We are starting a new season of horse showing, with several new competitions, and we have a whole new class of riders looking to compete. This time of year our trainers are bombarded with questions ranging from what kind of clothing is needed (see our last blog post Runway to Ringside: What to Wear) to how many likely a second mortgage is to finance….(kidding). Rarely do we get an important question until the day before: what does the show day look like?
There are different kinds of intensity relating to horse showing, most due to the age and skill level of riders. For instance, at The Stables we only ask so much of our novice riders as far as general participation in the day. New riders are easily overwhelmed by the atmosphere and pomp resulting from moving the horses to a new location for riding. At The Stables we take care of the tasks that riders rarely do at home, like feeding the horses and cleaning stalls. We try to make competition days as similar to their riding routine at home so that these green and young riders can more successfully focus on their riding, rather than trying to learn how to take care of a horse in a totally new setting. That comes later.
For trainers the show day begins before dawn, feeding horses, checking on the status of the show rings, and generally prepping for the day. Our young riders, typically those that are not yet jumping, are encouraged to arrive early enough to acclimate to the atmosphere of the show, and do any sightseeing (translation: go to the tack shops) well before their classes. This way they’ve knocked out most of the distractions early and are then ready to focus on their riding. Trainers can update parents on the actual time schedules of these kinds of shows, but I usually tell parents to anticipate arriving no earlier than 9am, with most showing starting at 11am at the earliest. However, and I cannot stress this enough, horse showing is a “hurry up and wait” kind of sport; I’ve had days where walk/trot divisions were estimated to start at 11am and didn’t begin until 3pm. These are not the days to plan to show in the morning and be at a soccer game at 3pm; there are no crystal balls clear enough in the universe that give perfectly accurate timelines for shows. After the younger riders compete we do still ask them to help with tasks they are familiar with, like cleaning their tack and putting their horse away.
Our more advanced riders, as in those jumping at shows, are asked to come a bit earlier in the day so that they can take their horses on handwalks and help with some other basic tasks. As riders become more comfortable in the show ring we trainers start adding in other tasks around the stalls to for them to help with, like picking out manure or refilling water buckets. I believe strongly in kids and eventual horsemen and women understanding all that goes into showing, but adding those responsibilities in slowly so as not to overwhelm. By the time my students are graduating high school I want them competent at helping at a show from sun up to sun down.
First shows are an eye-opening experience for both riders and their parents. Competition is a wonderful way to help riders develop their sportsmanship skills, and competency in the arena. Getting use to the flow of a horse show takes some time, so plan to spend some extra hours at your first show. Moms, bring a book, and dads, bring a chair for a nap. Once your kid gets the show bug just prepare, you’re going to be here awhile.