One thing that separates the European horse show industry from the one in the States is the fact that Europe actually has an off-season. While that is sad in a way – not showing for a few months? Ugh – it also has its perks. Plus, it would be too cold for showing anyway. We talked to three young trainers who told us how they make use of the off-season.
Precision, flow, skill – those are only three terms one could use to describe Western Riding. The event is – for most riders – the ultimate event they teach their all-round horses. Mastering a pattern with approximately eight lead changes can be quite a challenge. We have talked two three trainers who have mastered this challenge multiple times and have become champions in several classes.
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.
Long mane in all-round events – yes or no? This topic is discussed quite frequently and people either love or hate it. We have talked to professional Sandra Görtz who offers banding and braiding at shows and asked for her opinion and advice.
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.
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. You feel ready. Your horse feels ready. Ready for the first horse show. But before you start off to this unique experience, you might wonder: What to wear in which class? You might have seen pictures on Facebook or in magazines of riders wearing fancy jackets and colourful vests. And you have found out that these cost a fortune. What to do? In this article, DQHA Professional Horsewoman Claudia Bingel and designers Sabrina Hoppert and Nadine Caballera as well as Jacqueline Hans of Hansride explain what to wear, when to wear it and how to save money.
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?
In this part of our series, “How to…”, are covering a fun class that is not nearly as popular in Europe as it should be: Hunter Hack. We have talked to two individuals that have loved this class for a long time: professional horsewoman and multiple AQHA World Champion Lainie DeBoer and multiple Int. DQHA Champion Christina Münster. They shared their observations and advice from an American and European point of view.
