Practicing For Shows

Competition of the outside world. Elite Trades Championship Series Electrical, Automotive, HVAC & Plumbing.

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At the show earlier this month, Goldy and I schooled before the show, waited, and then went back into the ring for our rounds. [The Ride, AHJA Kick Off Show 2026]

Goldy & I had never done that particular chain of activities together. He had, I had, and it went fine. But why did it go well? We practice the skills. How often do we practice the skills the way we perform them at a show ?

How often do we practice …

… warming up in one area and then going over to another area to do the thing?

… coming in and out of the ring?

… standing around waiting?

… standing around waiting, after warming up?

… several classes a day?

How often do Saddlebreds practice …

… riding in any weather? Even Saddlebreds may have to go in the rain, if only once a year at Lexington.

… going downhill? For example, down the ramp onto the green shavings at Louisville.

How often do eventers practice …

… tacking up three times in one day?

… jumping in the ring after cross country so it doesn’t come as a surprise on the really big occasions? As I understand it, most events now have show jumping before dressage, for the sake of logistics. Then, suddenly you are at Rolex and show jumping after XC. (Yeah, I know. But I’m an old dog. [Peregrinatio])

What else don’t we practice?

Onwards!
Katherine