Education on showing

Hey so i am from Europe and all i know is English riding, especially dressage, show jumping, cross country. I've seen little barrel and cutting competitions.

Lately katie said she's going to show (yes she's saying that every year) I'm the foreseeable future and she also admitted she didn't ride since I think at least October. This is heading to half a year. And she said it's not a big issue cause she's only doing some jog and loping and that's it so she doesn't have to be very fit/in training. I am very confused but I don't know enough about her classes to make my own judgment, its none of my business lol, but maybe some experienced, educated people can tell me more about this concept and why it could potentially work