Show with Halter
Here is the basic set-up that every horse showing pro uses. From American Quarter Horse Journal
Learn To Show
AQHA Beginners Guide to Showing
Ready to get started in the Western show ring? The American Quarter Horse Journal has the information you need.
Are You Competing Against Yourself or the Competition?
Whichever way you look at it, you have to find whatever works for you to bring success.
A Primer for Enjoying Rated Horse Shows
Make the step up from local schooling shows to USEF-recognized competition with confidence, using these tips a licensed steward, judge, and course designer.
Six Tips for a Successful Show
Ensure that your next show outing is a positive one with these pointers from U.S. Dressage Federation gold medalist Courtney King.
Be Prepared: Countdown to Competition
Whether you and your horse are show ring rookies or seasoned pros, show time jitters can send you both on an emotional roller coaster. Here's a timeline to help make your show day a success.
How to Beat Horse Show Nerves
Nervousness hindering your performance? World-champion pro and coach Carol Metcalf helps you kick those horse show jitters and nerves to the curb.
How to Qualify for Novice Championships
The AQHA tells you three ways to qualify for the inaugural AQHA Novice Championship Shows.
Play It Safe At Horse Shows
Writing for America's Horse Daily, equine events coordinator Nancy Easton tells how to prevent accidents at shows.
The Psychology Behind Showmanship Classes
AQHA judge Holly Hover has helped transform many exhibitors into showmanship champions with her collection of showmanship psychology tricks. Her tricks include handwriting analysis, dressing for success, body language and positive thinking.
How To Look Good in the Show Ring
To present themselves as relaxed but attentive equestrians ready to take on the challenges of a class, youth riders must convince judges they understand the nature of their event and how best to position themselves in the saddle for effective commands. From America's Horse Daily
What Potential Pleasure Drivers Need to Know Before They Show.
When looking for a horse to use in pleasure driving there are several things to consider first. From America's Quarter Horse Journal.
New Horse Sports for the 21st Century
Six growing sports offer hot new opportunities for Western riders. By Gavin Ehringer for Horse&Rider magazine.
Calm Your Dressage Show Anxiety
Try these proven methods for overcoming dressage show anxiety to help you perform at your best. From Dressage Today.
English Riding is Good Training for Western
Basic training in English riding can enhance your western performance. English riding offers a lot to both beginning riders and more-experienced riders who have primarily ridden western. Christine Hamilton for the American Quarter Horse Journal.
Game Day Strategy for Showing
Christine Hamilton discusses how competitors prepare for a finals appearance at the Built Ford Tough AQHYA World Championship Show.
A Star in Any Arena
Out of the many stars at the 2008 Built Ford Tough AQHYA World Championship Show, one exhibitor shone in a special way. Like many young people, Cassidy Miller of Carlsbad, California, began riding at age 7. But her start was with a therapeutic riding instructor.
Getting Started in Cutting
In this article, Al gives the lowdown on what it really takes to be cutter, and how to do it without breaking the bank (cutting can be an expensive sport). He also provides detailed info about the cattle used for cutting, and what kind of horse it takes to get the job done.
Preparing for Your First Reining Competition
First-time reining event contestants are eager to compete and eager to learn how to perform better. Reining competitions can be stressful, however, for even the seasoned competitor. Here are tips to better prepare newcomers as they get ready for their first reining competitions.
Are You in Shape to Show?
Sometimes horse owners become so wrapped up in the care, comfort and performance of their horses that they forget that they are half of the competitive team. The rider?s physical fitness, nutrition, rest and overall health also play a determining role in the overall show ring performance. Here are ways competitors can consider their own personal care during competitions. From America's Horse Journal
Video: Getting Started in Reining with Al Dunning
Al Dunning names a critical quality for anyone who wishes to succeed at the sport of reining. In the clip, featured on EquiSearch.com, he also stresses the need for a secure, well-balanced seat.