I would love to take Kizzy to our first DPS show b

[gypsydales]

but I'm really worried that she will get a bit too 'enthusiastic' and become a real handful as she does get rather excited when other ponies go trotting past. Does anyone have any handy tips? Ive been doing lots of groundwork, standing and walking on and she's fine when theres nothing exciting going on but any excuse to have a bit of fun and we're away! She's 2 years 8 months now. What would I be allowed to show her in, just a white halter?? Is that what they all use? Sheila

[Anna]

She's 3 so you would be quite fine to show her in a bit if you wanted, just a simple snaffle or otherwise, far better if its going to give you a bit more control etc. I may show this years 3 year old in one to start with as she's a bit strong at times.

Definatly take her, there is always plenty of room at the breed shows to find a quiet corner etc, the inhand ring is well-split from the ridden so they aren't set off and you have to start somewhere and the sooner you do, the better they become with time. Good luck, i'm sure you'll be fine!

[mickey]

Practise really is the only way. I remember taking Rory to his 1st show inhand with me as a 4 year old last year- the first class he was a nightmare- I dont think a pony has ever managed the long side of a school without hooves touching the surface so little before . In fact I put him back on the box and said never agin. An hour later I entered handsome horse last minute (as few entries) and explained it was just for experience. He was the only entry and it did him the world of good. After 3 shows he was sensible about it thankfully- I'd entered the yorkshire and 2 weeks prior was not going to take him until I took him to a very busy local show with the view of if he coped there we'd do yorkshire. He did and we went and he was angelic.
I've always shown him in a bridle through for control and at first tended to also have a lunge line attached for the walk from the box to the ring. Lunging him before a class initially also helped loads-was a judge who suggested that after the 1st class!
Good luck!

[Minnie]

Apr 2, 2011 14:28:37 GMT -1 mickey said:

Lunging him before a class initially also helped loads-was a judge who suggested that after the 1st class!

You may have to check with the rules of the show if you are wanting to lunge before a class. Many shows don't allow lunging on the grounds following an accident a few years ago which resulted in the death of a pony whilst being lunged. I'm pretty sure ncpa and ponies uk shows don't allow lunging on the showground but just check, it'll state in the rules

If you're really worried about it you could maybe try a calmer just to take the edge off.
Good luck

[gypsydales]

Thank you all for your handy tips and encouragement. Im tempted to take her if we can go with a bit/bridle, Ive just introduced her to that. Would I enter her in the 2 year old class or the 3?
When you mention 'calmer' Do you mean some kind of brand of calmer or aromatherapy type calmer? Sheila

[Anna]

If she's 2 years 7 months she must be rising 3, all the shows take birthdates as 1st Jan (well generally) of the year born so she'll be in the 3 year old class (born in 2008).

Calmers can be very hit and miss as to whether they work, often i think its more of a placebo type effect rather than anything physiological. They do just mask the issue rather than just dealing with the excitement with experience so you then get into a cycle of relying on the calmer so look into them carefully if you do go down that road. Nupafeed Calmer has a good reputation as a magneisum based calmer as do things like Oxyshot. Maybe some rescue rememdy for horse and human does just as a good a job

[Deleted]

I am going to start using a shot of calmer to travel sky as she isn't the best traveler, and will sweat terribly and run up horribly.
It helps take away the anxiety - When horses are anxious they tend to be lacking magnesium because of how there systems react to a stress so just helps balance the system back out! You only need one once usually with a youngster at first show as second time they are better and know what is all about
They can have a placebo effect on humans, yes I would agree (In the way that you think your horse is calmer so are not passing on your stresses) but suppose the horse doesn't know what your putting in it's system? So if you think you would manage better if she had had one then it is worth a try (and that would be a case when I could see people becoming relent on them rather than anything else) either that or get yourself a calmer

Good luck and I look forward to seeing you both at the show

[SuzieP]

What calmer to you use for Sky, Grace?

[Deleted]

Supreme defuse, NAF Magic or Oxyshot, whichever is in stock at the saddlers