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You and your child have been working toward and imagining all the things that will take place in the ring in front of the judges and spectators. Excitement has been building, and now it’s Showtime! Well, almost…. Before she rides elegantly into the ring, there are many tasks to be done to put your child at ease, to keep her horse happy, and to be sure everything is in order for every event she plans to enter.
Working with the instructor, you can have several important roles. Before the show, you’re the scheduler and driver; during the show, you’re the ground crew, unflagging cheerleader, diplomat (with the other parents), fashion assistant, and photographer/videographer. But your job doesn’t end when the show’s over — then you become the historian, since one of the great pleasures for riders is rehashing, in terrific detail, everything that occurred on the momentous day.
Talking the Talk
Premium. This guide to scheduled classes is distributed before a show.
Green as grass. A class for first-time competitors, this description can apply to either rider or horse.
Vintage. Designating a class for riders who are 45 years of age or older, this term is used as an adjective, as in “Vintage English Pleasure.”
On deck. The competitor waiting to go next in the ring is said to be “on deck” and is typically expected to wait in a particular spot.
Before the Classes Begin
From the minute your group arrives at the show grounds, the instructor will be extraordinarily busy, even if she has brought along senior students or assistants to help. Making sure the horses are settled and safe is of extreme importance, so seeing to the horses is the instructor’s first focus. Some shows offer stabling for the horses, so before unloading the horses, the instructor will find the stalls assigned to them and inspect each stall to make sure it’s safe and sturdy, and she will probably set up the stall by spreading shavings for bedding, hanging water buckets full of fresh water, and putting in some hay before unloading the horses and stabling them.
This way, the horse comes off his familiar trailer and goes straight into a comfortable stall. If the horse is thirsty from a long trailer ride, there’s fresh water ready. And if the horse is nervous about being in a new place, having hay to eat will often distract him and help him settle down.
If the horses will not be stabled on-site during the horse show, then they will be showing “out of the trailer.” This means the participants’ horse trailers are parked together, with enough space to safely tie horses on either side of each trailer, and to walk or lead a horse between the parked trailers. The riders will likely have to dress and change clothes in the trailer’s tack room (if it has one) or in the back of the trailer — often necessitating a cleanup job first, because horses always seem to pass manure the moment they’re loaded onto a trailer.
Finding the Facilities
Some show grounds have dressing rooms or large bathrooms, which makes dressing in the trailer unnecessary. This still requires good organizational skills to plan enough time to collect the show clothes, go to the dressing area, change clothes, return the original clothes to a car or the trailer, and be ready for a class. Chances are good that your child will have several wardrobe changes during the course of a show, so parents can help out by collecting the already worn clothes, keeping track of what is needed for the next class, and knowing where every outfit is.
Transporting the Horse
If your child is riding a lesson horse from the barn (or you lease or board a horse at the lesson barn), chances are good that the instructor will trailer the horse to the show. It’s quite common for many riders from the same barn, learning from the same instructor, to attend horse shows together. It’s great fun and a wonderful way for your child to learn to show — under the guidance of the instructor and in the company of friends.
It is common practice for the instructor to charge a trailering fee for each horse taken to a show, but if the instructor doesn’t mention this, it is fine for you to broach the subject. Practices vary from instructor to instructor, so make sure you know what is expected. Generally, the trailering expense is based on the distance from the barn to the show and back; often, instructors use IRS mileage reimbursement guidelines to determine an appropriate per-mile charge.
Showing out of a trailer can also be a chore when you or your child needs to go to the bathroom, since this will probably entail having to walk some distance to find the facilities. Occasionally, there will be portable toilets available, which is handy, but generally there’s no way to wash your hands afterward since there’s typically no sink. Bringing along sanitizing wipes or lotion is a fantastic idea for this reason.
