Starting a youngster, introducing a young horse to the show circuit, that is an exciting process – one that comes with many decisions. Owner and trainer have to decide which association and which futurity program they want to show the horse in. We have talked to Linda Leckebuch-Stark and Carolin Lenz about that decision and looked at two of the largest programs in Europe.
Ranch Riding is one of the events that has become wildly popular within the past few years: Whether it is the fast turns, the elements that contain poles or the diversity of it all, people seem to love it. One element that is characteristic for Ranch Riding is the extended trot – most people do have a certain picture in mind while reading this. We have talked to two successful equestrians who explained what this element is all about.
Progress is key, learning is a process of life – that is true for anything, especially when it comes to riding and horse. Many people in our industry have benefitted from internships at the facilities of well-known trainers. But how does one find the perfect internship – or how does a trainer find a qualified intern? We are here to help! We want to create a platform where people can search for internships and interns.
It is often underestimated, yet one of the classes that requires a lot of skill: Showmanship is far more than just walking next to a horse. Executing a good inspection and running in a natural yet athletic way is a challenge. We have asked three champions how they mastered that challenge.
Each team has that one person that always, always struggles with learning the pattern for their class. And for newcomers it can be hard as well – you are at your first show, you have practiced a lot and you are super nervous. No wonder many newcomers go out of pattern in their first classes – because their mind is filled with so many other things and they are just getting used to this whole new experience. In order to make it easier for them and all the people who struggle with learning the pattern, here is some advice on how to remember it.
“Pics or it didn’t happen” – no one takes this saying as serious as the horse show industry. Whether it is a video of practice, a picture of the new boots or an article about blankets – we like, comment and share a lot. This has lead to the fact that social media has become an important marketing tool for trainers. We have talked to three young ladies about how they use social media for advertising and getting in contact with clients.
It is a very popular class at the ApHC shows, but a little overlooked in other associations: Hunter in Hand. We have talked to three exhibitors who have explained the class, told us how they practice and what you should wear in the class.
You have practiced a lot, paid a lot of money – and at the show it goes all wrong, because your horse thinks the poster on the wall came straight out of hell. Most riders have experienced something like that at some point in their riding career. While some horses are only nervous in the class, others are tense during the whole show or even at home. We have asked three trainers: How do you deal with nervous horses?
Imagine this: You really want to talk to someone, but they can’t hear you or understand you. Most riders have experienced situations like this with their horses. However, we all know that if we are willing to learn their language, we can understand them. The same goes for communicating with deaf people. They might not hear you, but they can understand you and you can have great conversations. Angela Tuscher is a multiple EWU German Champion, an Americana Champion and she is also a sign language interpreter. We have talked to her about the similarities between riding and sign language, she told us why deaf people can sense horses‘ moods easier and how to respectfully communicate with deaf people.
Some hate it, some love it: the fact that our Western horses become more specialized year by year. While some enjoy the fact that they can have a top notch Western Pleasure or Reining horse, others prefer a Quarter Horse, Paint Horse or Appaloosa that can do it all, from Halter over Western Horsemanship to cattle classes. But how important is a specialized horse to win big at the big shows? Does it take certain bloodlines to win the trophy or will blood, sweat and tears do the job? We have talked to two young ladies, Robyn Barkey and Lena Reim, who have been successful in AQHA allround classes at the big shows – with horses that do not come from Western Pleasure/allround bloodlines.
