The Nervous Novice Blog Post # 3

Dear Nervous Novice,

I’ve loved horses all my life and am finally learning to ride! It took a while to get here, but I’m in my 30’s and decided it was now or never. I’m a total beginner but am learning all I can in my weekly lessons. I plan to add another riding day a week soon and maybe show before the end of the year. My problem is this – I tagged along to a show last weekend and felt like a third wheel. I wanted to be helpful, but it seemed like I was in the way the whole time. There’s so much to learn! I want to be a part of it all, but don’t want to be a pain. Any advice?

- Stumbling Block in Tomball, Tx.

Dear Stumbles,

First, bravo for finally doing what you love. You’ll find that, just like the actual riding part of riding, horse care, grooming and show prep will eventually seem second nature. Frankly I’m still waiting for that day. I guess twenty years of off-and-on riding and showing just isn’t enough for some people – but I have high hopes for you.

Keep going to the shows, especially schooling shows which tend to be more laid-back. That’s really the best way to learn the “show day” flow. And keep in mind that, as with everything in life, everyone has their own way of doing things at a show. Some get in the zone and it’s best to just step back and keep others from interfering. Others need all the help they can get. These, my dear, are your target.

The first step is to ask your trainer or the riders themselves what you can do to help. Be careful though, this can backfire. You might be handed a lunge line and instructions to give a stomping, snorting El Diablo a “quick lunge” in the 20 square feet behind the trailers. So I’d forego offering to help with the horses themselves until you’re familiar with their antics.

Instead, start putting yourself to work doing easy necessities like keeping water buckets and hay nets filled. You can also wear a watch and keep a copy of your barn’s ride times (for dressage shows and events) or class schedule (for hunter shows) handy. You’re guaranteed to be everyone’s best friend by the end of the day if you do this.

As you learn more, move into wrangling riders who need an extra hand… or three. They’re pretty easy to spot. Just look for moms, dads or trainers briskly walking away from the tacking area muttering to themselves and/or making bizarre hand gestures. Chances are there’s a show rider in need of help (or valium) close by.

Once you’re familiar with basic tack, rider accessories and horse gear you can to hand things to riders as they tack up. Also, memorize the following checklist and repeat it to them before they head to the arena:

Helmet? Check. Armband (for events)? Check. Safety vest (for cross country)? Check. Need crop or spurs – yes, no? Check. Girth tightened? Check. Don’t feel silly doing this. I can’t tell you how many times we peons (sometimes referred to as grooms) have rushed back to the trailer for items on the above list – often for seasoned show veterans!

And last, even with no knowledge whatsoever you can always tuck a rag into your pocket to give riders’ boots a quick wipe before they step into the ring. That’s always appreciated.

Keep at it! Before long, you’ll be braiding for others and rushing around to get your own mount ready to go. And when you reach that stage, remember to be nice to the one handing you open fronts instead of the xc boots you asked for…

Canter On!

The Nervous Novice