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What to Know Before You Show
Article by Stephanie Duquette for DownTheFence.com, ©2009.
For more informative articles about reined cow horse, please visit the SHOW section.

Trotting to the center of the pen to begin your first-ever reined cow horse run at a real show is an unforgettable and heart-pounding moment. For most of us, nerves are an unavoidable part of showing. However, most of the details of show day, right up to the moment you enter the arena, are completely under your control. Here are a few pointers to help you get organized and minimize pre-show jitters.

1. Are You Prepared to Perform?

Before you do anything, evaluate your skill level, especially if you plan to show down the fence. Attempting that challenge unprepared can be extremely hazardous. If you ride with a trainer, listen to him/her, and don’t argue if your coach says you need more time in the practice pen. No professional guidance? Be brutally honest about your and your horse’s ability to do the following: before1

In the reined work, will your horse:

blue-starControl his speed from fast to slow

blue-starPerform a sliding stop

blue-starPerform at least 3 1/2 spins each direction

blue-starPerform a lead change in each direction

blue-starBack up willingly


In the cow work, will your horse:

blue-star“Hook on” to the cow

blue-starStay in correct position

blue-starRemain under control at speed

blue-starSteer away from the cow, or pull completely off the cow promptly and obediently



If the answer to one or more of these questions is “no,” stay home and get more practice before showing. Your maneuvers don’t have to be world-class, but the effort and expense of showing will be more worthwhile if your horse does the above with general ease, consistency and obedience.  Read the full article...

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