Choosing Your First Show

Attending your first show is like going on a first date. You want to pick an environment that will be comfortable for you and give both of you a chance to show yourself in the best light.

When looking for a first show, try to choose a show that is close by. Showing can be stressful (even for veterans!) so removing the added stress of travel may be to your advantage.

Next, try to look for a smaller show. Show size can vary from as few as a handful of showers to over a hundred. Way over in a few cases. A smaller show will end sooner in the day, so this will limit your exhaustion and stress. In addition, the judge will often have more time to allow showers to ask questions.

Fun shows are often an easier start if one is held nearby. With the popularity on NAN qualified shows, they can be hard to find in some areas.

Generally, I recommend new showers avoid “play date” shows their first time out. At a playdate, everyone judges. They are fun, but when everyone is judging you won’t have an opportunity to learn why one horse may place over another.