America’s Top Five Best Horse Competitions

Written by admin on November 20, 2011 – 12:00 am -

There are horse competitions on virtually every weekend in every state, but some are more exciting than others. Here are the top five can’t-miss competitions from around the country.

1. The Kentucky Derby

Held at Churchill Downs in Kentucky, this is probably the most famous horse race in the world. Although it only lasts 2 minutes, it is definitely worth a watch. There are also other races run that day and many fun traditions.

2. All American Quarter Horse Congress

This is the largest single-breed show in the country and it has something for everyone. Held every year in Columbus Ohio, it features a huge variety of disciplines and a world-famous trade show.

3. AHA US Nationals

The Arabian Horse Association’s US Nationals competition, held in Oklahoma City, is a large show featuring everything from reining to halter. It is known for its spectacular evening performances.

4. Kentucky Rolex 3-Day Event

This exciting event draw the best riders from all over the world to compete in dressage, stadium jumping and cross country jumping at the Kentucky Horse Park.

5. Dressage at Devon

Held in Pennsylvania, Dressage at Devon is one of the largest dressage shows in the country and features spectacular entertainment and some of the best riders in the world.

If you are looking for a great vacation, plan a trip to one of these spectacular competitions.

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Horse Lovers Unite At Horse Competitions

Written by admin on November 19, 2011 – 12:00 am -

For horse people, there is nothing better than spending a long weekend at a horse show. Often called “unique” and maybe even “eccentric” horse people may struggle to relate to non horse people; they can’t help it, horse people just understand each other. Try talking to a non horse person about the joys of sheath cleaning, mucking, or driving a truck and trailer hours on end just to travel to a horse show; a lot of strange looks are passed! For these reasons and many more, most horse people enjoy the social aspect of horse shows almost as much as the actual showing.

Whether a horse show is just a one day, two day, or weekend long show, horse people have a chance to catch up with one another. For overnight shows, stabling is usually offered; there’s nothing better than spending a weekend stabled next to a few of your long, lost best horse show friends.

However, there are a lot of people involved with putting together a horse show. No matter what their role, an individual has to love what they do to be willing to put in the long hours of work, both mental and physical, that it takes to put together a show. Whether they are a rider, parent, sibling, spouse, volunteer, technical delegate, show ground management, secretary, or friend, they have to have a lot of passion for the sport and horse community to do the work. As a result, a horse show is filled with passionate, dedicated, and hard working individuals that are part of a community that supports and encourages one another.

No matter what your role is at a horse show, the next time you’re there, take the time to look around and enjoy the supportive and friendly community that you’re a part of.

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Learn All You Need To Know About Horse Competitions

Written by admin on November 16, 2011 – 12:00 am -

Riding can be very competitive in the show arena. You will need to be well prepared once you entire the ring in order to successfully complete a course or demonstration. Both you and your horse will need to be ready to show by training every day for a few months. This way, you can ensure that you will take home the blue!

Before you compete, you need to determine your level of riding with your horse. If you are beginner you will not want to enter into the Open Flat division. This will be against professionals! Instead, you should stick to the maiden divisions until you get better. Also, if your horse is green, you can enter him in baby green classes to compete against other horses who are young and inexperienced. This way you will build up your confidence as a team without worrying going against horse and riders with more shows under their belt.

You should always do a practice round before you show for real. This will get any nerves out of the way and you will get a feel for the course. You will see how the competition rides and handles each fence. Just remember to not get nervous!

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The History Of America’s Favorite Horsing Competitions

Written by admin on November 14, 2011 – 12:00 am -

Horse racing has been around for a long time. Some archaeological records show that horse racing even took place in the ancient civilizations of Babylon, Egypt and Syria. Chariot racing as well as horse racing were popular events in the Greek Olympics around 648 BC. Horse racing was called the “Sport of Kings” in British society where it was a popular event with aristocrats and royalty.

Horse races and games started out to be a way that equestrians honed their riding skills, especially those skills needed on the battle field. With time the sports also provided entertainment for the crowds that soon assembled to watch, to cheer and to wager. When the races and games developed into competition, specialized skills were required of the rider and the horse. As the competitions became more specialized, horses were bred for certain events. Because the skills required for combat were similar to the skills required in competition, these skills were preserved long after the horses were used in combat situations.

The care and conditioning for particular horses depends on the length of the race. The fitness plan of each horse must coincide with the race and must be coordinated to prevent injuries. Because a horse’s skeletal system does not fully mature until about four years, exercise must be monitored carefully to protect the health of the horse.

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What You Need To Know About Horse Competitions

Written by admin on November 13, 2011 – 12:00 am -

If you have ever wondered or ever wanted to compete in horse races there are a number of things that you need to know before getting starting. There are a number of different horse competitions in the United States and each one has different rules, before entering into the horse competitions be sure to read the rules and regulations to see if you qualify. Horse competitions takes a lot of dedications of your time and energy. You and your horse have to be comfortable with one another so you can learn how to interact with your horse. Being in shape is a great way to win horse competitions. You will want to stay light so your horse will be able to carry you and do the competition in a faster speed if you are lighter. You will have to learn how to discipline yourself and you will also have to learn to discipline the horse. You need to make sure that you put a lot of time in spending with the horse practicing for the competition. Always remember that practice makes perfect and the more that you and your horse are ready for the competition the better the outcome will be.

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