PaintHorseJournal-2009-Dec:Layout 1 - Paint Horse Association of ...

Of course it’s exciting! You can’t wait to be back on
the show circuit and in touch with all your Paint buddies
again. It’s a time to look forward to, getting back
into competing, discussing and seeing new foals and
upcoming youngsters or maybe to show off your own!
You’re even thinking about what events you’re going
to focus on. It’s hard to curb your enthusiasm at the
thought of the first show. The thrill of competition is
just around the corner and you’re totally prepared
for the busy year ahead. Well – aren’t you? Mmmm –
maybe not totally prepared. If that sounds like you,
make some changes this year. Read on, plan ahead
and be completely organised!
Funds
As exciting as it is, before you can decide on which
shows you’ll be attending during the coming year,
you’ll need to be realistic and make certain you’re
the financial side of it. Just a snippet of information to
keep in mind; agricultural show prizemoney is quite
good and it would be beneficial for our Paint horses
to make a return to these shows. So think about it. If
you find yourself short of cash, plan on making a little
extra income each week. The difference it’ll make to
your bank balance and show season will be amazing.
National, State and Regional Shows
Mark these dates down on your planner and use different
coloured highlighter pens to fill in the definites
and the maybes. Write in the contact phone number
for each show. Contact them early for show programs,
entry conditions and pre-entry deadlines.
Check and clean your gear to look as stunning as this show saddle from Sothern Cross Saddlery.
going to have the funds to cover the whole process.
Showing is either part of your horse business or it’s
a hobby. Either way, money comes into it. The word
‘budget’, as horrible as it sounds, is something we all
need to adopt in these times. So, before planning to
go show, know the budget you’ll be working with.
Know where the money’s going to come from and
how much there’ll need to be week to week. If you
run a horse business, you’ll have already done your
sums and from here on in will just need to keep
records of all your expenses and income. If showing
is your hobby, sit down and work out how much
you’re going to need to feed your frenzy. It may help
to open a separate bank account and use it specifically
for your expenses and income (prizemoney, etc) from
your horse showing. It’s an easy way to keep track of
If you intend competing at the State or National
shows, get your entries in as early as possible. Set
goals for classes you intend on being really competitive
in at these shows, and then plan your showing
strategy from the start to mentally and physically
prepare yourself and your horse. Put some time into
planning for these shows. They are major events on
the calendar and mean you’ll be away from home for
more than a day or two. With this in mind, organise
yourself early with regards to having you property and
any ‘left at home’ animals cared for while you’re gone.
Vehicle & Float
There’s nothing as bad as a breakdown on a busy highway
when you’re loaded up with horses and gear, not
to mention your passengers. So before the show season
starts up again be sure not to overlook these very
important things. Take your vehicle and float along to
your regular mechanic for a full engine and safety ❯➤
December 2009/January 2010 | PAINT HORSE JOURNAL 39