From a Select Point of View With Candace Jussen: Is “Politics” a Dirty Word?

EC Blog: Candace Jussen

Since we are just starting off the show season, I thought I would address an issue that everyone talks about… politics.

EWWWUUU… Nasty subject? Well, not really, if you understand it. Politics are in everything, from our children’s school situations to organizing a dinner party. Politics play a role in just about every part of our lives. The misunderstanding is to think that we can’t aspire to have politics actually work for us instead of feeling like we are the victims of a larger system.

Ok, so what is politics exactly? Some like to think that politics is what creates an uneven playing field so the majority has no chance of winning. In this conversation, I will use the horse show arena as an example of politics. In some ways, politics does give certain exhibitors an edge but not necessarily in the way most think.

For example, if you compete in trail, there are certain styles that are current, i.e. the way you open a gate or the way you back through the L. When you learn these styles, it is apparent to the judges, who also know the style of the day. They see your involvement and your determination in how you perform and navigate the obstacle. If you are following the current style and staying on top of what is expected of you and your horse, they see this. Typically, you will be judged accordingly. Provided that you do the pattern correctly, you will have an advantage over the person who does not use the current styles. You may like it or not, but it isn’t favoritism,. It’s simply the current trend of how to perform in that particular event.

Over the years, all of the events have evolved into what they are now. Some criticize this evolution, but that’s a waste of time if you want to really compete. Spending all your energy complaining about how and what the show ring has turned into isn’t going to help you or make your journey very fun. So, sit down and decide if this is really what you want. If you find that where things have come to is just not for you, then I would say you might like another venue. Otherwise, accept it and get to work on how you can be as good as you can.

Now, getting back to the actual business of competing. Of course, the most successful competitors are often with the top trainers. If you are one of these people, pass this part and go to the next. But, if you are a competitor that has your horse at home or with a good trainer, but you still want to improve, then I do have a lot of ideas for dealing with what people call “politics.”

What do those exhibitors, who are usually referred to as the political winners, have that others don’t? One thing is the style that I talked about earlier. It’s a huge advantage and shows your dedication and drive to win. If you’re not in a situation where you can use the top trainers to learn this, that’s ok, you can go to their clinics. Charlie Cole, one of the best trail trainers around, gives clinics at some of the big horse shows like the Sun Country Circuit. If you’re not planning on competing at that show, planning a trip to take advantage of his clinic would be hugely helpful. Tim Kimura often gives clinics as well, and he is the bar by which we all hope to measure.

If travel is out of the question, then get online and find videos of these and other trainers. Videos are some of the best tools available and something that we certainly did not have when I started showing. Study these videos, and, if you can get a buddy to video you, it’s even more helpful. There’s nothing like watching yourself to really see how and what you are doing right and wrong. Often times it’s very different than what we think we are doing.

Most of the bigger shows actually post their trail patterns online so you can download and practice before the show. I didn’t know this when I first came back to showing trail. What a dummy I felt like… Right there is a huge advantage. Is that politics? Is it unfair? No. Anyone can use these tools. All you need to do is get out and check on things. If you are locked up in your house complaining about how others are winning, then you aren’t open to finding these things out.

One final (unrelated) note for those Select competitors out there… don’t forget to eat. I know we all worry about weight and how we will manage to fit into those show outfits, (That’s an entirely separate issue) but running out of steam is a real problem when you are older. It’s much more important to get something into your system. Even a piece of fruit or a breakfast drink can help. I love the Boost drinks because I can grab one and head out the door. The Kind breakfast bars are delicious too and last forever, so you can store a few in a carry-on bag and leave them in your car.

In a future blog, I will go into everything a Select competitor should have in his or her overnight bag which will cover everything from UTI meds that you can buy over the counter to how to eliminate those last minute stress attacks.

Stay with us and get out and show. It’s fun and so good for you.

Enjoy the journey. It’s your time.

Candace

Note: Remember, you too can write a blog like Candace. E-mail b.bevis@equinechronicle.com for more information.