Being a horse show mom is an experience like no other. You quickly find out that you have been presented with a unique opportunity to bond and create a partnership with your child. Life lessons are learned sometimes with ease, other times through disappointment and failure.
If you are about to attend your first show in one of these essential roles, here’s a few quick tips on how to be a horse show mom.
Help Your Child Prioritize
Horse shows can be stressful environments for competitors, and therefore, time management is important. If your rider has three things to do at once, help them figure out what is most important.
Lend a Helping Hand
Be ready to jump into the horse show hustle! Have all the supplies you need to get the horse and rider ready to enter the ring. For example, have a bottle of fly spray handy, a rag to wipe boots, a separate cloth to clean off the horse, etc. Keep track of the arena timing to help your rider be on time. Make sure their competition number is in place. Even the smallest tasks can make a big difference!
Hold the Horse
Often a competitor needs an extra set of hands to make a few final preparations before mounting, so he or she may ask you to hold their horse. If your child, significant other, or friend asks you to hold their horse, it should mean they trust the horse not to drag you around, and they trust you enough to keep the steed from going anywhere. Yes, they are large animals, and they move, wiggle, and try to frisk for treats. If you do not feel secure holding the horse, let the rider know. Since they are bulky sized animals, they can be dangerous to you and others if they are not secured.
Keep your Competitor Fed and Hydrated
When your competitor is in show mode, they can forget to care for themselves because they’re so focused on everything else. Make sure your rider is drinking water and eating something to maintain energy and hydration levels. Shows happen in all sorts of weather, so make sure the rider stays cool on hot days and warm on damp, rainy days.
Give Support
Often this means giving your rider a boost of confidence before he or she goes in the ring, cheering them on, and celebrating the good rides. Occasionally this also means letting them have space when they need a moment after disappointing results, or be ready with a pep talk to soothe their hurt feelings. Above all, just knowing that there is someone in the stands or ringside who will be there for them, no matter what, is priceless.
Riding horses and competing in shows teaches our youngsters to know how to perform under pressure, how to be there for each other, and perhaps, most importantly, how to treat people and animals with respect. Shows can be a great experience for the family; one that will create memories for the rider, family members, and friends will have forever. All it takes is a little time for planning.
