Dressage - The Mysterious (to me) Lure of Competition

“I like the input from the judge. I use it as a learning experience.” This is the one that really flummoxes me. Let’s analyze the cost of two training level rides at a schooling show. Each ride costs $25, so just the two tests will cost you $50. The costs of all your show attire spread out over several seasons can add another $20. You may need a groom or extra set of hands to help you out. Friends tell me that you can expect to shell out at least $35 for the help. Finally, it is not unusual, even at schooling shows to see trainers helping riders warm up. Let’s be conservative and add another $25 for the cost of some expertise. Depending on your personal situation, you may need to hire a babysitter, pay to have your horse trailered, etc. At a minimum, this experience will set you back over $100. In return, you are allowed to exhibit before the judge for approximately five to six minutes. If you are lucky, the judge may make several comments to you after you finish your ride. After waiting what seems to you an unbearable period of time, you receive a test with the judges comments written briefly but succinctly (hopefully). With test in hand, you head home to continue your education. With my $100, I prefer to take several lessons or attend a clinic. In those situations, I have the ability to ask questions, get suggestions and try out those suggestions while the person “judging” me (the instructor or clinician) is still watching me. And I get 45 minutes or more, compared to your six. Which of us can learn more, given those circumstances?

“I like to show.” To me, this sounds like one of those things you say to yourself over and over, hoping you will eventually come to believe it. If I analyze this statement, it means that you like to get up at 3:00 A.M., in order to get the horse cleaned, the trailer packed and on the road early enough to arrive at your class, which is inevitable the first class of the day. You must also like to probability of riding in the rain, the wind or in scorching heat, which is the weather most favored by horse shows. And you enjoy the risk that your horse will pull a shoe or muscle minutes before

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