However, that variety can also be a bit daunting as each discipline has its own rules, standards, and idiosyncrasies. In this two-part series, we will speak to top trainers about their tips for changing disciplines from Western to English and English to Western.

In Part 1, we spoke with World and Congress Champion Hunt Seat trainer Keith Miller of Miller Quarter Horses to get his tips for how to adjust and succeed in the English world after showing predominantly in Western events.

Know the Rules and Expectations
“I strongly believe that the first step in finding success in any new discipline is to read the rules,�Miller emphasizes. “It’s amazing to me how many people don’t know the rules and the scoring systems when they start a new class, which puts them at a serious disadvantage.�/span>

�/span>We had a student who was very strong in the horsemanship that decided to add the equitation to her classes. She went into the ring and laid down what she believed to be a perfect pattern, and, had it been horsemanship, it would have been fantastic,�he chuckles.

�/span>Unfortunately, she didn’t have the proper position in her arms and legs, so what was the ideal position in the horsemanship was below average in the equitation. For as much as there are similarities, there are also key differences.�/span>

Miller points out that reading the rules and learning these differences sets you up to actually understand the classes, which will give you an advantage in your practices and performance.

He notes, “I think one of the most important differences between Western and English is the desired body position of the rider and movement of the horse.�/span>

“The judges want to see the horses presented in front of your leg, moving both forward and through in their stride. A lot of the Western horses are heavily spur trained, so if the rider tightens their legs, they suck back, which makes them move behind the leg.�/span>

Miller reminds us, “I think the most common mistake Western riders make when coming to English is presenting a posting jog and a slightly faster lope. Western horses can have success in English disciplines, but only if you present them like an English horse. You must show a true trot and a real canter.�/span>

Observe the Classes
“I really think riders today are at a huge advantage when it comes to being able to observe what wins and make efforts to emulate that.�

Miller recalls, �/span>I grew up in a world where we didn’t have money for lessons and I showed open shows where I had to learn a lot through trial and error. I couldn’t go to the major breed shows and watch what was winning.�/span>

“Now, there are tons of videos available of winning goes and judges breaking down rides and explaining what they are looking for. You don’t have to travel across the country or pay for a clinic to absorb this information,�Miller encourages.

“Horses are expensive, but paying attention is free!�he exclaims. “Watch the classes. Note what wins and what doesn’t. Observe the attire, how the horse is turned out, and how they move. You and your horse are unique, but do your best to align with the standard in order to set yourself up for success.�/span>

Practice in the Tack
“I’ve noticed that Western riders really love the comfort of their Western saddles,â€?Miller laughs. “English saddles can leave you feeling more…exposed.â€?/span>

“If you are uncomfortable riding in English tack, it is even more important that you get comfortable with it,�he chides. “And the only way to do that is to ride in your English saddle and wear your English boots.�/span>

�/span>You won’t magically become more comfortable at a show �in fact, it tends to have the opposite effect. If you want to show the English, you need to practice riding English the way you would show it.�/span>

Physical Fitness is Important
Miller believes that riding English and Western both require a certain degree of fitness. While Western requires a strong core and legs in order to hold still in the saddle, English allows for more movement, which brings a cardio element into play.

“I have seen the judges make exhibitors trot into the ring and trot multiple times around the arena before they even begin judging you,â€?he inhales sharply. “Then, they make you trot 4-5 laps and go right into the canter for another 4-5 laps. In a word…it’s exhausting!â€?/span>

“Posting the trot for multiple laps in and of itself is a real cardio workout, so I advise my clients to spend time outside of the arena working on cardio �go to the gym, go on hikes, ride a Peloton,�Miller recommends.

�/span>The horses are athletes and, in many ways, you also need to be an athlete to keep up with them. I probably ride around ten horses a day, I also go to the gym multiple times a week, and I ride the Peloton to stay fit in order to be competitive,�he laughs. “These skinny minnies are tough to keep up with.�/span>

Put Your Best Foot Forward
Miller admits, “So much of showing is about presenting a certain picture. Western has an ideal overall picture and so does English. Make sure you are prepared to show yourself in alignment with that ideal presentation �especially when starting out.�/span>

He explains, �/span>I’m very much a traditionalist and the English discipline tends to favor that traditionalism. I prefer the standard colors and styles, especially for novice riders. While subtle differences are fun, it is important to remember there is always a subjective element to the classes and I hate to see people put themselves in a position where they stand out for the wrong reasons.�/span>

Miller reminds us, “The English rules actually have penalties for inappropriate attire. For example, burgundy and red coats are specifically called out to be penalized. It is such a simple thing to follow and I hate to see good goes marred by these avoidable errors.�/span>

“One of the things I really love about English is that there is less pressure to show in a super expensive outfit. A nicely fitted hunt coat and used saddles are so much more cost-effective for people on a budget. If you have a good fit and flattering, traditional colors, it’s hard to go wrong in attire.�/span>

Finally, Miller says that a “good look�goes beyond the rider. “It is also important to show your horse at their best. Make sure they are brushed, bathed, clipped, in good body condition, and braided appropriately for the class.�/span>

Learn Your Diagonals and Two-Point
“One of the main skills to riding English classes is being able to post properly. This is a huge priority for the Association as well.�Miller highlights, “According to the rule book, if you look for your diagonal in an equitation class, you are penalized more than if you get the wrong diagonal and quickly change it. Picking up the proper diagonal based on feel is critical.�/span>

“Additionally, riders need to learn how to perform a proper two-point,�he emphasizes. “I see a lot of riders just stand up in the stirrups. This is incorrect.�/span>

“To properly two-point, a rider will need to drop their heels, shorten their reins, and rise up and forward over the horse’s withers. If you simply stand up in the saddle, you aren’t helping your horse get over a jump, you’re probably making it harder for them.�/span>

“It is a pet peeve of mine when riders two-point for the hand gallop before lengthening the stride,â€?he admits. “You must first lengthen the stride, and then go into the two-point. It isn’t enough to just fulfill the position and canter in two-point…you must also fulfill the gait.â€?

