Please Help Me!!! :'(

In January of 2009, I met Cody. I have never really felt that "special connection" between horse and rider until then. Cody meant everything to me, he was all I wanted. Fast, Fun, and Thrilling. I have always had a special place in my heart for Mustangs, especially Buckskins. Cody is a stunning 14.3hh Mustang Gelding, and yes, he is a Buckskin...

I've been working at High Point Stables since November of 2006, and I love it. I get free riding lessons in exchange for my services, and tremendous discounts on showing fees. Well, after riding many horses, everyone agreed that Cody and I appeared to be the best team. When he first came to High Point he was truly psycho, he would not let anyone mount him. He would bolt, sidestep, spook at every little thing and had horrendous bucking fits. I, along with Kayla and many others worked desperately to train Cody. After months, all the other girls got beautiful warmblood horses, but I never left Cody. I continued to fine tune his ability, and after four years, he is jumping up to 3"3 and we are showing, as a team, in the local events. I do not have the money to purchase a horse, but it is my hope that I will always have my Cody.

Our first horse show was on September 13th, 2009. I placed 3rd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th in Parkland, Florida out of 12 riders, pretty decent huh? We did four classes together, Crossrails (Trotting) and Flat Classes. He behaved alright, but he doesn't like people leaning on the rails or getting up in his face. He also doesn't like all the noise and excitement, it makes him antsy. Any suggestions that will calm his (and my) nerves?

We have a horse show this coming Sunday, November 8th. Anyone in our area is MORE then welcome to attend. I have a better idea of what the judges are looking for now. However, I only want to improve and I want advice on how to do so? What should I make sure I do (don't do)? My diagonals have gotten so much better...but what do those judges REALLY look for?

This is a picture of my friend Kayla riding Cody...

first off, that martingale is dangerously too long! and it dosnet look like you need it. he tracks very well. just be confident and you will do fine.