Understanding the Instructor’s Job
In addition to seeing to the horses and managing their students, instructors handle the tons of paperwork associated with horse shows, from Coggins test results for each horse (if they were not sent in with the mailed entry forms and fees), to ensuring each rider’s entries were received and properly recorded, to obtaining the class schedule and barn assignments, to picking up the “back numbers” assigned to each rider (a number printed on paper that is pinned to the rider’s back so the judge and announcer can identify each rider/horse combination), to figuring out where to park the trailer. Getting everything in order can be challenging — especially if the instructor has a number of riders and horses at the show.
On top of everything, each horse must be prepared for his class. This entails not just grooming but also braiding the mane (if it’s required for the show or if the instructor is so inclined), tacking up, and then riding the horse in the warm-up arena before putting your child in the saddle. The instructor will probably have your child ride in the warm-up arena so she can warm up, too, and work out any perfectly understandable nerves. A warm-up ride helps the horse and rider to reacquaint themselves with each other in a new environment, to mentally prepare for entering the show ring, and to remind themselves that they can do this!
Slogging through the Paperwork
You probably won’t have much involvement in the show paperwork itself, other than to write the check to cover the entry fees and the instructor’s expenses. But it’s helpful to have an idea of the process of signing up for a horse show. There will always be a release statement or liability form that requires a parent or legal guardian signature.
There will be at least one page that lists the classes in order of how they will be held at the show, including a class number. For example:
In-Hand (Halter) Classes
1. Handler Ages 6–8
2. Handler Ages 9–11
3. Handler Ages 12–14
Performance Classes
4. Lead line Pleasure (English or Western)
5. Walk-Trot English
It is important on show day to know the number of each class in which your child will compete, since the announcer will frequently just call the class number when calling competitors to be ready (on deck) to enter the arena.
Fees are generally determined by class, with amounts starting at $5 to $10 and going up, depending on the show’s ranking, the experience level of competitors, and the venue (a highly rated equestrian center will generally cost more than a small county fair).
Reading the Premium
Every show, even the smallest, puts out a “premium” or guide to the classes offered. This is distributed before the show so that riders can determine which classes to sign up for and can plan their day according to the schedule of events. All competitors look forward to receiving the premium and spending lots of focused time studying, planning, strategizing, and anticipating the upcoming show. Reviewing the premium with your child is a great opportunity to spend quality time together and to share in her passion.
How to Enjoy a Horse Show
As a parent, your primary job at a horse show is to be an unconditional fan, to carry any extra clothing or equipment, to provide a bottle of water on a hot day and a quick sandwich at lunchtime, to help pull up tight breeches over sweaty skin, and to make sure your child’s back number is securely on and that her hair is neatly secured underneath her riding helmet. It’s helpful to think of yourself more as a partner and less as a parent, because “partner” connotes a job to do and shared responsibilities.
Once your child is in the ring, here are some guidelines for being a good horse show spectator:
• Some show grounds have stands or bleachers; if not, you may bring folding chairs to sit on much as you would to watch a soccer game. Just position yourself well out of the way of horses and riders coming and going from classes.
• At most shows, it is considered rude to stand along the arena fence where you might block other spectators’ views.
• Never sit on or put your feet up on the arena rails or fencing. It’s considered disrespectful, may damage the facilities, and could startle the horses and riders in the arena.
• It’s fine to skip the concession stand offerings and bring a cooler with snacks and cold drinks, but do not bring alcoholic beverages.
• Do not listen to a radio or music without headphones.
• Do not bring your dog. Dogs have no place at a horse show.
Horses Will Spook at the Strangest Things
While a horse show in many ways resembles any other sporting event, there is one factor that is very different: the horses themselves. Many of them are seasoned competitors who are not fazed by the many sights, sounds, and smells of the show grounds, but others are still learning how to cope in unfamiliar surroundings. Horses experience the world quite differently from humans, and even the best trained may react in a panic to items that seem completely innocuous to us. For example, tents and awnings flapping in the breeze can set a whole arena full of horses into a tailspin. Here are a few things to be aware of to minimize the possibility of a major spook or worse, a runaway:
A jacket being put on or an umbrella being opened or closed near the rails
Crackling chip bags, fizzing soda cans, and other unexpected noises
A paper bag, napkin, or other trash blowing in the breeze
Camera flashes
Spectators talking loudly or gesticulating enthusiastically (keep an eye on younger siblings, who might be bored and restless)
Standing or moving suddenly, especially when you’re close to the rail
Clapping
Cigarette or cigar smoke
A ringing cell phone
Crying babies
And sometimes we just don’t know what made a particular horse spook, because it didn’t even register with us but certainly did with the horse!