Don’t Mistake Speed for Correctness
Finally, Miller reminds us that many riders coming from Western to English seem fixated on speed because Hunter Under Saddle naturally covers a lot more ground than Western Pleasure.

“If you focus on speed, you’re likely missing the point,�he laughs. “The key to proper movement is to lengthen and lift the stride. You want the horse to move �/span>through�/span> the stride �extending to the length of their limbs. A longer stride will naturally be faster in speed because you are covering more ground in a step, but speed and ‘quickness�are two different things. Don’t be quick! Instead be long, steady, and precise.�/span>

About the Author: Megan Rechberg is a World Championpleasure horse enthusiast who works as a full-time mom, part-time litigation attorney, and owner/operator of Bred N Butter Equine Management �a company that focuses on social media management for stallions, consulting, and sales and breeding contracts. She currently shows her APHA filly SmoreThanA PrettyFace under the guidance of Double A Performance Horses.

The post Making the Switch, Part 1: Tips for Showing English After Primarily Showing Western �with Keith Miller appeared first on GoHorseShow.

But, as crazy as it may sound to an outsider, that’s what horse people do. They dissect every footfall in every run and every mark on a judge’s scoresheet. Exhibitors are competitive, self-critical, and inherently driven to succeed.

Sometimes, though, those same qualities that can lead to success are a recipe for disaster in the form of over-training, over-practicing, and possible eventual burn out for both horse and rider.

Here, trainers Whitney Lagace and Carmen Mayabb, share their insights and advice about finding the right balance to prevent over-practicing.

Have a goal for each ride before stepping into the stirrup
Knowing exactly what the goal to accomplish is before saddling up is key to making each training session a productive one. Without a goal, there will likely not be a positive result: either the horse and rider will accomplish nothing, or – perhaps worse – they will try to work on too many things in one ride, resulting in frustration from both parties.

“If you’re not sure what the day’s lesson should be, then evaluate your horse in the beginning of your ride and work on what is weak that day. This could be lightening up their face, working on stronger stops, getting the shoulders to move more freely or the belly to move off of the leg more,â€?Lagace says, emphasizing that training sessions can and should vary in length to help with mental freshness. “Some people think the longer the ride, the better, but it’s much more about the quality of ride than the length of the ride. If you get your objective met in a short ride, reward your horse for that.â€?/span>

Remember that training does not have to happen under saddle
Obviously, horses and riders need personalized plans of work to achieve optimum condition. At the start of a season or for a horse who’s had time off, training sessions should start slow and be much shorter than horses that are already legged up and well conditioned. The same is true for riders. But once both are in good working shape, remember that maintenance conditioning does not all have to happen with time in the saddle.

“Keep an eye on your horse’s attitude. They will let you know when you are overdoing it,â€?Lagace says. “It is important to keep a good attitude if you want to keep a winning edge. They have to be worked enough to stay in condition, but that doesn’t all have to be under saddle.â€?

Consider adding on-the-ground sessions like lunging, or diversifying what you do under saddle – take a break from the arena and hit the trails for some equine cross training and a breath of fresh air. Mayabb uses a hot walker to ensure senior horses that don’t need daily riding get some exercise. She also uses it for young horses as it is less strenuous than lunging.

She also suggests that riders get on a different horse when their primary mount needs some time off. “It’s always helpful if there’s another horse that you can ride if your horse needs a break. I think riding different horses from time to time makes everyone a better rider.�

Don’t underestimate the power of time off
A mental and physical break can do wonders for re-charging the proverbial batteries. In the same way that a short beach vacation is reinvigorating, a few days of turn out, rest, or pampering for horse partners can do just as much good for their mental well being as it does for human vacationers.

“Time off for both horse and rider is very important, especially after a large show or a long event. Mental and physical breaks are needed and very healthy for all involved – including trainers! We love to give our horses several days of turn out when we get home from a show to let everyone decompress. We start back with fresh minds and bodies,â€?Mayabb says.

Lagace also sees the value of planned time off, explaining how she differentiates that time for varying needs.

“Time off is a very individual thing. I give both my horses and riders breaks, but they are not all the same. My senior horses will get more down days because they don’t need to be harped on; they are very educated in their jobs. My young horsesâ€?rest periods are more specific: some need time to grow, some need more recoup time for their bodies and some get worked a couple times a day and don’t seem to benefit from too much down time. We try to really see what the horse needs and cater to them personally,â€?Lagace says. “The same is true for riders. We evaluate what their needs and goals are, and that will help us figure out how much time we are going to need to plan for. What I expect from my youth kids in terms of weekly rides and the lengths of those rides won’t be the same as what I expect from my select riders.â€?/span>

Lagace emphasizes the importance of treating each day with a fresh slate. Sometimes, she says, riders arrive depleted from the outside world, so it’s important to recognize that piling on difficulty on a day like that would be unwise.

“On the other side of things, if someone comes in and they seem totally on their A game that day, then I know I can push more and maybe get some next level stuff done. If I try that on the wrong day, though, I will be pushing them and their horses toward burnout, and I do not want to do that,�she says.

Work the mental side of the game and give the physical a break
For the very committed rider and passionate competitor, a day off can feel like torture. But remember that professional athletes schedule in purposeful rest days; the same should be true for equine athletes. If taking the day off feels like a challenge, focus on the mental game on those days.

