Cost
Showing is a great experience, but can be
expensive. Normally, an outside show is approximately
$140. This amount is derived from the following:
$40 horse usage (shared), $30 coaching, $40 hauling (can vary), and $30 entry
fees (can vary). This is for 3 classes that normally make up a
division at a show.
Attire
Showing is a reflection of yourself and your
barn. This requires proper attire that fits. You
will need the following: a show jacket in navy,
black or green; a helmet with black velvet covering; a show
shirt (pastel colors preferred) with monogramming or stock pin for girls OR
a white, button-down shirt with necktie for boys; black
leather gloves; clean, polished short boots, jodhpurs, and
garter straps for children under 13 OR tall boots and
breeches with laces for children 13 and up. There are many local
tack shops to find these items, as well as Dover Saddlery
and State Line Tack online. Some tack shops have used
items for sale, or you may be able to find outgrown show
clothes from older riders at the barn.
Time
Horse showing takes time. Each show has
a prizelist that shows the order of the divisions, but there
is no set schedule of when each class will begin and end.
There will be extra time at the show where you are not
riding, and are waiting for your turn. This gives you
an opportunity to review your jump course, watch the other
riders from your barn, watch other classes and see if you
can pick the winners, etc. Bring drinks, snacks,
chairs, sun block, layers of clothing, and a hat to make
your day more enjoyable.
Preparation
The tack needs to be cleaned the day before
the show. The saddle pads and girth need to be washed
and dried. The horse needs to be bathed, groomed, and
trimmed. Sometimes, this is done the morning of the
show. The trailer needs to be loaded up with all the
items used in the show. The earlier this is done, the
less frantic the morning of the show becomes and less likely
you will find you have forgotten something.
Divisions/Classes
Horse Shows are made up of divisions.
The divisions are classified by factors such as the type of
riding, experience of rider, experience of horse, and age of
rider. We will help you choose which division in the
most appropriate to enter. Normally, we recommend
showing one level below what you are working on in your
lessons. This is because you will be in unfamiliar
surroundings, you will be nervous, and safety is paramount.
Each division consists of a number of classes, usually two
or three.
Judging
The classes are judged individually.
The way they are judged is different for each division.
For example, the equitation classes judge only the rider,
the pleasure classes judge only the horse, and other classes
judge both. Beginning riders usually enter equitation
classes where they are asked to walk, trot, and canter in a
group. There may be a class with a few small jumps.
Hunter classes are for more experienced riders. The
judges will give the best scores to those showing a smooth,
easy round where the horse keeps a nice, steady pace and
jumps cleanly without knocking any rails down and the rider
looks secure. Jumper classes and cross country are
judged only on speed, rails down, and any refusals.
Dressage is judged on the correct execution of the memorized
test, and the movements are scored individually.
Ribbons
Ribbons are awarded for the top 6 or 8 riders
in each class. If there are less than that number
entered, then every participant will get one. No one
knows when they go to a show how many riders have entered.
It is possible that 20 or more riders may have entered,
making it very difficult to earn a ribbon.
The experience of the other horses and riders
is not known until they are viewed in the ring. A
small mistake from a rider or bad behavior from a horse will
affect the order of the ribbons. Championship
and Reserve Championship ribbons are awarded for each
division based on the cumulative scores from the riders in
he division's classes.
Attitude
Everyone in a show wants to win the
blue ribbon, but only one competitor in each class will get
it. If your only goal is to win the blue ribbon, you
will be disappointed most of the time. In your first
shows, you really should be entering to gain experience
performing in a competitive environment, learning how shows
work, riding your best, and trying something new on your
horse. As you gain more experience, challenge yourself
to ride better than the last show, to develop a better
partnership with your horse, to be less nervous, to have
more fun. Eventually, you will earn a ribbon, or
better ribbons. Stay positive. Don't get
discouraged, or discourage others. Be sensitive to the
other riders in your barn, and at other barns, especially if
they don't do well. Don't get angry with your horse if
he makes a mistake. Horses have good and bad days,
too. Horses get nervous and confused sometimes.
Even if the worst happens: you fall off, have refusals, or
go off course, remember that nearly every Olympic rider has
done the same at some point in their riding career. If
you feel overwhelmed, retreat to a quiet place and just
spend some time with your horse. Remember that this is
supposed to be fun, and keep smiling!
15929 Hampton Road
