5 Tips to Ace your next Show Hunter round...

These 5 cracker tips will have your next Show Hunter competition off to a great start!

 

1. MAKE THE RIGHT FIRST IMPRESSION

Use your entrance to show off your horse. If it has a great trot, make sure to put in a great medium trot across the ring.

Keep clothing and tack distractions (like Bling) to a minimum unless you are really trying to attract attention.

 

2. WOW THE JUDGE

Watching a smoothly ridden Show Hunter round makes you think, "I would like to ride that horse". The Judge is no different.

A winning round starts from the second you enter the ring and the rider should be "invisible" so as not to cause a distraction.

 

3. CREATE A PLAN

When learning your course, anticipate any trouble spots for your horse. If you know your horse likes to bulge towards the in-gate, plan to ride preventatively as you approach the gate whilst on course. If there is a fence you think your horse is likely to look at on course, use your entrance into the ring or your opening circle to "circle past" the jump in question.

 

4. MAINTAIN YOUR PACE

To make your round look seamless, the canter you come out of a corner with is the canter you should carry to the fence.

So that means... sort your canter before you come out of the turn and keep your impulsion!

 

5. WATCH THE WINNERS

Most experienced riders are really happy to help newcomers to the sport if you are confident enough to approach them to ask for some tips.

At a minimum, spend some time watching their preparation, warmup and arena craft.

 

 

Below: a smooth winning round for our very own Trudi Duncan & Quality Control at the Colorado Horse Show