“The mental game is just as important as the physical aspect,�says Lagace, who encourages riders to study winning runs from World and Congress shows as a way to focus on the mental side of the sport. “Watching those go’s will help create the visual in their minds, which will then make it easier to try to recreate on their horse. I also suggest going back to watch their own past successful rides. Studying what they like about their performances and what they would like to change and make better is time well spent,�Lagace explains.

Remember the ‘whyâ€?br class="space" />Finally, remember the ‘why.â€?Why do horse people do what they do? The answer is probably passion. Re-focusing on that love through the lens that over-practicing and over-training puts both horse and rider at risk for physical injury and mental burnout might be enough to help you mentally justify pulling back on the reins – both figuratively and literally.

About the Author – Megan Sacia Ulrich earned her Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin. She currently teaches high school English and enjoys showing in all around events.

The post How to Prevent Overpracticing – with Carmen Mayabb & Whitney Lagace appeared first on GoHorseShow.

Hahn started showing thoroughbreds when she was 15 in the dressage but stumbled into AQHA shows because there happened to be some hunt seaters at a barn she was boarding her horse at. 

“Everything kind of fell into place for me to learn how to ride them, and my very first AQHA show was in 2019,” Hahn recalls.

GoHorseShow: Hi Natalie. Can you tell us what you like about showing horses?
Hahn: I like getting opinions from a third party about how a horse looks. This is a person who has little to no idea of how this horse was training up prior to seeing them in the show pen. You also get to directly compare them to other horses around their age and ability. I like being around so many trainers, it’s interesting to look around and see how some people do things. I love learning and trying new things I’ve seen at home. What I like most about horses is that, whether it’s related to their health, diet, riding, behavior or otherwise, there’s always more to learn. There’s a seemingly endless amount of information about them and I find it so interesting.

GoHorseShow: Can you tell us about some of your favorite accomplishments in the show pen?
Hahn: Almost all of my experience showing has been in dressage, save this past year and a short stent in 2019. I would have to say in 2017, when I competed with my horse at Dressage Nationals at Lamplight. I had finally figured him out enough to have a pleasant show experience. I used to be an incredibly nervous showman which I’m sure my horse at the time picked up on. He was always unpredictable at shows…to the point where I was once thanked by a judge for not falling off during my test. I didn’t have a trainer taking me to shows, so I had to figure things out on my own. That was the first time I felt like I’d figured him out, and got a glimpse into how important horse psychology is in training and competing. So, not necessarily an accolade but a moment where I felt a major click, though I will say winning a Novice Amateur class at Congress in 2019 is a close second.

GoHorseShow: Why did you switch from showing dressage to our hunt seat classes?
Hahn: Honestly, it was an accessibility thing at the time, and once I started riding the Quarters, I just really enjoyed it. I would go back to dressage too but I think the Quarter shows are more laid back and fun, so I definitely enjoy them more. There’s less differences than you’d think. So much of dressage applies to the hunt seat stuff when it comes to hind end/back engagement and acceptance of the bridle. Dressage is challenging in different ways though because of having to do all the different movements instead of just three gaits like in the hunter under saddle. I love both but the hunt seat is freer and more fun to ride I think.

GoHorseShow: Can you tell us about some of the horses you have worked with?
Hahn: Prior to working for Keith and Sydney, I’ve had little experience with great horses. While I take no credit for their training as they were well known before I sat on them, some of my favorites to ride and school at the farm are Im Willy Good Today, RS HankWhyDoYaDrank, and Boy Oh Boy.

GoHorseShow: Who are some of your biggest mentors?
Hahn: Andrea Velas, who was my childhood dressage instructor. She ingrained in me the importance of correct rider position. She was unrelenting about it in the best way possible. Sometimes, especially when I’m on the young ones, I can hear her in the middle of the arena telling me my hands aren’t even and that I’m leaning forward. Keith has also been a huge mentor for me. I really appreciate that I don’t just learn training from him, but also the business and horsemanship side as well. I have learned so much in the time that I have worked at MQH.

GoHorseShow: Any advice for other young trainers?
Hahn: Take every opportunity you have to learn. Don’t limit yourself to one discipline, as you can take something from every new experience you have. Write things down, as someone with a horrible memory, doing this could have saved me from learning so many lessons over and over again. Notes can be incredibly helpful when dealing with things like reoccurring issues in training, or even health aspects. If you’re stuck, just ask for help, we have all been, and sometimes continue to be, there. Also, start taking your joint supplements now.

GoHorseShow: Any favorite memories that stick out from showing?
Hahn: No specific favorite memories come to mind, but my favorite thing about the industry is some of the friendships I have as a direct result of it. Some of my longest and closest friendships have come from the horse world and I couldn’t imagine life without them. Something about riding in the middle of the night on little to no sleep must really bring people together.

GoHorseShow: How did you get the opportunity to work for Keith?
Hahn: I knew about the second year into college that all I really wanted to do was train horses, so immediately after graduating, I reached out to a few people asking about positions. One friend connected me with Sydney and all of the pieces fell perfectly into place. I really like that they’re both very hands on and knowledgeable. It’s helpful to get training tips and riding ideas from two people instead of just one. I also like how happy all of the horses are. They genuinely care about the animals’ well being. If one is having an issue or a new behavior has popped up, it’s addressed immediately.

GoHorseShow: What’s one thing people may not know about you?
Hahn: I do stained glass, which is my one hobby other than horses. I’m a pretty boring 24 year old, I’m either riding or doing glass. I taught myself how to do it a few years ago and it’s the one thing other than horses that I’ve stuck with. One of my favorite pieces I’ve done so far is based off that Frederic Remington statue, Bronco Buster.

