One advantage of competing with your horse over simply riding for pleasure is the opportunity it gives you to measure the skills you are working on at home against the standard of other competitors. Many times I have returned home with a horse after a show having discovered we weren't steady enough, fast enough or slow enough, determined to get back to the drawing board! The standard is always being raised a little higher and we need to do our homework to keep up. When people describe a horse that's "finished" they're referring to one that is totally submissive and obedient to his rider's cues, skilful, dependable and content. Here are some ideas that may help as you endeavor to rise to the next level.
DEFINE YOUR EXPECTATIONS When we go to a show, thinking that what we have is pretty good, we often have our eyes opened to what is actually possible and realize we can expect more from our horses. We take home a new mental image on the computer screen of our minds and set out to match it. Just make sure that the goal is reasonable according to the talent and maturity of your horse. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail, so decide what you expect from your horse in all aspects of your daily routine. An attentive horse on the ground is more likely to be attentive under saddle. Do you expect him to stand completely still while mounting or will you allow him to take some steps without being asked? Do you want him to travel deep into that corner, or choose his own path across it? Do you really want a six foot cantering stride or will a nine foot length do? Push yourself to make these decisions. Horses expect their herd leaders to make decisions - let's go for water, time to hit the shade, everybody run! Your horse is wired to follow the leader or be the leader.
STEP, DON'T LEAP TOWARD YOUR GOAL A three percent improvement with most training sessions really adds up in a few months. For instance, if you're trying to match that slow rhythmic stride of last week's western pleasure winner, be content with shaving a little at a time off of your horse's stride, slowing the count bit by bit until he becomes comfortable. Next, you can work on lowering and steadying his frame. Finally, polish these skills right beside another horse, or some other distraction. If you try to do everything at once, you'll cause fear and confusion, and horses can't learn anything effectively when they're afraid.
EXPECT IT CONSISTENTLY Nothing messes up a horse's mind more than boundaries that move. Horses learn by repetition and they like routine. Once a goal is reached, expect the same standard all the time, and in every environment. For instance, if your trail horse learns he is not to touch the tree decorations on the course yet is permitted to nibble at the bushes when you're out riding, nuzzle your pockets for treats or hand graze, you may be sending him mixed signals. Is he allowed to play with your fingers in the barn aisle but not in a showmanship class?
It takes a well thought out game plan in order to make a "finished” horse. It takes a hundred little things that work together for that winning performance. Take the lead, have consistent boundaries for your horse, and raise your expectations - you'll be amazed at what your horse can do!