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On the Plus Side
Taking the Reins
By Allison Trimble, Coastal Equine Performance Horses
Make this show season yours!
H
ave you ever come to a point in your is having a horse that is well fed and cared for so
life when you’ve said, “This is my time, it is fueled and ready for the long season ahead.
my year”? It is what I have decided “The New Horse Market—Buying,” November
for 2010—for my business, my horses and my 2008, “Sale Shopping,” February 2008, “Feeding
family, this is our year. Over the past three years the Performance Horse,” July 2008.
we have been on a journey together here in On
the Plus Side. We have covered everything from
Do Your Homework
showing and training to buying and selling. So
Training happens at home, not once you get
I have decided that if you want this to be your
to the show. Remember that in order to show
year in the showpen, then I will highlight the
well, you have to have a horse that is broke at
things that will help make that happen and
home fi rst. There is no way that a miracle will
occur and a horse that doesn’t stop well at home
Allison Trimble is involved in
condense them into one article. I will be making
references to past NWHS articles that cover
will stop huge in a show. Most often, you will
the performance horse industry
each topic more thoroughly. If you haven’t kept
get only a fraction of the performance from your
on many levels. She competes
all of your past articles, they can be found in the
horse when showing that you have when you
regularly in NRCHA, NRHA and
article archives at www.nwhorsesource.com or
are riding at home. “The Right Fit,” April 2008.
AQHA events and is a board
on my website at www.coastalequine.com.
member of the NWRCHA.
School Your Horse
Starting Out
Once you have gotten your horse ready to
Allison owns and operates
The fi rst step in any journey must be the
show at home, it is time to do a test drive. If you
Coastal Equine in Ferndale, WA,
unwavering belief that you can and will be
want to have a horse that performs at a certain
where she trains, gives lessons, successful. If you build a house on a shaky foun-
level in the showpen consistently, training in the
sells quality performance hors-
dation, it is likely to be a doomed project. No one
showpen is a must. Knowing how your horse
es and stands Cue Bars Laddie
can give that to you;
will react in the
it is a gift that only
A slip-up can cause a show environment
and Cow Cuttin Colonel.
you can give yourself.
complete upset in your focus
is something you
Visit www.coastalequine.com I can not emphasize need to know before
enough how important this aspect is to your
you are in a position where you care how you
success as a showperson. “Choose Confi dence,”
perform. Maintaining your horse’s honesty and
November 2009.
desire to show is key in a successful show season.
For every time you run your horse chasing a
Making it Happen
prize, you should expect to have to school him.
For many people, the biggest limitation in
“Schooling your Horse,” October 2009.
showing is the cost. There are many ways to save
money at home so you have a bigger budget to go
Set Goals
and show with. This year already has the feel of
Set realistic goals for yourself and your horse.
moving in a more prosperous direction for many
Spend as much time on your mental training as
people, but it is important to be cost conscious as
you do training your horse. “Staying a Cut Above,”
you move forward so you don’t get partway into
March 2008.
the show season and have it put on hold because
Find Your Place
of your fi nances. “Making it Through the Winter,”
Find an association or a series of shows that
October 2008.
fi t your ability level, social comfort level and goals
Your Horse
for the year. Set a show schedule dependent on
Your horse is going to make a huge impact on
your goals and budget. Over-committing to shows
your success in the showpen. If you are buying a
you can’t afford or aren’t fi nancially prepared for
horse, this is a great time. Even more important
will add to your stress when showing. “Join the
PHOTO: PRIMO MORALES PHOTOGRAPHY
Cowhorse Fun,” April 2009, “Showing on a Budget,”
August 2008.
20 March 2010 The Northwest Horse Source www.nwhorsesource.com
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