GoHorseShow: What’s one thing you’d like to see change in the industry?
Hahn: I’m not sure if this qualifies as an industry thing or not, but I would like to see better sportsmanship about losing. Whether it be some animosity towards the person who placed above you, the judge, or even the horse. Take not doing well as a chance to hone in on what needs to be improved, and also know that sometimes things don’t go your way, even when they should. Always try to take something from disappointment and figure out if there’s anything to work on.

GoHorseShow: What are some of your future goals?
Hahn: I would love to start showing some more this year and would really like to start showing in futurity classes.

GoHorseShow: Thanks Natalie! We wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors.

The post Assistant Trainer Spotlight – Natalie Hahn of Miller Quarter Horses appeared first on GoHorseShow.

About The Cover
Featured on the April cover of GoMag is Texas amateur exhibitor Sarah Basso. Showing under the longtime guidance of trainer and friend Megan Vanderslice of MVP Performance Horses, Basso has been with Vanderslice for an impressive 16 years.

“It’s a really special partnership,” Sarah, who started showing POAs with Megan when she was eight years old, told us. “Megan is my biggest role model and my hero. She treats her horses with dignity and respect and she’s created a barn community of positivity and support.”

Sarah’s current show partner, Zippen In My Sleep (Ralphie) had to unexpectedly step up as her main horse in the summer of 2021.

“I lost my heart horse, EZ Lopin Limo, so Ralphie had some really big shoes to fill when I bought him that August,” Sarah shared. “Originally, the plan was for him to only be my trail horse, but we hit the road and showed in everything from the pleasure to the equitation and he rose to the occasion.”

Basso has set goals to hopefully be a finalist at the NSBA World Show and the AQHA World Show this year.

“We had no plans for him to be an all-around horse as he was still really green in a lot of those events. It was a fun surprise and solidified our partnership as we worked our way through all those new events together.”

In one of their first outings together, Sarah and Ralphie were reserve champions at the 2022 AQHA Level 1 Championships West in the Rookie Trail.

Sarah says she really enjoys Ralphie’s personality and describes him as “an absolute goofball.”

“He loves gummy worms, neck scratches, and requires a Kong toy in his stall at all the horse shows,” explains Basso. “He’s very smart, a little lazy, and has a ton of heart â€?but he definitely makes me earn every step of our rides. It’s never easy, but it’s always worth it and that’s what I love so much about him.”

Basso says she is especially grateful to her husband Brady, and parents Jeff and Shari Clymer, for allowing her to keep being the “crazy horse girl” that she’s always been.

“My family, Megan, and the community she’s created are the most important things in my life,” Sarah says.

Sarah’s trainer Megan Vanderslice adds, “Sarah’s parents have been our biggest fans and are always there to help us or give us advice. Sarah is the reason I’ve made it in the horse world. It’s been an honor to be a part of her life from childhood to adulthood. I’m so proud of her and she makes the horse world a better place.”

CLICK HERE to view the April Issue of GoMag

The deadline for the Annual May Fashion issue of GoMag is Sunday, April 28th. To reserve your space, call or text Suzannah Fuhrman, GoHorseShow’s Co-founder and Executive Vice President at 214-449-8716 or email her at Suzannah@reddevilsband.com. She will be happy to answer any of your questions and can help design an advertising package to fit your needs and budget perfectly. GoHorseShow…Where The Winners Go.

The post GoMag: April Level 1 Championships Issue Online Now appeared first on GoHorseShow.

Jenna Tolson – I’m forever a dreamer, and I still think world show trophies and neck ribbons are the coolest things ever because of what they represent. The “regular” horse show couldn’t replicate that, however. I think jackets used to be neat, but now we all have so many jackets, we can’t wear them all.  Gift certificates are a great way to provide a prize, but still allow individuals to put it towards something they want or could use.  I love getting gift certificates for ads. Clothes, pictures, boots….anything.

Bailey Anderson – As much as I love my World Show globes, NSBA cups, and Congress trophies, I love the things that I have won that I can use. Probably my favorite is my Harris work saddle from the Big A Circuit in Georgia. Not only was it a huge goal of mine to win, I ride in it every single day. I also love the Weatherbeeta blankets from AQHA (currently being put to good use), show saddle pads, Harris headstalls, etc. And you just can’t beat MONEY!

Joetta Bell – My favorite award was the Mary Carol Heckaman buckle in the Amateur Pleasure at the Texas Classic. I won it on Harley D Zip, and I cherished that award because I always admired Mary Carol. I think special awards in memory of great fellow horsemen and horsewomen are unique ways to remember and honor them.

Katie Grossnickle – The best prize I received would be a scooter. It was won at the Gulf Coast several years ago, and it goes to every show with me. I think jackets are always a good circuit award.

Julie Hoefling – I tend to like prizes that can be functional, but also can be displayed. One of my favorite awards is a beautiful silver trophy that is also a wine chiller. This was the circuit award at the Celebration Circuit in Las Vegas, and it also came with a bottle of wine, which was a nice bonus. Also, the Silver Dollar Circuit awarded these beautiful platters that were engraved. I love that they are dual-purpose. You can display these items or use them in your daily life.

Jamie Radebaugh – I love the prize patrol at Sun Circuit. Just Peachy donated a saddle pad that I got to go and pick out last year, which was great because I could match my colors. Money is always nice too. The best is when you get money taken off of your entry fees at the end of the show for something that you’ve won. Any prize is appreciated. It’s just nice when you’re able to use it.

