Coaching tips for Horseshows

[Amanda Boone]

I am a EC level 1 coach and I am going to be taking a group of riders to thier very first show in a few weeks. I am just looking for tips and ideas of how you organized yourself and riders for the day. These kids will be showing H/J schooling types shows just for fun.

[Geoffrey Pannell]

Hi Amanda, Well, that sounds like fun. Just make sure that you know what ring they are going to be in and keep yourself calm and go with the flow. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, you will be be doing a LOT of running around. Get there early and get the parents to keep the coffee up to you. Before any of the classes start go around and explain to the kids and parents what the classes are about, and what they will be expected to do ( you've probably already done this , but it will help to go over it again). Make sure you have lots of water and fruit snacks for the kids, and make sure they eat and drink it. Some of them will be more nervous than others , so they might need a bit of jollying along . Be sure to let the kids see you having fun , that can help take the edge off it for some of them. Most of all, be sure that the kids go without the EXPECTATION of winning ribbons , that it's a fun day and a ribbon is a bonus. The more preparation you do before the day the smoother it will go. Cheers Geoffrey