Horse shows
For those of who who show competitively, how did you get involved in your association? It's always been a dream of mine to show on the Paint circuit (probably one that will never be recognized but oh well! I can dream!) but I'd have no idea how to get started. Did you find a trainer involved in that association and have them point you the right direction? Or did you just say "I want to do this" and do it yourself?
I have never showed very competitively before, just 4-H and local open shows. I don't mind the schooling show feel either, I just think it would be a great experience to go to an actual recognized breed show once. Unfortunately we have one show in this town a year and it's strictly an english jumping show, while I am more of a western rider. I'm terrified of jumping anything over 2 feet...and my only horse that has any potential as a jumper is 2 years old and not broke anyway. The last show I went to was a schooling show 2 hours away (last year) and I rode a friend's pony who suddenly forgot he was broke that day. The 12 hand pony and I were running laps around all of the tall warmbloods who were actually behaving themselves. Needless to say...we didn't do very well. At least I didn't fall off.
Also, how do you afford to show competitively, balancing work and travel? Do you go by yourself or with a trainer, or a group of barn buddies? How far will you go for a show? My last question feel free not to answer if you don't feel comfortable, but I'm just looking for ball park figure: How much are you willing to spend on a show, between travel, accommodations, and entry fees?
Thanks!
I have never showed very competitively before, just 4-H and local open shows. I don't mind the schooling show feel either, I just think it would be a great experience to go to an actual recognized breed show once. Unfortunately we have one show in this town a year and it's strictly an english jumping show, while I am more of a western rider. I'm terrified of jumping anything over 2 feet...and my only horse that has any potential as a jumper is 2 years old and not broke anyway. The last show I went to was a schooling show 2 hours away (last year) and I rode a friend's pony who suddenly forgot he was broke that day. The 12 hand pony and I were running laps around all of the tall warmbloods who were actually behaving themselves. Needless to say...we didn't do very well. At least I didn't fall off.
Also, how do you afford to show competitively, balancing work and travel? Do you go by yourself or with a trainer, or a group of barn buddies? How far will you go for a show? My last question feel free not to answer if you don't feel comfortable, but I'm just looking for ball park figure: How much are you willing to spend on a show, between travel, accommodations, and entry fees?
Thanks!