Lauren Stanley – The sport of horses is unlike many others. It is a labor of love that usually has high input with minimal returns. We do it for the love of the horse, not for prizes generally. But when there are great prizes present, it makes it so exciting. I love when shows offer a saddle or cash. If I have the opportunity to pay for part of my trip, I appreciate that. Polo wraps and bell boots are something I’ve won in the past and wish we saw more of. They used to give out warm winter horse blankets at the world show, and this year, when the temps dropped, we missed having those.

Joe Whitt – I won a Blue Ribbon saddle for the all-around at the MQHA Corporate Challenge several years back, which was a great prize. I also loved the program and the national championship jackets at the Sun Circuit I won last year.

Katy Jo Zuidema – A golf cart. I won it when I won the Masters Western Pleasure at the Congress. I still have it. I am very proud of it.

Johnna Letchworth Clark – I can remember growing up and the Apple products started to come out. As a youth kid winning iPods and Apple Watches was a huge deal. Saddles are always great, but it takes a great sponsor to make those awards feasible. I also love to win things that you use for your horse daily. Sheets and coolers are great, but I have always thought polo wraps and things like Back-On-Track wraps would make great prizes. Sometimes, it’s also nice to win something as simple as a gift card to places like SmartPak. That way you can buy what you need or help pay for all those supplements.

Taylor Deppen – The best prize I’ve ever won was a Harris work saddle. I love my Harris saddles and use them every time I ride. But, I love winning useful items like sheets and sleezies. I wish more shows still did these. I have embroidered sheets I won years ago that I still use every year.

Shannon Walker – I feel like NSBA World does the best job giving out prizes. Everyone loves getting a trophy when they win, but they also give out sheets, hay bags, clothes bags, leg wraps…all of the kind of things you need. It’s an expensive hobby and getting payback and something you can use, helps us all keep going.

Ellexxah Maxwell – The best prizes I ever received were a computer, a Golden West pad, and Rod Patrick boots. Ultimately, things you can use, not only for horses, but for everyday use. The fact is, horses are expensive, as we all know. So, getting prizes that you can utilize to feel like your money is being spent to get something back, apart from fun and points. As show management decides on circuits and all around, think about what you would like to receive. There are so many options.

Scott Reinartz – My best prize has been a Blue Ribbon saddle, for apparent reasons.  On a lower scale, I always like jackets, vests, hat cans, horse clothes. I like the useable items, so they don’t just sit around and collect dust. Make them earn their keep, LOL. I also always love artwork.

Lindsey LaPlante – I always like it when there are a couple of options to choose from as prizes. You choose between a physical item or some gift card or credit. I don’t remember what show it was, but we could use the award to reduce the show bill. Showing horses is expensive, and I always try to save money whenever possible, so winning a small credit towards the entry fee was nice.

What have been some of your favorite horse show prizes? Let us know in our social media comments.

Portions of this article originally posed March 2021.

The post We Ask The Industry: What Are Some of Your Favorite Horse Show Prizes? appeared first on GoHorseShow.

Have a Close Connection with Your Trainer(s)
Michigan youth Estelle McParlan says that, since her trainers spend so much more time with her horses, it’s important to have a deep connection with them. She currently shows Cool Made Machine and Amarillo By Moonlite in the all-around events. 

“I have a level of trust in Shannon (Walker), Hannah (Lind) and Spencer (Groth) that has helped me build my relationship with my horses,” Estelle shares. “It’s really a team effort to build that bond with my horses that is necessary to be able to anticipate my horsesâ€?moves and have my horses feel comfortable and confident, both at the barn and in the show ring.”

McParlan says that consistency is the most important thing to ensure a deep connection with her horses. That includes her trying her best to be consistent in her riding and always learning from her trainers.

“Showing them love and affection in that downtime is equally as important. That bond also starts on the ground,” McParlan says. “I love my horses deeply and show them that love through confidence and consistency so they always know they can rely on me and trust me.”

Estelle adds, “But, I also have two very different horses with different personalities and needs, so it’s important to meet them where they are at and always remind myself that they need a different version of me to feel safe and confident themselves.”

Cale says that his trainer, Shauna MacLean has helped him develop that “next level�confidence they both needed to step up to a national level.

“She knows him and me very well, so I’d say she’s my strongest asset when it comes to building off the connection we had before coming to her in late 2021,” Thompson says. “She has designed exercises to help prepare us before we step to the cone so that both of us have the confidence to call on each other when we need to.”

Thompson says that Shauna also knows what it takes for both of them to get to the right “head space�in order to step to the cone confidently in that big ring format.

“I think that’s definitely a key piece to letting your true connection shine in front of the judges,” Thompson shares. “I’m a huge believer in ‘letting the program work for you’ and I do put both of our trust into her when it comes to ‘game day’.”

Do the Little Things
Amateur Katie Kopf of Avon, Indiana and her gelding, Two Ziplines (Leroy) have become quite the duo. This team is currently under the guidance of Jones Performance Horses. 

Even if you have limited time to spend with your horse outside the horse shows, try to spend as much time with them at the shows doing the little things.

“Whether it’s practicing, taking your horse to the wash rack, cleaning their stall, or letting them graze, spending quality time with your horse is when you learn the most about them,” Katie says. “Additionally, both my horse and I are very food driven, and I like to think I strengthen our bond by giving him endless amounts of treats,” Kopf says with a laugh.

Amateur Kaitlyn Bloom says that through many interactions at the show, she is able to recognize the normal behavior of her horse so she knows when he’s hyper, when something is off and she makes adjustments. “The biggest thing to me is making sure that my horse knows that we are a team, and I’m his advocate.”

Youth Emma DeJong says that she has a deep bond with her horse, A Midnight Cowboy (Houston). “I’ve had him for almost five years now. One big thing I do with him to help with my bonding is spend extra time doing little things. Like taking him on a walk or spending extra time in the stall with him. I also constantly try to improve our confidence together as a team. I want him to trust me inside and outside of the show pen.”

