When I was 10 I rode english for about 3 months and went to a few local shows. I then started riding western and took up barrel racing which I have done for the past 20 years.  I have ridden and trained a few horses and competed on a professional level in this event. I would like to start riding and showing english a bit since I really enjoyed it when I was younger but I have attended a few shows to watch and I am really confused as to what classes would be appropriate for me to show in.  Even though I have some pretty good horse experience, not much was in an equitation type event or show arena.

So, my question is.....My local shows have a beginner division and they specify a beginner rider as a person any age in their 1st or 2nd year of showing.  Is this where I should enter or should I be in the open classes with other people who have alot more show experience than I? 

 Thanks for your opinions!

 Well, I can only say if I was going to go show Western, I would certainly be showing in beginner classes -- but I don't consider myself a professional trainer and certainly don't show professionally.  I will leave it to others with similar experience to give you a better opinion, but personally, I would not be offended if a barrel racer/western rider showed English in the beginner division for a couple shows to get the feel of things.  It certainly is different ball of wax than racing!

I think that it would depend mostly on your comfort level.  I think it may be beneficial to start out in a beginner class just so that you can get feel of things.  Beginner classes are also walk/trot, but if you feel comfortable cantering in a group in new surroundings then an open class may be fine. 

Thank you both for your honest opinions.  I'm pretty comfortable riding in a group and cantering is not a problem. Its just looking good while I'm doing it!!! And of course my horse would be new to it also.  I put an excellent foundation on my horse before we even started her on the barrels so she should have no problem making the change. 

I was really surprised to see the level of competition at the local shows. I thought there would mainly be backyard type horse & riders there but there were actually some really classy type horses & very competitve riders.  I feel very comfortable in my riding but I'm not sure I will be as polished as they are. And I know that only comes with time and experience which led to me questioning where I should show.

 I would certainly think that entering the beginner division would be fine.  You've been competing in a different event, but not showing in English, so you would meet the beginner division criteria.

You also might want to start with the "Hunter under saddle" (or whatever they might call them at your show) classes, not equitation, if you're worried about how you look.  You probably look fine!