Showing this weekend, just some questions! **LONG**

From one equestrian to another I must say your horse is absolutely gorgeous as I do have a week spot for TB's and yes while he may not be fit for a rated show or anything...I do not believe I schooling show would do much harm at all I trust the OP's judgement as I do know her via youtube that she will put her horses health before her wants and will be smart in what she does whether she rides him or not. I've been around horses way worse than Bear in shows that have beaten Warmbloods without a problem.

But is that really the point? When you take in a rescue shouldn't your number one priority be to get him in top condition, bond with him, and be happy together BEFORE you start trying to win things? Actually, it should be that way with ANY horse, but especially rescues.
What is the harm in waiting? I'd really like to know. Wait until bones in his back aren't showing, until he has been ridden more, and has some muscle on him! I mean, a schooling show for the experience can seriously wait until spring... Just saying. I don't understand how on earth a schooling show needs to happen so quickly. He has all the time in the world...

Quoted for truth again.
I just cannot understand the rush. It's one show. Your horse is unfit and more to the point, he's skinny.
I really lose respect for anyone who claims to show or wants to show a horse that is in that condition. I find it infuriating that a person would put showing above a horse's well-being - and KNOW that it's wrong and will just "claim ignorace" if she's called out on it.

I'm done in this thread. OP, you've heard seasoned people on this board tell you to not do it.

I dont think there is any reason for a rush...and I dont think she is rushing into this...she has had him for enough time to bond with him (people bond with horses at different rates) so I think its immature to judge the OP's bond with her horse without knowing her or the horse...I dont think showing is her main goal but its a good way to keep the horse in shape and idk what shows you guys do but in my experience...most shows I do, schooling or not, the horse has just about as much fun as me....which is usually a lot....so on the subject of stressing the horse out...that is a rider error...your horses are sensing your stress...I also find dressage it's last comment very offensive...for all we know you guys could both be novice riders pretending to be something they are not...there is also someone say to do it...I suggest before you make comments like that...you look into it a little it more. You guys do not know the horse or the rider, and all situations are different.

I don't think he looks that bad. Did you guys read the timing ofthe pictures? Yes, in the "confo" pic he is a bit skinny. But in the most recent (western) picture, I see no ribs. He is under muscled and his butt is a bit sunken in, but he looks like a horse ready for work to muscle him up. I wouldn't jump a course on him, but a few WT classes aren't going to harm him.

In shape? Doesn't that mean he'd have to have a shape to begin with? He's not of a healthy weight. There shouldn't be a worry about keeping him in shape yet! She said herself, she only walks and trots because he physically shouldn't be ridden very hard.

Shows are stressful. A horse is being taken out of his home environment and put into a place that is unfamiliar. There are people, dogs, trucks, other horses, etc... new sounds and smells... it's not a walk in the park. A seasoned show horse has fun at a show, I agree! But I don't think a rescue horse who was rescued less than two months ago should be exposed to that kind of thing just yet.

We're not saying that the horse and rider aren't bonded. They definitely can be. However, when a horse is put in that kind of environment, you need to know them inside and out 100%... which is doubtful that she's reached that point with him in two months. No doubt they have a bond and love for each other though.

I don't know about JDI's showing experience, but I am not a novice. I have been showing since I was old enough to enter walk/trot events on my own. I grew up on a breeding farm and we showed constantly. I have been to the APHA world show all my growing up... and countless others. I am exposed to the show world. I feel like I can have a say in this that matters.

You can do what you want at the end of the day, but like JDI said... I lose respect for someone who would show a horse in that condition... and that IS rushing a horse. He's not ready. There is another thread where the OP says she's just starting western on him, first ride being 10/19... and she wants to show on the next weekend in something she AND the horse don't have much experience at? Really? Beyond the fact he is a rescue that's a little hasty.

And 1dog- I agree W/T won't hurt him. But four classes, and being in the show environment is stressful.

I agree with you although she said the horse has been shown before and it is a schooling show which is meant for horses like this, and yes to keep him in shape...if she didnt ride him or didnt ride him enough and only fed him and gave him supplements and weight gaining junk, he would not be in any shape for showing either...it takes a mixture of the right kind of conditioning and feeding, horses are just like humans in this area of life. Someone that is too skiny doesnt just stop exercising or exercise bear minimum...but instead eats the right food and exercises to make the most of the food he/she eats.

Okay, well it seems like we're as close to agreeing as we're going to be. lol Whether she shows or not is ultimately her decision and I hope she chooses whatever she feels right after reading this thread. Good luck, OP.

While jumping, galloping etc with a underweight horse is very wrong I see nothing wrong with a couple of w/t classes. In fact, I encourage it. He is not THAT skinny, and what is a better way to bond then spending the day togeth in a low stress friendly environbent. And its not as if its a championship, if you feel he is getting stressed just simply go home.

Sitting in a field eating is not a good way to get healthy. Everyday he should get out and do something, if he's a rescue horse then you need to show him that there is something better out there than the abuse/neglect he previously suffered. (Which you are obviously doing). Personally, I think NOT excercising him is a bad idea. Give him plenty of hay and alfalfa etc and NEVER overwork him, not because he's skinny because he is not conditioned thats all. Going on trailrides, playing around, lungeing with side reins all of these things are fun and productive. And eating hay and sitting around will not help him build up muscles, only work will do that. And I'm not saying you should go do a jump course but what you are doing is perfect.

Horses are not little breakable fragile glass dolls. They romp and play. I know my OTTB is miserable when I dont ride him. Bear loves you, thats all you need to know.

Last comment, I promise:
Wow, I find it quite intriguing that there are so many first time posters making their absolute first appearance on this thread.