If you’re interested in competing at Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) shows, try these tips from trainer Ariel Hug.
What do the Mile High Equestrians hear before they enter the show ring? “Rock it like Beyonce!”
Trainer Ariel Hug says putting on a cloak of confidence helps her 21 elementary through high school riders get the judges’ attention during IEA competitions. She wants riders to trust that the hard work they put in during the team’s weekly practices will show off in the show pen.
For Interscholastic Equestrian Association shows, riders draw a horse’s name on the day of the show and can only ride at a walk while being led by a ground person before entering the arena to show in rail and pattern work. Ariel works with each of her riders to help them feel confident showing a horse they have never ridden before.
Here, she shares her tips to help riders stand out for the judges because they have trained at home, studied the horses, entered with confidence, and are aware of their positioning in the arena.
Watch and Prep
Because IEA riders can’t test-ride the horse they’ll show, Ariel says it’s crucial to watch horses go in other classes.
“Find out all you can about the horse and watch the horse go,” she says. “I have my riders watch horses work when they are warmed up or during other classes. I’ll tell them to pick the ones they think look tricky to ride. With the way we practice, I know they can ride the easy horses. But the horses that look tricky—who may be fast, lapping other horses, or pulling on the bit—those are the horses we watch. I’ll help them see why the horse may be acting that way and what they can do to ride the horse a little differently.”
If a horse is raising and lowering his head, Ariel will encourage her riders to loosen the reins if they draw that horse. Some horses may not like being ridden with constant pressure on the bit. While it’s tough to think that riding with a looser rein will help, the horse may be trained to relax and ride smoothly when not pulled back.
If a horse is speedy and lapping other horses, Ariel may advise her riders to ride with less leg pressure. It may be that the horse is used to being ridden with light pressure, and any leg cue means to add speed.
If a judge sees a horse have trouble in one class, then look calm and relaxed in another, that shows them that the newest rider knew what to do to help the horse. Riding that tricky horse may just help you win because you knew what to do to ride him well.
Make a Confident Entry
To get her riders ready to show, Ariel invites horse show judges to attend her practices and give advice to her riders. The judges report that confidence is the No. 1 show-time tip.
“Ride in there and think, ‘I’m here to win,’” she says. “How you sit in the saddle comes from having that attitude.”
Ariel says riding with your chin up and looking strong creates a presence that the judges will notice.
Look Around
“I tell my riders to have a swivel neck,” she says. “I want them to be aware of their surroundings and to see if other horses are about to lap them or cut them off.”
Ariel advises riders to be careful if riding close behind another horse—especially if two horses are already riding side by side in the arena. Plan where you can be by yourself on the rail and create space by riding deep into the corners or adjusting your speed. Judges will notice when you are aware of yourself and others.
“There might be someone around you that’s having a wreck, so you need to make sure you can get out or avoid it,” she says. “Make sure not to get yourself boxed in so the judge can’t see you behind another horse.”
Be Arena Aware
“The judge wants to see you use the whole arena when it’s time for patterns,” Ariel says. “Be aware of where you can go and how big you can make your circles.”
If you ride a pattern with a circle, make sure it’s big enough so that your horse doesn’t break gait. If you make a tiny circle, the judge will notice that you didn’t use the space you could have—and your horse may have trouble keeping a steady pace.
Ariel says to make sure you give your horse space to approach the pattern cones so that you can get into a trot if you must be trotting at the first cone.
“You’ll need to know the horse and what he needs before the patterns,” she says. “If you have a horse that’s anxious, you don’t want to make him stand still right before your turn. Allow space to circle or keep the horse moving until it’s time to be judged.”
You may also want to watch pattern classes before you enter the ring so you can see if the judge prefers riders to align the shoulder or nose with the cones. Ariel says that sometimes preferred cone placement for transitions depend on the judge’s discretion.
Consider the Horse
“If you draw a horse who’s been tense in previous classes, use your voice and your skills to help calm him down,” Ariel says. “Take some deep breaths, and it’s OK for the judge to see you talking to the horse. The judges who have visited our team mentioned that they’ve heard riders talking to the horses and speaking in a calm tone, saying, ‘You’re OK.’ That shows that the rider cares and is focused on the horse.”
| Meet the Trainer Trainer Ariel Hug coaches riders through her Hug Performance Horses in Fort Collins, Colo. (hug-performance-horses.com). She has earned nearly $30,000 in National Reining Horse Association competitions and earned NRHA Rookie Professional and NRHA Reserve Limited Open World Championship titles. |
Key Takeaways for Your Next IEA Show
No matter what horse you draw or what happens in the show ring, remember to breathe! If you have practiced and know what to do to be balanced and ride with great posture and aids, being calm and in the moment will help you do your best on show day.
This article about IEA show tips appeared in the September/October 2023 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!
