Show Your Horse - Advice from Kim Kelly Whoa Podcast listeners are great!  I asked you to share your experiences and you come through again and again.  A few weeks back, I got an email from listener Kim Kelly.  Kim had always wanted to enter a horse show, but fear and insecurity held her back.  She kept chipping away at her goal, however, taking little steps and this year entered her first horse show.  It was a challenge she overcame, and she has some tips for those with similar aspirations. Tips from Kim Find the right horse.  Kim worked with the horse she had.  The stress of training and conditioning revealed the horse had a navicular problem.  In her search for another horse, Kim enlisted the help of her trainer.  Together they found the right horse for Kim to take to her first horse show. Get yourself in shape.  Training takes physical effort from both horse and rider.  By her own admission, Kim was 30 lbs. overweight.  Over the winter to prepare for the show season, she shed those 30 lbs. making it easier for both her and her horse. Go to a horse show.  Before she competed, Kim went to two horse shows.  She got the feel of the show arena, watched the competitors, and felt the energy generated at a horse show. Know the rules.  Kim read the rules for the classes she was competing in.  This prevented her from making "silly" mistakes such as petting your horse during the competition.  There are basic patterns she would see in the show pen and, by reading the rules, she could practice those patterns. Give yourself plenty of time to fill out paperwork. Face it.  We all hate to fill out paperwork.  But, it has to be done to enter a horse show.  Kim suggests getting your paperwork and membership applications in early.  There is nothing like the panic of not knowing whether you are qualified to compete. Ranch Horse Associations To learn more about Ranch Horse Shows check out: American Ranch Horse Association To hear about our experience with Working Equitation Working Equitation Training Join Us on this Journey We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey. You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com Thanks for listening, John & Ranae Episode #147 Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.