Morgan Miller-Wakeling and her horse, No Question Im Lazy (Jethro) have become a formidable team in the amateur all-around events under the supervision of Empyre Show Horses. 

Morgan explains that it was very important to get to know the quirky things that her horse Jethro does before and while he is in the arena. “He is a senior horse that has done the all-around for years. So, he knows when he is going to show and gets nervous or excited the same way I do when it’s time to show him,” Morgan says. “My trainer, Troy Lehn told me when he takes a deep breath to give him a small scratch on his withers to encourage him to relax. Then, the first time I showed him in the trail, when he took a deep breath, my rein hand was right there, and I used my nail to scratch him a little. I felt him continue to relax and our pattern got even better from there. I bring little things like that into every arena I show him in, and it’s really helped us to bond and trust each other.”

What things do you do help create a lasting connection and bond with your horse? Let us know in our social media comments.

The post Leading Non-Pro Exhibitors Share Two Important Things Deeply Connected Horse & Rider Teams Must Have appeared first on GoHorseShow.

In case you missed it, be sure to check out part 1 of this popular series, where our experts gave some great advice on trying showmanship, also click here for part 2 on horsemanship and part 3 on trail.

Breathe
The first tip AQHA World Champion trainer Leonard Berryhill gives his first time riders in western riding is, breathe!

Timing & Pace
AQHA trainer and judge Charlie Cole of Pilot Point, Texas explains that it is crucial for your horse to be in the right position prior to the change, be at a pace that’s easy to change leads (faster is better than slow), and finding the exact timing when to ask for the lead change.

“Don’t punish your horse for your inexperience and or lack of timing,” Cole says. “With practice, you will start feeling the rhythm and timing to ask for the change.”

2023 AQHA World Champion Junior Western Riding rider Kyra Ley agrees with Cole that fine tuning the timing of the lead change is very important.

“Whether it be down the line or across the center, the change is to happen in a designated area and penalties begin to occur when you are early or late,” Ley explains. “If you are late on your first line change, chances are you will be late on the others as well. Some riders count their strides and some just ride by feel, so do whatever works best for you, but make sure you practice where you place that lead change between the cones.”

California trainer Jenn Wheeler also stresses that western riding takes a lot of work.

Practice
“Practice is very important,” says Kelli Hinely of Trendsetter Performance Horses. “The more comfortable you are going forward through your lead change will result in a more quality lead change. I recommend practicing changing leads down the line with cones and getting comfortable with timing. When you are showing, don’t forget to count. If something goes wrong with one lead change, it is important to regroup and focus on the next maneuver ahead.”

Small Details Matter
Arizona trainer Beth Clemons says that her best advice for learning the western riding is don’t underestimate the small stuff.

Don’t be Afraid to Lose Control
Leading amateur exhibitor Samantha Foust says that being someone who came from mostly competing in the western pleasure to now showing in western riding; she had to learn to relax and let things happen.

“Western riding is fast paced and sometimes you can’t control every single moment of your ride. You have to stay calm cool and collected and trust your horse.”

Don’t Forget the Log

AQHA Select World Champion Kathy Tobin says that western riding is not an easy class.

“It’s not easy to explain and not being a trainer, there are a lot of different ways to ride the pattern; but for me, and it may not work for everyone, I count strides from cone to middle and try to look slightly ahead to where I want to go beside each cone from one cone to the next down the line.”

Then, Tobin says let the log come to you. “At the lope, I try to slow down slightly before it so I can try to adjust if my stride is off. Logs can get me so many times. Showing in western riding is easier said than done.”

In case you missed the other parts of our series, check out part 1 of this popular series, where our experts gave some great advice on trying showmanship, also click here for part 2 on horsemanship and part 3 on trail.

The post Get the Insider’s Scoop on Learning a New Class – Part 4 Western Riding appeared first on GoHorseShow.

We asked Melissa Dukes of Texas Christian University, Brad Kearns of Southern Methodist University, and Nancy Renfro of UC Davis to share their stories of how they became collegiate coaches.

Additionally, they touch on how their judging experiences have impacted their careers, the difference between coaching for the AQHA and NCEA, and some of the highlights of being a collegiate coach.

Melissa Dukes
Dukes is in her 9th season as Head Western Coach of TCU. She described getting hired at her alma mater as a “god-wink�because Head Coach Haley Schoolfield realized she was supposed to call her about the job while she was taking a student on a visit.

Soon after, her career changed from co-owning Dukes performance horses and training numerous world and congress champions to being a full-time collegiate coach. She still finds time to judge horse shows however, such as the 2023 All-American Quarter Horse Congress.

Dukes finds her judging experiences beneficial for her collegiate team. “The more knowledge you can bring to your coaching chair, the better.�

When asked about the difference between coaching for AQHA shows and NCEA competition, Dukes emphasized the catch riding ability of her athletes. She explained “these athletes are riding unfamiliar stock…NCEA riders have 4 minutes to learn a horse, so it’s a challenge to help them figure these horses out quickly and sometimes hope for the best.â€?/span>

Dukes has definitely figured this challenge out, as she was named the dual-discipline western coach of the year for 2023. Along with the team’s performances in the arena, she also views recognition for her students’ hard work in the classroom as a highlight.

Brad Kearns
Kearns is in his 3rd season with SMU, coming off winning the 2023 National Championship. His journey to becoming the Associate-Head Coach started when former SMU coach Mckenzie Lantz went back to coach at the University of Georgia, her alma mater.