Don’t Forget the Hairnets!
The first few times you accompany your child to a show, you may be astonished at the amount of planning that takes place beforehand. Your child’s instructor may handle much of the paperwork and most of the details of transporting the horses and kids, but you should plan to be available to help pack and check over lists. Aside from the obvious items like show clothes, helmet, and boots, the following items should be part of any standard show kit:
• Lip balm, sunscreen, and antiseptic wipes or lotion
• Bottled water, easy-to-eat snacks, a chocolate bar or two for quick energy, and something special that your child considers a real treat
• A camera with full batteries and plenty of memory for show photos
• A hairbrush, hair spray, at least two extra hairnets (if your child has longer hair), several hair ties or rubber bands, and a couple of bobby pins
• Several safety pins
• A rag for wiping off dusty boots just prior to entering the arena
• A box of tissues
Proper Parental Etiquette
Once your child is mounted and ready to go, your role is to step back and let the instructor take over. This is what athletes in other sports refer to as “game time” or “putting on their game.” The instructor will be giving last-minute advice and observations, as well as a pep talk. Interruptions would be unwelcome and often, frankly, counterproductive. Instead, observe and listen, hold anything that needs to be held (gloves, a crop, a riding jacket, a bottle of water), and be ready to offer a jaunty thumbs-up should your child look your way … your quiet support will be greatly appreciated by both the instructor and your child.
Your child will most likely be focused on soothing the butterflies that invariably take up residence in even the most experienced competitor’s stomach, calming the slight shakiness in the hands, and giving herself an internal pep talk. (“We can do this; we’ve been doing this forever in practice and now we’re going to do it in this show.”) Even loving and well-intentioned efforts to soothe nerves will distract from this internal effort — and learning how to calm and focus herself will be of tremendous benefit throughout your child’s life. This skill is another of those life lessons that riding helps teach.
Once you’ve handed over whatever you’re carrying and your child’s jacket and gloves are on, with the back number neatly safety-pinned on, you can often tag along with the instructor and stand beside the arena together. Be sensitive of the instructor’s frame of mind, however — some instructors are content to talk with you and tell you what they see in the arena, which can provide you with a wonderful horse show education; but other instructors are so focused on what’s happening in the arena that carrying on a conversation is difficult. Think of your child’s instructor as a coach observing a game of soccer or football and you’ll better understand her feelings during a horse show.
Just as in football or soccer or softball or basketball, the riding instructor is a coach for both your child and the horse. This means that he or she has two athletes to prepare, to encourage, and to motivate.
This may seem obvious, but during the class, do not say anything negative about any of the other horses and riders in the arena. Without any doubt, the people around you also have someone in that arena and would overhear anything and everything you said. You would never want to hear someone speaking critically of your child and neither does anyone else. Being a horse show parent requires just as much good sportsmanship as is required of competitors!
Listen to the announcer at all times. While clapping as a rider enters or leaves the ring is generally acceptable, if the announcer asks the audience not to clap for a particular pair, there’s a good reason. Pay attention to what’s going on in the arena. If the audience is clapping and a horse is beginning to spook, stop clapping and encourage those around you to stop as well.
Winning, Losing, and Other Life Lessons
When the class is complete and the competitors are all lined up in the center of the arena, awaiting the judges’ decision to be announced, your child’s heart will be pounding, her hands will be cold, as hope and expectation and anxiety and dread war equally. Many competitors are frantically trying to remember their back number because they can’t see it. Others will be agonizing over their mistakes — perceived and real — and wondering if the judge saw their horse break stride or take up the wrong lead or spook on the turn …!
