riding lessons without showing

[hoopoe]

any good training situation in any sport requires good communication.

Your trainer asks about your goals. Discuss your goals and , perhaps , your apprehensions.

Trainer should know how to prepare you for your goal, even if it is just riding at home and being as good as you and your horse can be.

Seems to me if showing was required for all students in the programs , that should have been mentioned much sooner.

But if you do desire to show, even on a local, low key level, trainer does need to know this so they can start introducing some of the skill set you may need for showing

[red_mares]

@2DogsFarm

Should not be an expectation at any training facility.

I don’t think that is a fair statement. If you are riding in a ‘show barn’ then showing is a reasonable expectation. All barns do not have the same goals, nor should they.

If you are taking lessons at a boarding barn with trainer who comes in for a few lessons a week, showing is not going to be expected. If you are taking lessons at a high end show barn, that winters in Wellington, showing is a reasonable expectation.

Barns can have different business models, with different clienteles and don’t need to be derided with “Cha-Ching” because of it.

That said, if you want to show, then show. If you don’t, then don’t. Lots of people ride without showing. Some show without being able to ride. Do whatever makes you happy.

[2DogsFarm]

@red mares My intent was not to deride anyone, more to inform OP.

And don’t you think if she was riding at a show-oriented barn that would (should) have been presented to her at the outset?

[sophie]

OP, it really should be your own decision.
–> if you don’t feel confident enough to show then don’t for now, keep taking lessons, and show when you feel up to it.
–> your trainer obviously thinks you are up to showing, so you might want to give it a try, as it may motivate you and make riding a different / more fun experience for you.

I’ve shown for years, but now I’ve decided to just enjoy my ageing Tb. So, we just take it day by day, take lessons and clinics when we can, and do fun things on the side (hunter paces, trail rides, beach rides, fool around on the xc course when she’s up to it).

In my experience…
You don’t need to show to be an accomplished rider / horse person.
You do need lessons to be an accomplished rider / horse person.

Some people need to show and compete against other riders or they lose all motivation to ride.
Others could care less about competition but want to improve their own riding and their horse’s training.

[rockonxox]

I showed quite a bit as a kid and through my teens, usually 1-2x a month. The last 7 years I have competed in one combined training event at the barn, one hunter jumper event off site, one hunter jumper event at the barn, and then a couple hunter jumper shows for only those at our barn (“mini shows”). I would love to show more, but finances haven’t really allowed for it in the past. There are some barns that require you to show, but those are not very common and you’ll find plenty places to ride with a more relaxed atmosphere where you can show if you’d like but if you don’t then just come ride and take lessons!

Honestly, I would rather clinic than show. I’m not an uber competitive person. Showing can be fun, but it isn’t a necessity for me.

[TWH_Girl]

Showing can be a lot of fun, and help you to grow as a rider by overcoming fears, obstacles and learn to work with distractions. More can be learned from showing than in lessons IMO because it’s not a protected environment. You will never know if it is right for you unless you try it. You don’t have to do it to be a top notch competitor and go for points, but I would encourage you to try and do at least some low key schooling shows to see if it is something you would like. It is also a great sense of accomplishment to have a good ride at a show and that is a great confidence booster too. Showing can show you how far you have come, and also let you know what you need to work on. Just when you think you’ve got it…lol

[walktrot]

I rode some as a kid, but when I got back into it in 1999 at age 51 I wasn’t really a re-rider. I bought my own horse in 2001 and did lessons and clinics as I redeveloped my skills. I enjoyed local fun shows and some club-level shows, with occasional dressage shows thrown into the mix. There were also some “red helmet” classes for those of us over 50. I never expected much – our best finish was 2nd in an open trail class (in the arena), which has a huge surprise. It was a lot of fun. One spring I told the BO “no thanks” but continued to help her with the kids. I’ve been just as happy touring the hayfield and the woods with occasional clinics and private lessons that strike my fancy. You probably can gauge whether your instructor is offering an option or an expectation. Personally, I would avoid the latter. Whatever you decide, do it for yourself. Your instructor should respect your decision. There will be plenty of shows down the road.

[CHT]

I have some students that really love to show, and others that have zero interest. Everyone has their own reasons to ride and their own goals. But…if you want to show, but are held back by fears or lack of confidence, then tell your coach! They can help you work through that. She probably has a couple shows that are good for starting out, or might be able to tell you about close by shows that would be good to come out and watch.

[MorganMadonna]

I showed until my early 20s and took time off from riding to finish college, start my career and family, then returned to riding 15 years later. I am at a show barn and have been offered the opportunity to show both lesson horses and horses owned by boarders. I know what an independent seat should feel like and I don’t have mine back yet so I am focusing on myself and not worrying about the show stuff. My trainer understands that and hasn’t been pushy at all. While I loved showing in my younger years I’m not sure if I will ever compete again. Nothing against it, but I am really enjoying focusing on my own goals and not worrying about a timeline.