| Horse shows are a fun way to test your developing | | | | on the white board letting people know what you are |
| riding skills, to see and meet riders from other barns, | | | | looking for - size, color, etc. In addition, all riders need to |
| and to learn from watching other riders. Shows vary | | | | have a show shirt called a rat catcher. Shirts should be |
| from local, one-day events to large, rated weeklong | | | | long sleeved and include a separate collar that closes |
| shows. Shows usually include classes for a variety of | | | | in the back. Shirts may vary in color. In addition, all riders |
| riding abilities from beginners to professionals. Generally | | | | should have a pair of black gloves, generally leather, |
| riders start to show at local shows, on the same | | | | for use when showing. |
| school horses they have ridden in their lessons. More | | | | Children under 12 years old should wear tan or khaki |
| advanced riders usually show the horses they own or | | | | jodhpurs with clean paddock boots. The show outfit |
| lease. | | | | for children under 12 is finished with garters, narrow |
| Students who are interested in showing should talk to | | | | leather strips with buckles that are worn just below the |
| their trainer to determine which shows are appropriate. | | | | knees on top of the jodhpurs. The buckles go on the |
| Showing horses requires some advance preparation - | | | | outside of the leg. Children over 12 and all adults wear |
| both for the horse and for the rider. In addition, horse | | | | tan or khaki britches and tall boots (field boots). Finally, |
| shows involve some costs beyond those related to | | | | all riders should have safety-approved helmets - black |
| lessons. This short guide is intended to help riders and | | | | velvet helmets are traditional along with the recently |
| or their parents to prepare for a show. | | | | popular GPA type helmet. NOTE: Juniors riders are |
| In order to show, riders must have appropriate attire. | | | | required to have safety-approved helmets on at all |
| For all riders, showing requires a hunt jacket. The most | | | | times when they are mounted on the horse. |
| traditional color for jackets is navy. Jackets are | | | | Riders often find it helpful to have jackets and |
| available at most tack shops and vary in price. In | | | | warm-up pants which can be pulled on over their |
| addition, a number of tack stores offer used jackets at | | | | show clothes. These serve two purposes. First, they |
| reasonable prices, a particularly good option for children | | | | keep the rider warm. Second, they keep the rider |
| who grow out of jackets quickly. Often, older kids at | | | | clean. In addition, riders should bring a change of |
| the barn have jackets that are ready to be handed | | | | clothes so that they are more comfortable after they |
| down to younger kids. It is always worth putting a note | | | | ride. |