Mustang

A friend of mine told me this question and I would like to ask you guys who know a lot of information regarding horses. He wants to know "why does his horse gets jittery in shows but its calm when at home?"

alexis

Comfort zone. They are used to things they are around alot. Same with my daughter, she is 1, and has almost always been at home. Anytime she is around a setting she is not familiar with, she gets fussy. I see no reason why this would not apply for animals in outside surroundings.

cherokeemyluv

New things are as much to blame as the rider's own nerves. Horses rely upon their rider to tell them if something is scary or safe. Most people who go to a show are nervous themselves and translate this to the horse by being tight through their legs, hands, and the tension on the reins. Many horses would learn to not be bothered by shows if their owners helped them realize its not really scary at all.

WagonsHo

My horse at home is very calm, but when I take her to a jumping show, watch out. The area is full of people, and the announcer is blasting over the loud speaker. I am also nervous and my horse picks up on it. I have found if I saddle up early, then stand outside the ring and try to be calm it helps my horse. My horse gets to observe the strange surrounding and I get to do my zen calming chants

Mustang

So this means that the rider itself should not be nervous in a show. What are the ways to make the horse comfortable in shows where there is a large crowd and noisy environment? How do we a rider himself/herself prepare for such shows?