You decided to take the plunge and enter your first horse show. Congratulations!
Horse shows aren't just about the bling and glistening horses; it's about horses and their owners testing their partnerships in a series of different events, such as halter classes, pattern classes, jumping, reining, barrel racing, etc. You could be competing for ribbons and trophies or money, but the main goal for horse shows is to challenge yourself and to keep in mind that it's about the partnership between you and your horse.
And while you can easily search Google or the socials (TikTok, YouTube) for what to pack for your first show, there are other aspects to tackling your first competition besides the perfect packing list. (Which is very valuable, so definitely check that out.)
Set Some Goals
Before you go into the ring, think about what you want to accomplish and have a plan to help you achieve those goals. Your main goal may be to simply finish the pattern/course/class still in the saddle with your hat/helmet still on your head. If that's your goal for your first show, that is a great goal to have! There's nothing wrong with a goal of making it out alive. (In fact, there are probably plenty of professionals who still have that as a goal when they show.)
A few goals you might want to consider:
- Successfully memorize and perform your pattern for any pattern classes (i.e., showmanship, horsemanship, equitation, etc.).
- Get through a riding class without your horse breaking gait.
- Improving your time in timed events.
- Jumping a clear round.
- Making a new friend.
Research the Show & Facilities
In the days or weeks leading up to the show, try to do as much research as you can:
- Where will the show be held? How long of a drive is it for you from your barn?
- Do you have to rent a stall, or can you tie out to your trailer?
- What facilities do they have?
- Round pens
- Warmup arena
- Wash rack
- Indoor or covered arena
- Do you have to submit your class entries before the show, or can you enter on-site?
- Are there any requirements, such as Coggins or health papers, that are needed?
Know the rules of the show organization, too. Some shows have strict rider attire requirements, and some have a list of illegal bits and tack items that cannot be used.
Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions
Not sure where the show office is? Looking to find the warm-up ring schedule? Don't hesitate to ask the person at the trailer or stall next to yours, or the person working the gate. Chances are, they've been at this facility or have competed before, and they can point you in the right direction.
If you have questions regarding a pattern or a rule, make sure that you are ready to go at the gate prior to the start of your class and ask the ring steward if you can ask the judge a question for clarification. You might not be the only one with that question, so you will be doing your fellow competitors a solid favor.
Take Time to Decompress
Once you arrive at the show facility, give yourself some time to get your horse out and walk him around. This will help you get acquainted with the lay of the land. It also allows your horse to stretch his legs and take in the different sights and smells, giving you both time to decompress and reconnect before the craziness begins.
Depending on the length of the show and how long you plan to be there, you may want to schedule in some time to do this again. Set up an area near your horse where you can rest and relax while he enjoys fresh water and his slow feed hay net. A lot of veteran exhibitors like to pack a little of the comforts of home for their stall or trailer setups:
- Portable, comfortable chairs
- Fans for horse and human if the weather is hot
- Snacks and drinks for horse and human
- Portable speaker for music
Be Aware of Time
Always give yourself plenty of time to properly warm up your horse and prepare for your class. There's no worse feeling than feeling rushed as you enter the show arena, so giving yourself extra time in the warm-up pen beforehand will help you and your horse feel more relaxed and ready. It is a good idea to be in the pen one class ahead at open shows, at the very least.
At shows with scheduled ride times, calculate an appropriate amount of warm-up time to prepare your horse, without wearing them out. Always be conscious of your horse’s welfare and try to give him breaks.
These breaks can include:
- Standing at the trailer or in the stall with a full hay net,
- Offer fresh water,
- Resting him in a stall with a fan,
- Not a lot of time? You can dismount and loosen the cinch between classes, and/or find some shade to offer shelter from the summer sunshine.
Be mindful of your horse's fitness. Compare the length of time of your average ride to the amount of time you spend working your horse at a show, and plan your rides accordingly.
Be Ready to Do Your Best
As you prepare to enter the show ring, find a quiet place outside of the warm-up ring and take a few moments to focus on what you want to accomplish in that class—go over your pattern in your head, visualize the perfect ride or sing a song! Stay within earshot of the gate steward, pay attention and be ready to enter your class as soon as they make the first gate call. Please do not park in front of the gate where other classes are entering and exiting.
Be Proud
No matter what the outcome, be proud that you’ve taken the leap to compete! You’ve challenged yourself to step up in your skills as a test—whether it’s being judged by the clock or by a human—and not many are brave enough to do that. Celebrate the little wins and remember to praise your horse often.
