—both mentally and physically. Electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade can help replace lost minerals during hot and humid weather and eating water-rich foods such as watermelon, grapes, oranges, cucumber, and tomatoes can also help.
Need more info? Check out: Children and Electrolytes: Everything You Need to Know
Alta fueling up at a show...I add water to her Gatorade *wink*
Lean On Your Team - And that means family, too!
Having a strong support system can be incredibly helpful for riders to have fun and feel more relaxed and connected during a horse show. Friends and family members can provide much-needed encouragement and support before, during, and after a competition. Connecting with other riders at the competition can be a great way to make new friends and share experiences.
There with your barn? Your trainer can provide guidance, feedback, and support to help you prepare for the competition. Having a coach or trainer can also be a source of motivation and accountability.
Remember Why You're There
Bottom line: Horse shows, like any other sporting event, are an intense competition that brings huge ranges of emotion. We’re all going to have bad days. That’s inevitable. But no matter what happened in the ring, remind your kiddo why they ride. Remind them to celebrate their love of the pony, and at the end of the day, it’s about going out there to do what you love with your best friend.
Deep breath...
Need to learn how to take a few deep breaths and be in the moment? It's really a thing!
Story: I grew up with Nico Hase! And taking a moment for meditation is not a bad idea, here!
Devon and Nico Hase -they have some tips on things like "One breath meditation."
About: We are Insight Meditation teachers who share from a Theravada lens while integrating insights and language from Zen, Buddhist tantra, anti-oppression pedagogies, and body-centered psychotherapy.
We believe friendship is the heartwood of the path, that meditation is an act of radical friendship, and that we can extend the warm heart of relatedness to all.
Finally, we take the Buddha’s words on awakening seriously, and believe each of us can be liberated from mental and emotional suffering in this very life.
all the best, devon + nico hase
Did you meditate? Do you take a few deep breaths before your kid enters the ring? Do THEY take a few breaths? Did grandma and grandpa come to the show for support? Let us know!
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