Brad explained that he �/span>texted Head Coach Carol Gwin some names of some possible candidates for the job and jokingly asked what the qualifications were. She called me and we talked about it and agreed to reconnect the next day to talk more.�

He said that the opportunity to spend more time with his daughter, Nya, was too good to pass up, so he took the job. The blossoming team at SMU was a great fit for Kearns, as he was able to bring his wealth of knowledge as an accomplished trainer and judge to his student athletes.

From his perspective as a judge, Kearns expressed that “the collegiate athletes are all excellent riders, but they need eyes on the ground to help them to stay at the top of their game.�

Features of coaching collegiate riders that differ from typical shows he noted include showing in unfamiliar arenas, cheering from spectators, and having to make split second decisions on unfamiliar horses.

Kearns�personal coaching highlight is “getting to be part of the sport of equestrian with my daughter and 39 other athletes that each year become family.�

Nancy Renfro
Renfro is in her second season, but first full year with the Aggies as the Horsemanship Coach. She had “always followed the NCEA…and had clients that had gone on to compete at six universities.â€?

When the opportunity to help improve the western side of UC Davis�team opened, she took the gig. Renfro herself is a multiple world champion and has helped many clients to the same feat.

She still finds time to judge, most recently being the Quarter Horse Congress alongside Dukes. She views this expertise as an advantage in the collegiate world because “as a judge you see different styles and trends (good and bad) which helps me coach my team to be at their best.� 

Renfro explained that the difference between training outside clients and coaching in college is “in AQHA, the horses are in training and clients have time to learn their horse and become a team with that horse. In NCEA, the girls have to adapt to many different horses.�

In her time as a collegiate coach so far, she notes leading the horsemanship team to a 7-2 performance to help UC Davis win their first ever ECAC Conference Championship as a highlight.

Besides successes in the arena, she also explained how great it is to be a part of the team spirit, watching her athletes grow in confidence and witnessing the incredible veterinary care the horses receive at UC Davis.

While all these trainers turned coaches have seen success for their teams in terms of points won and high scores, they all view getting to be part of a team as what’s great about being a collegiate coach.

They must teach their riders to learn how to ride their horse in only four minutes and make quick decisions in the show pen.

At the end of the day, the bonds between teammates and coaches, and the love of horses is what makes collegiate equestrian special.

About the Author: Kendall Lance is a third year at the University of California, Davis studying Communications and Professional Writing. Along with her studies, she serves as the Horsemanship captain of UC Davis�Division One Equestrian team, and Communications Director of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Before entering college, she showed the all-around at AQHA and APHA competitions.

The post From Full Time Trainer to NCEA Coach, What are the Differences? appeared first on GoHorseShow.

No matter the cause, having strategies to right the motivational ship can help exhibitors get back on course and re-discover their drive. Professional trainer Ashley Clock of Pilot Point, Texas and Select Amateur exhibitor Heather Lange of Trumbull, Connecticut share their go-tos of how to combat that stuck-in-a-rut feeling.

Take a step away and return refreshed
Exhibitors know that top performance at horse shows requires sacrifices in time, money, and energy. It often means heading from work or school directly to the barn, eating late dinners, traveling to shows on the weekends, missing social events outside the horse world, and more. Keeping this up for months on end or year round is draining. Consider this permission to take a step away.

“Personally, when I feel myself getting burnt out, I make sure to take some time off, whether it be for a day or for a long weekend. The break helps me reset and take a break from my horses, and it’s great for them to have a break from me as well,�Clock says.

Don’t fall into the trap of stressing about your horse, its training, or yourself during this time, though, which some passionate competitors do. Normalize sporadic mental breaks as a key component of the training process instead.

If it relieves self-pressure, schedule breaks into your yearly show calendar so that they are sure to happen and feel like a purposeful component of your training program.

Tap into outside hobbies and friends
It’s easy to get wrapped into all things horses when showing is such a huge commitment. But, staying in touch with outside hobbies and friends can be a rewarding way to refresh motivation. If those hobbies are physical ones that build cardio health and physical strength, they are likely helpful in the saddle, too.

“I have learned over the years that having a life outside of the horse business keeps me able to mentally still enjoy what I do. I have groups of friends through my son’s sports activities who know nothing about the horse business, which I appreciate because it allows me to let my mind go and do something else,�Clock says.

Those same friends can become the proverbial shoulder to cry on if things go awry. No one needs to understand horse shows to understand disappointment and frustration, so having a person – in the industry or not – to vent to can help offload stress when things are just not going as well as planned.

“It’s really easy to lose confidence in training horses. One bad show or even a bad ride at a show and that feeling of not being good enough for this business can creep in. You have to learn to have a couple close friends that you can talk to and vent to and go to for advice. I have learned that all of us horse trainers are the same, and it’s easy to get down on yourself and want to quit, but we need to hold each other up and keep going,�Clock says.

Lange agrees, feeling especially grateful for her friends who share her passion. �/span>The best strategy is a friend who gets it; someone who understands the hard work and the drive, the highs and the lows. That’s my friend Kim. We can usually keep each other’s spirits up, but she’s also a shoulder to lean on when necessary.�/span>

Tune in to tune out
Sometimes, closing the barn door and opening a book or tuning into a podcast can be a refreshing restart. A simple Google search yields more motivational resources – think speeches, audiobooks, Ted Talks and podcasts – than any one person will ever have time for.

But tuning into just one during your commute or while prepping dinner can change your outlook and provide ideas and strategies to fight whatever motivational sap is draining you.

Another motivator can be horse show videos. Consider watching a run or a class that someone you look up to showed in to rekindle waning motivation.

Reminding yourself of those highly skilled exhibitors can be the needed boost to get back to chasing goals. Alternatively, watch videos of your own gos, notice what’s working and what needs improvement and set goals for the near future. Clock does exactly this.

