+ What kind of horse shows do you attend?

The Stables at Frederica attends USDF rated dressage shows across the southeast, as well as local and regional hunt seat shows. We follow the Coastal Hunter Circuit shows in the lowcountry as well as the Horse Shows in the Park near Ocala. We also have a vibrant Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) high school and middle school riding team that competes regionally throughout the year.

+ Do i need to own my own horse in order to horse show?

The Stables does lease school horses for students that do not own their own horses. In addition, riders do not need to have a horse to compete on the IEA team. There are some limitations as to what divisions riders can compete in if they do not have a horse of their own, but we realize that horse showing sometimes precedes the decision to purchase a first horse.

+ How much does it cost to horse show?

Horse showing is an expensive sport. Typically riders will pay two main bills: one to the horse show itself and another to the barn. In general most schooling and local shows will see those two bills combined to be around $600 per show day. USEF, USDF, and USHJA shows tend to cost more, closer to $850 per day. IEA is the most affordable circuit with a daily cost generally around $120 or less. A full pricing list for Frederica services at horse shows can be found here.

+ I'd like to take care of my own horse and skip schooling to save money at the show; is that ok?

If riders are showing with the Stables at Frederica staff and trainers, we do require horses to be enrolled in day care with our staff. This allows us to ensure that they are receiving the care they they are accustomed to at home, including stall cleaning, haying, feeding, and watering. This also allows the riders to concentrate on their competition and not whether they remembered to hay or feed their horse correctly.

+ Do parents have to attend the shows with their child riders?

We require all riders under the age of 16 to have a responsible adult accompany them (this can be the parent of another rider if needed). Riders 16 years of age and older are not required to have an adult with them according to Stables' rules, although various shows and venues might have different rules. The Stables at Frederica staff will not share car rides or hotel rooms one on one with students under the age of 18. All trainers at the Stables at Frederica are certified by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

+ My child loves to ride; should we even bother to compete?

Competition is an excellent means to help young riders become more independent in their thinking and actions. It is a wonderful driving force that encourages them to continue to strive for more education and progression, while also fostering a strong sense of sportsmanship and comraderie amongst their fellow riders.

+ What do I need to buy in order to compete?

The Stables at Frederica provides all items needed for the setup for horses at the shows (buckets, stall cleaning equipment, tackroom equipment, etc.). Riders leasing a Frederica school horse will be provided with all show tack, grooming equipment, and tack trunk needed. Riders with their own horses need to provide their own tack, trunk, and grooming equipment. All students need their own riding habit. Consult your trainer on proper attire for the rider's age.

+ Do I need to sign my child up in advance for competitions?

Riders are required to confirm attendance at least two weeks in advance, and sign up links are provided on each event page in the below calendar. Any riders that cancel attendance within that period are still subject to their anticipated share of fees (shipping, coaching, trainer splits, etc.). Many of our riders decide which shows to attend based off number of other rider attendance.