Here we go! The world of horse showing is a sport like no other. For parents or caregivers it can be intimidating and challenging because it is not easily compared to other familiar sports. Especially when it comes to spectating, coaching, and preparation.
Bring Your Check Book
You can count on a loose schedule, times as guidelines rather than set times, a list of necessary equipment that is constantly changing, and always being asked to leave a check for someone. While the benefits are great for the kids, a culmination of their hard work and practice, the unknowns for parents can be very daunting and confusing.
Alta taking a look around as we arrive early for a show
TIP: Prior to attending a horse show, ask questions in advance and get yourself organized. Some barns create a Show Packet, which clearly explains general expectations as well as a general price list. These will differ depending on your barn and trainer, and if you don't have access to this material, you can always put one together - Take a look HERE for show prep lists, sites for information, and equipment recommendations here on Ponyupmom.com and don't forget to use the forum to tap into the brain trust that is our Pony Up, Mom! community!
Great expectations?
As a parent, never be afraid to ask questions! It is important that you and your trainer have a clear line of communication so that there is no confusion about show weekends, schedules and a plan for your child’s success. Every program is different and every trainer may have different requirements and expectations. Talk in advance and make sure you are aligned ahead of the show or even ahead of show season- It may have some impact on the shows you attend.
TIP: Remember horseshowing.com for a list of all the shows, locations, classes, etc.
Parents are typically asked to make sure to get their riders to the horse show at an appropriate time, or the barn to help load up, and that they understand that horse showing may be an all-day event. In some show programs, grooms or working students may be brought to assist in the process and care for the horses. But some times this is not an option and parents or caregivers are expected to pitch-in and help. Here are a few things to consider when you arrive on show day:
Young rider should be learning how to perform all the necessary tasks that must be done at horse shows.
As a parent, make sure you ask your trainer if your rider will be required to perform any care on their mount and if so, make sure your rider is capable of doing these tasks adequately.
If a groom or working student is attending to assist, make sure you understanding the cost of these services, what they entail, and the protocol for tipping grooms and assistants. Yes, tipping is a thing here!
TIP: On tipping...Grooms and working students make very little pay, so if they do a good job, please tip them. The industry standard is $25-$50 per day. Grooms also always appreciate coffee, bottled water, lunch, snacks, etc.
While it may be more expensive, it is vital that parents understand the importance of horse care and preparation being done correctly to benefit the horses and riders. Such as:
Stall cleaning
Hand walking
Leg wrapping
Bathing
Braiding
Warm ups
Alta and Jackson in the warm-up ring
What time do we start?
FACT: It is very uncommon that you will be given a time to show and actually show at that time. The famous horse show saying is “hurry up and wait,” referring to how riders seem to be constantly rushing to make their classes, only to wait another hour to actually show. A time schedule at a horse show is dependent on many factors that are constantly changing. Trainers often cause conflicts because they are held up at other rings, a fall or injury could cause a large pause during the day if a horse or rider is receiving medical attention, bad weather could cause a temporary pause in the horse show. When you plan to horse show, plan on it being an all-day event! There are circumstances where your rider may be in the first class on the schedule and will finish early, but horse showing is not a sport where you can plan on competing at a specific time.
ASK your trainer what time you should arrive. Often, trainers will leave with horses and have everything set up for riders to arrive to practice, but some trainers/programs may want students traveling behind them as they transport the horses. Trainers should let parents know what time rings are open for schooling, what time they should arrive to practice, and give them ample notice of when they should be mounted prior to showing to give them time to warm up.
Alta and Jackson waiting, waiting some more to enter the ring
What do we bring?
Again, every program is different.
Tip: Check out my post "Mom, a.k.a., The Groom: My Horse Show Packing List" and
Most programs only require riders beginning their horse show endeavor to have the necessary show clothing and equipment for themselves. As riders advance and lease and purchase their own horses, parents can seek guidance on how to take the next steps to purchase more specific equipment such as tack, blankets and other items that must be specifically fitted to a horse. Your trainer should bring any equipment needed to care for the horses such as feed, medications and training aids such as a lunge whip and lunge line. As your rider advances through the sport, your trainer should communicate additional items that need to be purchased. Start with the basics, but be prepared to add on to the list as you advance your show career.
Cost Expectations
Every barn/program should be able to provide and clear and concise price list. From lesson barns to the top show barns in the country, this is standard. Make sure you have an expectation of what to pay before you sign up to horse show!
Don't forget: The horse show office will require a blank check prior to giving a rider their back number for the weekend. The only place you should make blank check jokes! This check will be held with the entry in case classes are changed throughout the weekend so that no refund or additional payment is required on behalf of the horse show.
Parents or trainers will go to the show office at the end of the weekend to “check out,” where they will be given an itemized bill breaking down the cost of the stall, shavings, classes and other fees like an office fee, association fee or non-showing fee (among others.)
The Money - Some of the places where our fees go to cover:
Facility maintenance
Jump maintenance and/or new jumps and/or jump rental
Pay for show staff (announcer, ring crew, ring stewards, jump crew, show manager, office staff) + hotels
Pay for judges (+ hotels)
Show approval fees
Advertising
Utilities (water, electricity, etc.)
Stall cleanup
Drug testing fees
Prizes
Vet and farrier on-site
Ambulance or EMT fees
Food caterers
VIP area (tablecloths, special food, furniture rental, etc.)
General liability insurance for the event
Typically, the barn or trainer will send an invoice for their services upon arrival home from the horse shows but there are some programs that require a prepayment. Ideally, all of these expectations should be communicated to the parents well before leaving for the competition.
COMMUNICATION is key. I hear from parents that they didn't feel prepared and that no one let them know what to expect. Additionally, conversations have been had where parents say they tried to ask questions that were not answered in a timely manner or with patience and understanding from their trainers. It goes without saying that the parent should NEVER feel uncomfortable asking questions and should never feel that they are imposing on their trainer by trying to learn and gain a better understanding of this sport.
TRUST; As a parent, please trust your trainer. If you find that you are having a hard time following your trainers suggestions or trusting in their guidance, it is time to find a new program. Communication and trust are key in trainers providing the best service possible and in riders learning and reaching their goals! This is a hard sport with many ups and downs, but the only way to be successful is to roll with the punches and to continue to work together in a program that works for you.
Remember to:
Thank your mount; No matter how the show goes or where you rank, you should thank your pony for a job well done. Your pony is your partner and has accomplished a challenging thing by performing in front of a crowd.
Support the other riders; Watch the other riders, cheer them on, learn their names, and get to know them. The more friends you can make at a show, the more fun you'll have attending in the future.
Let us leave you with this...
Have any tips you can add? Have a story about the process you would like to share? Add to the brain-trust here!
Comments