You should always consult with your instructor before entering any class however most beginner riders will want to enter a beginner class regardless of their horses skill level. Entering a class you are unprepared for will ultimately result in a low score even if your horse preforms well. Before buying or leasing a horse you should however always find out what skill level the horse is. This will allow you proper room to grow with your horse. Having a horse who is much more skilled than you can also increase your score in lower classes.

Many shows offer a variety of beginner classes which are challenging and fun. Do not be tempted to enter a higher class then your skill level just because your horse can handle it. Inexperienced riders can injure themselves or their horse by trying to compete at higher class levels. It simply isn’t worth the risk.

Once your instructor approves you for higher classes you should then start to consider applying for these classes. Many shows will not allow you to enter a beginner and advanced class in the same show. You will also want to consider exactly what your horse is skilled in. Many horses are only trained in one type of ridding such as English, hunter, western, jumper, and dressage. You may have a skilled barrel racing horse and but that doesn’t mean you should enter them in a beginner jumper class. The previous owner or leaser should be able to tell you exactly which classes your horse has excelled in in the past. This will give you a good idea of which courses the horse will do best on but you should never assume that you as a rider are skilled enough to handle these higher end type courses. Practice makes perfect and after a while you will find yourself matching your horses skill level.