How to Become More Successful In The Show Pen

You're only as successful as the effort you make.

I wanted to devote a post to how much genuine hard work plays into success.

Although it is easy to think that there is a "political" side of showing and that top showmen manipulate judge's opinions, most of the time, winners are determined by genuine hard work. I believe that most professional horseman and judges choose to ignore the politics of horse showing and aim for a real competition where the winner is awarded based on merit. Whether you decide to get involved or not, only genuine hard work and effort will produce a champion out of you.

I believe in the mantra, "you get out what you put into it." 

Many have been discouraged that "politics" are even involved in horse shows, but I believe there is a "political" side to any hobby or sport at the level we choose to compete in. 

There will always be doubters and critics, but you can't let that faze you. No judge is likely to dismiss a pattern with correct horsemanship, marks hit, and excellent execution. 

Don't join the cop-out: "The judge was so political."

Instead, focus on your own performance. Ask yourself, "Did I really do the best I could do?".

Often I will hear disappointed equestrians after they show exclaim " I can't understand how so-and-so beat me? My pattern was flawless! Sure, my set-up was crooked but they..."

Focus on how you can improve! Don't get stuck in the idea that you don't need to grow because the judges are "just favoring someone over you" or "political." 

We pay the judges to evaluate our performance against the standards provided by judging conferences and their own personal opinion. Why would you not pay attention to what they say you're doing incorrectly?

If you know that you're cutting showmanship practice short and not doing your set-ups correctly, then don't be disappointed with the results at your next show. If you're not giving 150% of yourself during practice, you will not get better, and you won't succeed. 

Make your patterns or body position so correct that there is no way anyone can accuse you of being incorrect. 

"You get out what you put into it" so make sure you expend the effort to do well.

(picture from pinterest.com)