THOUGHTS ON SHOWING by Sally Chamberlain          

As this was, for some, the first show of the season (ApHC UK Northern Show) and hopefully there will be plenty more for all concerned I would like to make a few personal observations which I hope will be taken in the spirit it is intended.  As a show organiser, secretary, judge, steward & exhibitor (in both English & Western disciplines at most levels) the following should be noted:

- Please fill in the entry forms clearly and fully.  When you are asked for registration, membership, breed details, colour etc it is for a purpose and means the show organiser does not have to spend time ringing up exhibitors.  Also enter PRIOR to the closing date - many a show is being cancelled due to assumed lack of entries.

- Do not turn up at a show with a "first timer" in its brand new tack which it has never worn before and expect the horse to behave itself.  Please do some schooling/leading/preparation at home beforehand so that not everything is a total and utter shock.  This can apply to all ages but especially to youngstock.

- On arrival settle the horse down properly.  If you arrive the night before spend a little time introducing the horse to its surroundings, the arena etc so that at least it knows what to expect.

- Enter the ring as if you believe in your horse and yourself. First impressions DO count and if you have made all the effort with the horse but not with your appearance and attitude - then what message does it send? Compliment your attire with the colour of the horse, men should wear a tie.  SMILE and be proud of your horse. Do not just stand there with the attitude here's my horse - I don't care whether you like it or not!!" Go in with a winning attitude and you may WIN.

- It is up to YOU to make sure you are ready for your class - not the organisers. You have seen the schedule; you know how the rings will run.   Unless the schedule states times, coffee or lunch breaks, or unless it is announced - the classes follow on after each other.   If you cannot stand safely by the collecting ring with your horse get someone to watch the rings for you so that they can come and get you when the previous class is half way through.  If you come 1 st and  there is a championship DO NOT disappear . Stay close by or you will lose your chance of competing for a Championship.  It is a discourtesy to your fellow exhibitors, the judge, steward and show organiser to be holding up the class, and therefore the smooth running of the show, if you have gone off for a "chat/coffee/loo/tantrum!!" All shows do their very best to locate missing entries but there is a limit to the amount of screaming and running around organisers will do. If there is no outside PA system wait nearby.   If you have any questions as to how classes are running you only have to ask.

- If you know you are going to clash with classes, be late, have to change horses, tack or riders etc that will delay your entry have the courtesy to tell someone - normally the ring steward.  If you are late in getting to the ring APOLOGISE to the judge.  If your classes do clash make a decision on which class you will enter and then tell the show secretary which class you will not.  Do not expect the show to accommodate you - they will do their best but there is a limit to how long a class will be held and the judge and other exhibitors will be ready and waiting.  Do not expect a refund on missed classes.

- Do not enter classes and then inform the judge what you and your horse can or cannot do!!.  A show ring is not the place to school your horse and test the third party liability insurance cover of the show!  If you have a schooling problem sort it out at home or if you feel unhappy in the ring - LEAVE - before you, your horse or a fellow competitor gets hurt.  Just excuse yourself and wait for another day.  Insurance and First Aid cover is a MUST these days and no one likes to use it.  If you can, take your horse to a show without entering any classes - just let it get used to the atmosphere of a show without the pressure of being judged.

- There are always plenty of people around who have shown successfully for many years and who, if asked, will only be too happy to offer their advice.   If you are unsure then go and watch some shows to see what is expected of you or better still offer to steward - you will get a totally different view of how a show class runs from the middle of a show ring and you will learn a lot.  Shows are always desperate for help.  Do not go to a show thinking you know it all - you won't.  We are all never too late to learn and remember : SMILE.  THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER DAY.

- The show organisers, stewards, judges are all human and do make mistakes.  They give up their time normally free of charge and it takes a huge amount of planning and administration to organiser a show.  Thank them afterwards - it makes a difference!

I am sure there are plenty of other recommendations that can be made so I invite members to send in their personal observations or comments about showing in whatever discipline.  What makes a show successful for you?  How do you prepare?  How do you choose your classes?  What do you expect from your Show Secretary/Organiser/Judge?  What was your worst show and why?

Sally Chamberlain

From the Editor:   Thank you Sally for all these very useful tips which I am sure we can all benefit from and congratulations for such a successful regional show.