Can't get pony to relax and behave when showing

[sweetiepie1809]

Hi
My daughter has a 13hh show pony which is 5. This pony is very well behaved in the stable and being ridden, however when we go into a show it is a different pony. We have had other people who are more experienced than my daughter ride it in shows, to see if my daughter is tense but the pony is exactly the same! What should I do?

[ilovebuckroox]

Have you tried going to a few local shows, and not showing? Don't take any show stuff, wear all 'normal' clothing & tack, and stay in the quieter areas of the show ground. You could even take a few others from your yard if possible, the pony may feel more comfortable with the surroundings then.

[sweetiepie1809]

We have done that and she is fine, even with show stuff on, working in she always goes lovely it as soon as you take her in she is a different pony

[lulah]

As its only when in the ring im guessing she is becoming either really excitable or really anxious.
Mine was simular and I have found dressage has sorted the problem . That way he got used to being watched and performing infront of a judge but without all the distractions of other ponies.
He is now a million times better in the show ring.
Its also a good idea to do as many varied disiplines to stop them becoming bored .

[tabbyx]

I'd try ear plugs and a shot of calmer, will just relax the pony and make shows more enjoyable.
I would suggest trying ear plugs at home first to see if the pony will tolerate them as some hate them, personally would go for the Courtlea or Supreme Products plugs as they don't tend to irritate the skin inside the ears as they are soft.
Calmer wise I'd say Supreme Products or Magic instant calmers are good, usually take half an hour to an hour to kick in. It will be trial and error to start with to get the right amount&timing etc. for the pony.
Maybe lunge pony for 20 minutes before getting on or turn the pony out the night before if possible and maybe get more experienced jockey to work pony in so that your daughter doesn't get nervous.
Best of luck!

[sweetiepie1809]

we have already tried dressage but thanks , thanks will try the calmers ear plugs and lunging before

[sarahp]

I must admit I'm old school and prefer to sort out a problem rather than mask it. As a 5yo she's only a baby - what has she done before? If nothing she is still learning to settle to her job, but if shown extensively in hand she could have learned that she is expected to strut her stuff and show off in the show ring and is acting accordingly. Is she used to being ridden in a group? If not, that is always exciting for ponies. Either way I'd say more mileage is the only answer, how about PC or RC, more local shows if only the "pretty pony" classes, or taking her hunting in the winter?

[flo1]

I agree...It's easy to forget that ponies can suffer with nerves too, the more she gets out, even if only for a little ride round the showground, the more relaxed she'll get.