How to Make a Horse Relaxed at a Horse Show

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Let your horse get used to the showgrounds and get it familiar with anything that could possibly be a spook factor.

   If you can, ride in your assigned arenas to let your horse check it out.
   
   This is also a good time to sort out any objects or places that may cause your horse to spook. , Remember to keep taking deep breathes and let your horse have a rider it can be confident in. ,, It might not be something huge, but getting your horse to walk past the scary fence post once is better than spending an hour making sure your horse is 'bombproof' to it.
   
   Know when enough is enough. , What may be nothing to you is a possible threat to your horse.
   
   Slowly confront your horse with the object instead of yelling or getting frustrated.
   
   That will only get your horse anxious. , Half halts, gait transitions and many small circles in different places in the arena can keep your horse focused on you, not distractions that might spook it.
   
   Also do things like getting the hind end over to prevent bolting. ,,, If your horse has jitters, you'd want to get them out before you start showing. , you don't want them entering the arena stiff-muscled. ,
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   Step 2: ensure that you know which arena(s) you will be competing in.

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   Step 3: If you stay calm

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   Step 4: your horse stays calm.

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   Step 5: When schooling day rolls around

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   Step 6: check before hand to see which ring(s) your horse will be going into.

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   Step 7: While you're schooling

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   Step 8: make sure to end on a good note.

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   Step 9: Keep in mind that a horse is a horse.

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    Step 10: When your horse is getting a little spooky

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    Step 11: keep trotting until they're more focused on you.

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    Step 12: If it's a dressage show

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    Step 13: make sure your horse is familiar with the judge's box.

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    Step 14: Ride or walk your horse to the judge's box (while it's empty) and let it examine the box thoroughly.

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    Step 15: Lunge and/or warm up thoroughly your horse before the first class.

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    Step 16: Flexing and a lot of transitions keep your horse occupied and supple before your classes.

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    Step 17: Make sure you have all the papers necessary in order for your horse to show.

Detailed Guide

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