Things You'll Need:
- Horse trailer Riding gear Show clothes Coggins test
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Step 1
Talk it over with your friends and trainer first. If you've never competed in a horse show, you're in for a surprise. It's a different environment and, in most cases, fairly stressful. Even if your horse has been to plenty of shows, it's best to make it as easy as possible for the first show. Most shows are rated or non-rated, with the rated shows being more challenging. You'll most likely want to go to an English or Western show. Pick an unrated or a "C" level show the first time out to learn the ropes. Make sure to ask your trainer for help picking classes.
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Step 2
Get your gear and tack together. You'll need some sort of trunk to keep your clothes and horse tack in. If you don't have one, borrow one or get a heavy plastic tub from your local hardware store. Put all your fly spray, rags, braiding rubber bands and yarn, shampoo, grooming kit, extra halter and lead line, and extra wraps in your trunk. Bring a small plastic bucket to put water in for cleaning tack.
If you're riding at an English show, bring black boots, britches, a show coat, choker, belt, hairnets and gloves. A Western show will require jeans or chaps, Western shirt, hat, boots, belt and gloves. Your saddle, saddle pads and bridle can go in the trailer, or you can take them with you in your car if you're driving separately. -
Step 3
Find a ride for you and your horse. Unless you have your own trailer, you'll need to get your horse to the horse show. Your trainer may be taking a group of people, so ask him first. If only a few people are going, ask them if they have space to haul your horse. Ask how much they charge for trailering your horse; although most people charge by the mile, the rates differ depending on the size of the trailer and the mileage they get.
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Step 4
Make sure you get to the show grounds early on the day of the show. If you stable your horses overnight, take them out of their stall for a walk and give them some grass. Make sure they have enough water and hay, and give them grain if they haven't been grained yet. You should have sent in your entry forms a few weeks before the show. Go to the show office, check in and get your number. Make sure you bring a copy of your most recent Coggins test with you. Double-check to see roughly what time your classes are.
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Step 5
Stay and watch!
Its helpful to watch other people ride and see how they do things. Plan to spend the day at the show and wander around watching other people ride in different classes. The people who've been showing for a while are usually calm and organized. They know the show process. You can also watch people who ride well and those who make mistakes and learn from them.
