As we wrap up our first virtual show, some of us will be heading out to show in the real world! That's alright - we know you're just filling time until we start back with our fall series but I digress! With show season upon us, and Victoria and I heading out into the real world to judge and announce here are some of our favorite Dos and Dont's for the upcoming season:
Pre-entry- If the show offers pre-entry USE IT!! I cannot stress this enough. It saves the show staff so much time in getting the classes together. Even if the show does not offer pre-entry, get the entry forms early and fill them out ahead of time. Your show staff will thank you!
Cost - know the cost of everything and what payment methods are accepted. Some shows are CASH only so be aware. Make sure you have extra on hand in case you are having a super spectacular day and want to add an extra class.
Know your classes - know what classes you are in and be at the gate EARLY!! I cannot say this enough - as a judge and an announcer, you don't know how frustrating it is waiting on someone who didn't know when they were supposed to be in the ring. My rule of thumb is to be at the gate 2 classes before your next class.
Know your patterns - Ok, this is a personal pet peeve of mine. Equitation is my thing - I LOVE patterns - and I don't know how many times I've had to disqualify someone because they went off pattern. Get your patterns early and practice them on the ground first then add your horse. If you have a question, ask your judge. You'll thank me later.
Attire - Make sure you are wearing the appropriate attire for the class you are in. Unless the show states "come as you are" or schooling attire acceptable, you will need the right clothing. English you need breeches, a jacket, a proper shirt or dickie, tall boots or paddock boots, and garters. And for those that are riding in paddock boots and half chaps, this MIGHT be acceptable at a local show however at bigger shows it is not – hit the tack swaps and find some tall boots. Western you will need jeans or Western show pants, a long-sleeved shirt and Western hat and chaps. Chaps may be optional at your local shows.
Helmets - while I can appreciate the cool colors - in an English class they are not appropriate - there are helmet covers that you can purchase to cover the neon pink. And before you go getting all upset – let me tell you why – if little Susie is struggling – I am more apt to notice it with a pink helmet in a sea of black ones than I would if she blended into the sea of black helmets. Save the bright colors for barrel racing and stick with black for English and 4H Western.
This next one is for the trainers - ok - not the huge, big-time trainers that actually have staff - this is for the trainers of the 4H kids and such - BE ORGANIZED - use your older students to help warm up the younger kids, Parents can be on snack, water, tack change duty. Spreadsheets can be your friend. Have a plan laid out BEFORE the show. A well-organized team is a successful team. This brings us to -Coaching on the rail – this is a major NO-NO – if I can hear you in the announcer’s booth – so can the judge – and it can mean disqualification. Trainers – you know better – and we are all guilty of it – whispering switch your diagonal or wrong lead – but there are “those” trainers who we can all hear yelling across the arena at little Suzy to switch or wrong lead – to “those” trainers – STOP IT!! Do you really want to break a kid's heart because they get DQ’d for you being obnoxious?? Yes, it’s the local show – you validate it with “everyone does it” but if these kids outgrow local and move on to the bigger circuits and find out they can’t get coached from the rail then what? You are not setting them up for success- we school at home – not at the show. Be better for your kids.
This one is also for the trainers - make sure your students are using the correct equipment for the class they are in. Read your rule book if you aren't sure what is and isn't appropriate.
And this one is for the parents – as a judge we really wish we could give a ribbon to all the kids we see out there trying hard. But that’s not our job. Our job is to pick the best being shown THAT DAY. Some days that might be your child, some days it might not. Teach them to win and lose with grace and ease. It will help them for the rest of their life.
ASK QUESTIONS - this should be a given - you can ask your judge questions if you aren't sure of the rules - we may not be able to answer right after your class, but find us after the show and we will be happy to answer them.
VOLUNTEER – I can’t stress this one enough either. Lots of local shows are run by volunteers and the lack of volunteers causes some shows to stop being put on. If you are standing by the gate watching your child, volunteer to open and close that gate for a little while. Offer to hand out ribbons. If you’re really ambitious, volunteer to ring steward or scribe! Don’t know what’s needed, volunteer to be on the board and help make the club better. New ideas and new blood are always welcome!
As you can see - a lot goes into showing and of course a lot of practice. I hope these tips help you have a wonderful and successful show season! And when you are ready to relax - join our virtual show - it's the same fun, with less stress!
Appy Riding!
Tracy & Victoria
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