Question for Feb. 1999.I have just started to lease a hunter/jumper and am planning on showing this spring. I have been surfing the web looking for information on starting to show. What is acceptable in the show ring? What do you wear to a schooling show? Could you please help me out I want to have a pleasant time in the show ring.
Thank you
The best thing to do to prepare for spring shows is to attend some of the winter schooling shows in your area. This would give you a chance to watch the classes without having to look after your own horse at the same time. Watch the competitors in each class and see what they do in the ring. Ask your coach to give you a description of what each class requires the horse and rider to do.
If you have a friend who has shown previously maybe they would come to the show with you and point out what the competitors are doing, either right or wrong. Better still maybe your coach would take a group of you to the show and explain what makes one horse and rider better than the others .
Show ring manners are never out of place. Always be considerate of your fellow competitor. Keep a safe distance from other horses in flat classes and don't crowd others. If you have a problem with your horse keep him to the outside away from the crowd and if he is acting up badly ask the judge to excuse you from the class. Don't spoil others chances at a ribbon because of a problem you may be having with your horse.
Don't ride to close to the judge or ring crew they do not want to get run over!
Always be pleasant and courteous to the judge and show officials. If you don't win, be a good sport about it. It is sometimes permissible to ask why you were not placed but only so that you can correct your mistakes another time. Your coach can probably point out just what you did wrong so always ask her/him first.
If you have problems on course or in a class the place to work on them is at home in your lessons. It is never appropriate to make a scene or excessively discipline your horse at the show! The whole idea of schooling shows is that you can find out where you are going wrong in your training and work on improving and correcting your mistakes.
Most shows usually require that you wear breeches and boots with a shirt and jacket. It is up to the show management to state the requirements. Usually novice or schooling shows are a little more lenient about dress as they realize beginner competitors may not have all the show clothes. Call ahead if you are uncertain. Again, though you should ask your coach what she/he feels will be appropriate for the situation.
Above all be relaxed have fun and have a great show year in 99. Some Useful Links:
The Trillium Hunter/Jumper Association
Ontario Equestrian Federation
The Canadian Equestrian Federation | 