Hey there! Coach Shannon here!
I can remember the first time I showed in a ranch trail class. I had been practicing at home for weeks preparing to show off my horse at a local show. I worked on my side pass, my walk overs and trot over logs, opening and closing a gate and picking up the correct lead to lope logs. Practicing at home was fun and we were doing so well! We would make mistakes in the practice arena, but overall I thought we were improving enough to enter up and show to a judge.
On the morning of the show and before any classes started, I was already intimidated by all the great looking horses and the exceptional riders. Watching the other more experienced riders flawlessly navigate the course while we fumbled along in practice made me wonder if I even belonged there. Shoot, I even considered packing up and heading home. Somehow I pulled together enough courage to stick it out and just decided we'd do our best when it was our turn.
When it was our time to enter the course, that deep sinking feeling of 'oh my I hope this goes well' grabbed at my stomach to the point of wanting to toss my breakfast. I was so nervous!
Looking back now, all I can remember is almost knocking over the side panel holding the gate when we closed it, almost falling off going over the lope overs because we were out of lead the whole way and then backing the wrong way around a boulder! Wow was it a disaster.
As we walked off the course hoping no one saw our run I remembered wondering if there was a course or book somewhere that would teach riders what and how to practice at home to become a trail champion. I knew there had to be a mental system or some secret training program that gave top riders the upper hand. Of course, what I envisioned many years ago didn't readily exist and that's why I've created it for you now.
This course is precisely a system for helping you excel in Ranch Trail. It's filled with short segments on the most common ranch trail obstacles, how to develop your own consistent formula and how to practice at home. I wish I had the same opportunity you do to practice purposefully and efficiently.
I hope you enjoy the course. It's a great way to learn, to improve or to problem solve subpar performances. Each section will have a video for you to watch and supplemental information you can print, make notes and take to the practice arena.
Enjoy!
Visit www.showteamer.us to find out more information about joining the ShowTeam community and subscribing to this course. For more from Coach Shannon, subscribe to the KZfaq Channel, visit coachshannonpigott.com and follow @coachshannonpigott on Instagram!