Conference noted::equitation

    
    I strongly recommend getting a coach before you start showing. 
    
    There is so much that a qualified coach can see from the ground 
    to help you and your horse perform correctly and safely.  This is
    to your benefit as well as your horses. 
    
    In addition, having established a relationship with your coach helps
    at the shows because that person can help you focus on your job at
    hand rather than on the distractions of other people and horses and 
    activities. 
    
    Also, jumping at a show is very different than schooling at home.  
    Everything looks different to you and your horse.  Your coach can 
    help you with 'expected manners' in the schooling ring, around the 
    grounds, and in the show ring. 
    
    Mary Jo 

    I can relate!
    
    This may sound weird, but the best advice I can give
    you is to just concentrate on your breathing.  The
    first time I rode for some very intimidating people
    (my heroes at the time), I was so nervous I held my breath 
    and almost fainted on the way out of the ring.  This has 
    all sorts of terrible effects on things :).
    
    Try not to think about anything.  The japanese refer to 
    this as "Mushin" (literally translated it means 
    "no mind")...just be one with your horse, relax.  You'll
    have a blast!!!  It'll be a great experience for you
    both.  
    
    Best of luck!!!!
    beth
    
    
    
    

	I have to agree with Mary Jo - get a trainer!! I did a couple
	on my own and then got a trainer - it makes a world of difference!
	If you don't have one, take an experienced show person with you
	that can at least say things like 

		stay way out at the rail
		stay away from the other horses
		relax
		breathe
		slower (or faster)

	or whatever else is needed as you go along.

	*own* the ring - do some visualization, go for warmups!

	-julie

if it is an option - maybe you should start on the flat for your first show. 

What kind of show is it? Hunter, Event, Two-phase?

Can you just go and ride a couple of tests or flat classes?

You don't *have* to be under the supervision of a coach - if you don't have one.
Just don't overcommit yourself, consider this a school for *you* (usually its'
your horse that is green to shows ;-).

Relax and have fun. If you don't have a good experience - you won't want to "get
on the trailer" again...

Margie Goldstein wasn't built in a day (or who would be the equivalent event
rider?)

Good Luck and try to get a good night's sleep.....

    What about just going to a local show, parking the trailer for a 
    few hours, and just hacking around the grounds/warm up area without
    actually competing? You'd be able to get yourself accustomed to the
    atmosphere without the stress of competing the first time, you could
    leave whenever you wanted, and you'd learn how your horse acts in
    shows (he's done it before, and is probably fine, but you never know)
    without discovering some idoicyncracy of his in a structured class.
    If all goes well, attend another but plan on entering only 1 or 2
    classes ... you get the idea.  There's no hurry, build your mileage
    and confidence slowly.   

    THANKS
    
    To everyone so far for the advice...  It has given me plenty of
    pointers....
    
    Marylyn
    and Statham Sandpiper...