You have done your homework on your clothing and tack presentations; you have practised over and over and over your showring presentations; and you have the mental attitude that says, I have worked long and hard for this and I have reached the place where I am worthy and deserving of this championship!

Now you need to carry that attitude throughout the class! If you or your horses makes a mistake, welcome to the world of horse shows! We all make mistakes, even the World Championship competitors and the Olympic Level Riders and Horses, that is one of the joys and sorrows of being in partnership with a horse! The difference between a Professional that deserves to win and an inexperienced horseman trying to win, is that a Professional never lets the mistake register with themselves or with the horse. The Professional uses every error as a point of greater refinement in the ring and afterwards. The Professional moves on immediately making sure that the ride continues to improve in the execution and presentation! For every mishap, you have to make sure that you demonstrate two more great moves or smooth transitions or whatever your discipline requires, even if it is so late that all that is left is the back up/rein back. Every Judge across the country just wants to see that YOU the Rider aren`t adversely affected by the mishap...that is what will kill your chances for a Medal or the Championship class greater than all else...that you as the Rider carries the mishap throughout the remainder of your ride in either your attitude towards your horse, yourself, other riders or persons on the rail. Immediately get yourself together and continue on. Your horse more so at this point than at any other point will look to you for direction, and if you are in a fit or angry, it will cause unnecessary tension for your horse, and your horse will begin to focus on your negative attitude rather than the class in which you are both participating! So Ride Sally Ride in a Great Manner and Attitude!

Take each way of the ring, and each gait individually. Do NOT anticipate in Championship, Trophy or Medal shows. Have a mental blueprint of what should follow, but be prepared at all moments for the unexpected, and take each moment for itself. Try to find your points on the rail to show your horse at his best at that gait. If he is not particularly good at a gait, then try to hide in the crowd at that gait, finding an empty spot on the rail during his best moments.

When you reverse, don`t think, "ah it is half over, think rather I have just begun! (the second half!)

Always line up under the spot lights and either half a horse infront of, or behind the horses on each side. Make yourself seen and noticed. Stay smiling, poised, calm and relaxed. You have either won or not, but do at every moment as though you have won the championship and are honored for such; and want the best for your competitors, knowing that they have their chances next week or next year!

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