Want to Compete?
By horse trainer Doris Eraldi
The variety of equine-related competitions is mind boggling. With options ranging from well-known events like Rodeo, Pleasure, and Dressage, to the more unusual activities such as Cowboy Mounted Shooting (where riders race through a course, shooting at balloons) or Four-in-hand Cross Country Carriage Driving (four horses, four humans and a carriage compete over natural obstacles such as river crossings and banks), choosing an equestrian sport can be a challenge itself!
If you are new to competitive events, there are a few considerations beyond simply an interest in a particular sport. The cost and the amount of time required are fairly easy to research by contacting the event's association, watching at some shows and asking questions. But above all, understanding the suitability of your horse to the event can make the difference between having a great time in a new activity or ending up frustrated.
If you have the hankering to start competing on your horse, take a few minutes to consider:
1. Breeding and temperament of your horse: We've been breeding for specific traits in horses for over 2000 years - choose an event that suits your horse's strengths. While nearly all horses can be trained to hop over a low obstacle or move a cow, to compete successfully at as a show jumper or show cutter, the horse must have the desire to do the job.
2. Your own "temperament": Recognize your own strengths. I once had a very cautious, nervous student insist that her goal was to "show a jumper at Cow Palace," but she was afraid to jump higher than 18 inches. Once she switched to Western Pleasure and Trail, events that took advantage of her consistency and patience, she and her gelding gathered plenty of ribbons and had a lot more fun.
3. Athletic ability and soundness: Even if your horse is bred in the pink to be a cutting horse, if she lacks the athletic ability or physically won't stand up to the rigors of the event, you are asking for trouble.
4. Training: If you and your horse need training, seek out a specialist in the desired event. No one trainer excels or even understands every possible event. Reputable trainers will quickly define the events that they know.
5. Start small: The best place to enter the competitive horse world is nearby and inexpensive. There are local or regional events for nearly all sports that offer a low-stress introduction. Once you and your horse have mastered the skills of the event, you can move up to the bigger competitions. Clinics, club gatherings and playdays are all good places to test out whether this activity is right for you and your horse. Keep an eye on the bulletin boards at your local feed store or tack shop for announcements about these events.
Doris Eraldi of Eraldi Training in Potter Valley specializes in Pleasure, Trail and Equitation Show Horses, well-started colts, and problem horses, but she can not shoot a balloon off a galloping horse. She can be contacted at 707 743 1337, or e-mail dyan@eraldi.net.
Read Doris' previous article
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