My cheap tack and showing

I'm hoping to enter a novice show this year, I have watched a few shows and seen people on their fancy horses and expensive tack and bridles and ourfits. I think a show would be great fun but would I be a laughing stock in my 150 dollar saddle and 30 dollar bridle. And I admit my horse has never been to a show before and is a very odd colour. I really want to go into a small show but I don't want to be a laughing stock..

I can assure you that SEVERAL of us here have gone to shows not having the fanciest horse or most expensive tack! Go anyways, make yourself as presentable as possible, and have fun! From the back of a galloping horse people won't be able to see what brand of saddle you have! Make sure your tack is neat, conservative, and clean and that everything fits well. Bathe your horse, pull his mane (it is amazing how much of a difference a well kept mane will make!), and be proud of his color! People these days are really into unique colors and you'd be surprised at how many compliments you may get. (what is he?) I'm pretty certain I have the only red dun pony in the entire hunter circuit in my region and people LOVE him!
Last year my friend and I thought it'd be fun to 'crash' some dressage shows with our hunters, our brown tack, snaffle bits, and simple nosebands. I was riding the only buckskin pony (competing against fancy WB) and yes people stared, but you know what? We won almost every class! And people this year are like, Oh, I remember you! You're the one with the cute pony! Plus, we had a TON of fun! Just go and have a blast without worrying about what people say or what ribbons you get. Esp since it'll be your horse's first show! GOod luck!

How uncivilized... :roll:

Just kidding, that's wonderful.

My first show I forgot my saddle at the barn and when my dad went back for it, he brought the wrong one... a barrel saddle. So I showed western pleasure in a working barrel saddle.

Omg.. I remembermy very first show, god I wore this horribal outfit
-gag-
It was a thick cotten bretches that are about a million sizes to big
And a white baggy butten shirt
I looked like a big marshmello
But all I worried about was the pictures lol!
But I did great and I won a couple of blue ribbons
If ppl make fun of you for the looks I think that's kinda rediculous!

We have all been there. I went to my first show two years ago, and had no clue what I was getting into. I had gotten all cheap tack on ebay because I was not sure what I was getting into. I had a buddy with me so it was a bit easier. We didn't know the rules or expectations, but made it through. I learn more with every season, and found out that I really like it, so am not investing in nicer tack. I have been learning as I go, but it is a lot of fun, and really challenges you to improve yourself and your horse.

Good luck, have fun.

Definitely don't worry about your horse's color! It's probably even a benefit! The judge will see -Rider on horse with cool color- instead of -Rider #123 on another Chestnut horse-

As for your tack not costing a fortune...it's not all that big of a deal. As mentioned, if it's clean, well-fitted, and appropriate, it's good! Good grooming and turnout helps more than a $2000 saddle. I'd just be sure to avoid super-outdated trends...like rust colored breeches for English.

I bet while you're in the arena at your first show, there will be some little girl on the sidelines admiring you!

And boy, you sure have struck my curiosity! What color is your horse??

PS - You are my hero!!

He he I never had expensive horse things... I think the most expensive piece of tack I owned was my Stubben Jeuventus saddle, it was a little over $2grand, and I absolutely worshipped the thing. I had okay stuff, but none of it was top of the line or anything. My little TB mare was gorgeous, but she was, well, little and a TB... not a "fancy shmancy" 18hh Warmblood!

Let me tell you, good riding is NOT equal to owning great things.. it was SO rewarding winning over "Daddy's Money" Warmbloods!! (So go kick their butts!!)

Enjoy showing!!

PS - most people can't even tell the difference between a $300 and $1300 saddle at first glance anyways!

One of the known cutting trainers said (mod - sorry for my language, it's citation :) ): "Who cares what piece of crap truck/trailer you are driving to the show if you leave the show with check in your pocket". Can't more agree on that. If you want to show than just go for it and dont' pay attention on stupid laugh! And good luck winning it!

Haha, Thanks!! It was F-U-N! My friend and I are H/J trainers so when we show there's a lot of pressure to do well, win on our clients' horses, get the bucks and spooks out of the green horses, etc. It was great just going to a show where we really didn't care how we did, what we looked like, or who was watching. And who knew, dressage people are nice people!