Thanks for allowing me to assist you, I am the horse's servant and will do my best to help you with your horse. A great place to start is to decide where you want to show. One day local shows are held every weekend somewhere. If you wish to show at a multi day show or part of a circuit (such as the "Thermal" show circuit), you will want an honest assessment by a qualified trainer in your discipline. Scour over the horse magazines that are specific to your breed/discipline to be sure you are being honest about your expectations of yourself nd your horse. Costs increase substantially when you involve a trainer for daily schooling at the show, grooms for preparation, stabling fees, grounds fees, drug fee, etc. The horses specific status such as "maiden pleasure" or "green hunter" are based upon specific guidelines that each organization prints in the show premium. Often show goals are metered by the finances you wish to dedicate for your show se ason. If you would like to show at breed shows, the quality of horse will be a factor, while an open show will likely be performance based. This means that a great horse with average performance may do better at a breed show versus an open show where more homely horses can get a look from the judge if the performances are superior. Obviously the higher levels of competition tolerate very few errors and require quality horses to bring home prizes. If your longterm goal is to become a better rider and horseman, then spending the money on clinics may be a better investment for you and your horse! I am an avid fan of competition and think it can bring your horsemanship to a much higher level than continual practice. Whichever you decide is the best route for you and your horse, I hope you have fun and keep long term goals in mind over short term outcomes. Feel free to ask more questions if you wish, I love to chat about horses!
Best Wishes!
S Lytal, MS CESMT