“After all the shows, I like to go over the videos of me showing and my clients showing. I study them to figure out what we need to do to get better and it makes me push myself in my training program to get better,�she says.

Lange does the same. “I watch lots of videos �of myself, my trainer, and other riders. Watching an older ride reminds me how far I have come. Watching a great ride motivates me to keep working. I save my favorites on my phone or computer to check in once in a while,�she says.

She recalls her 2019 World Show as an example of using past performance as a motivator. “At the 2019 Select World Show, I was 0 for 4 on patterns. I couldn’t do anything right. We laugh about it now, but it set me up stronger for the 2020 season,â€?Lange says. Part of that was setting strong goals.

Revisit goals
Perhaps no better motivator exists than goal setting. Small, realistic, and attainable goals that build toward those grander scale goals are the way to go. When goals are small and attainable in a relatively short time frame, it becomes easier to celebrate small progress. Consider adopting the philosophy of getting one percent better every day.

Soon, those small improvements add up. If, for example, a goal is to improve the speed and accuracy of a horse’s showmanship pivot, racing into a 540 degree turn on day one is likely not going to feel successful, but trying for a touch faster but still perfect 180 may be the first stepping stone, and both horse and showman will feel successful sooner.

“If I’m working toward an end of year goal, I plan out what shows and smaller goals will best help me get there. There are a lot of little goals throughout the year that help make the bigger goals happen,â€?Lange explains.

Clock understands the benefit, too. â€?/span>I’m a huge fan of goal setting. I set a series of smaller goals that hopefully stack up to the bigger year end goal,â€?Clock says. “I have the whole show schedule planned out with bigger and smaller shows. We like to pick a new show each year, which lets us see a new place and meet new people, which also keeps things fresh.â€?

About the Author: Megan Sacia Ulrich earned her Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin. She currently teaches high school English and enjoys showing in all around events.

The post Don’t Feel Like Practicing: Tried and True Strategies to Spark Motivation – with Ashley Clock & Heather Lange appeared first on GoHorseShow.

In the horse show world, a beautifully banded or braided mane can make or break the overall image of the horse and rider.

Banders and braiders are an essential aspect of the horse show industry. Here are some tips to avoid your banders and braiders’ biggest pet peeves. 

Prep and Prepare
Having your horse’s mane prepared before the bander/braider arrives is key to keeping them on schedule.

Bander and braider Tina Buffkin of Knoxville, Tennessee, said one of her biggest pet peeves is when she walks into a stall, and the horse’s mane still has kinky hair from the braids being taken out.

Buffkin said it is much easier for her to make the bands look nice if the owner has wet and combed through the mane and allowed the hair to relax before she starts working on it. If the bander has to prepare the mane themselves, it adds time that can throw off their schedule.

Another common pet peeve of a bander/braider is putting conditioner or other products in the mane. Bander and braider Shawna Eisenhart of Sarasota, Florida, said a well-conditioned mane with products in it makes it very hard to grip the hair. Some exhibitors might think that a clean and conditioned mane might make the braids or bands look better, but Buffkin said it makes the hair slippery, so it is hard to get the bands as tight as they need to be.

Finally, when preparing for your banding or braiding appointment, double-check that you have all of the supplies your bander/braider might need. Since braiders and banders often work at night, the horse owner or trainer is not always present when the horse is being banded or braided.

If this is the case, make sure to leave your halter, lead rope, slinky, and anything else they might need out where they can find them. Buffkin said a pet peeve of hers is when she has to dig to the bottom of a stall bag or fish things she needs out of a locked tack room. 

Keep them Informed
Banders and braiders aren’t mind readers, and they have hundreds of clients. Remember to always keep them informed and up-to-date on any information they might need. 

Make sure you tell them where your horse is stalled before the time of your appointment. This can also help them schedule clients, so they aren’t running back and forth between barns.

Another pet peeve Eisenhart mentioned is canceling at the last minute. Of course, some things happen that are out of your control that prevents you from coming to the show. However, if you know in advance that you will not need their services, immediately let them know so they can adjust their schedule.

If you need to add more horses, tell them as soon as possible. Asking a bander or braider to add three horses to their list at the last minute is not considerate and can adversely affect their other customers. It may not seem like a big deal to you at the time, but it adds an extra few hours of work to their schedule, and they have to be able to get everyone else done on time.

Pay on Time
Both Eisenhart and Buffkin said one of their biggest pet peeves of working as a bander and braider is not being paid on time. Horse shows are always hectic, and it is so easy to forget to leave the cash or check for your braider/bander. However, banding and braiding is a full-time job for most, so they are relying on your payment and expecting to have it at the time their service is done.

If you aren’t going to be at the stalls when your horse is being worked on, see if you can pay in advance or electronically. A lot of banders/braiders accept PayPal or Venmo. You can also leave the payment at the stalls in a place they can quickly access.

In the end, exhibitors love their banders and braiders and are very appreciative of their work. It is easy to get caught up and busy during a horse show, so don’t forget about thanking your braider and bander for a job well done.

Portions of this article originally published March 2020.

About the Author – Jillian Sinclair is an avid equestrian from Melbourne, FL. She grew up going to horse shows on the APHA circuit all over the country with her older sisters but never had the opportunity to show herself. When her older sister opened her training facility after apprenticing for Ed and Laren Dubin for many years, Jillian was able to make her debut in the show pen finally. She has been showing APHA and Pinto for the last four years and has won 3 Reserve World Titles, numerous top 10’s’s, and top 5’s’s at the APHA and Pinto World Championship.

The post Common Pet Peeves of Braiders and Banders appeared first on GoHorseShow.