This is the time to keep your eyes on your child and, if she meets your gaze, to give a big smile and a cheery thumbs-up. The sight of a supportive parent on the rail, smiling and silently applauding, does wonders, whatever the outcome.
The big moment arrives when the announcer calls the judges’ rankings: first, second, third. In classes with very young riders, everybody usually gets a ribbon. Otherwise, somebody is going to win and everybody else is going to “not win,” though as many as five or six riders may receive ribbons. There’s a lot riding on parent etiquette in this situation — no pun intended.
Your child (and you!) must be prepared for all outcomes; how you behave will instruct your child on how to behave. If your child wins, you’re entitled to clap and even hug the instructor. But don’t go overboard — the other riders’ families will be standing all around you.
It’s proper etiquette for the riders to remain in the arena as all of the ribbon placements are called, so the audience is expected to remain at the rail or in their seats and applaud for each rider. Many shows allow the winning rider to take a “victory gallop” around the arena as the other competitors exit the gate; others do not, particularly those with a mix of young and inexperienced riders.
In either case, your child will be exiting at the gate; once all of the ribbon placements have been announced, it’s fine to go to the gate and meet your child. Just stay clear of other riders who will be coming and going. The instructor will have your child dismount in a safe area and will then begin preparing for the next class, which may or may not have your child in it.
Following Up after a Class
Once a class is over, the instructor must leap ahead mentally to what needs to be done for the next class — which rider, which horse, which tack, which number, how much time — so do not expect to carry on a conversation at this point. When the show is over, there will be more time to talk, although the instructor will be thoroughly exhausted by then and probably just want to load the horses in the trailer and go back to the barn. Although sometimes, when things have gone exceptionally well, there can be an energized enthusiasm that makes everyone want to talk over every little detail right then while it’s fresh.
The main thing is to be sensitive to the instructor’s receptiveness to questions and conversation. In most cases, a warm “thank you” and an offer to help in whatever way you’re able (carrying tack to the trailer, collecting grooming supplies, helping to pack up) will be appreciated, and you should probably wait for any conversation about specific classes until the next time you see the instructor at the barn. The exception to this would be if you have a grave concern or an urgent issue that you need to address in a timely manner. This would include a safety issue or a fairly serious transgression of sportsmanship, not a question of “I can’t believe that judge didn’t pin my child and what are you going to do about it?”
CRAZY ABOUT HORSES
I have loved horses since I was young. I am obsessed with horses! Almost everything I do involves them: drawing, writing, reading, watching videos, and taking pictures. I lease a horse at my barn and take lessons every week. I would love to some day own a tall gray Thoroughbred. Riding is the only thing I can do any day at any time. If I’m in a bad mood or having a bad day, I can go to the barn and forget about everything. I want to own a barn full of horses with my best friend. We plan on teaching, riding, and showing.
Riding has become a wonderful way for us to stay connected and involved in our daughter’s life. I strongly encourage parents to let their children follow their dreams when it comes to horses. When Julia began riding, she was very meek and quiet. Riding has given her a sense of self-confidence and a greater level of assertiveness, responsibility, and independence.
In the Ribbons
Placement at horse shows is almost always announced in order, first place to the last place for which they’re giving ribbons. Each show is a bit different in terms of how many places are awarded ribbons. Some give only first through fourth place, while others go all the way to tenth place. Here is a primer to explain placement and the color representing each:
First: brilliant blue*
Second: red*
Third: yellow
Fourth: white
Fifth: pink
Sixth: green
Seventh: purple
Eighth: brown
Ninth: gray
Tenth: pale blue
*In Canada, these colors are reversed.
At many shows, the highest scoring riders at the end of the day receive further recognition with the following ribbons:
Champion: blue, red, and yellow ribbon; often with a large rosette, sometimes designed to wrap around the horse’s neck
Reserve Champion: red, yellow, and white ribbon, designed the same way as the Champion ribbon