| Hosting a horse show is a very rewarding thing. You | | | | students. Jumper, hunter, equitation, they were all over |
| get to showcase your place and you don't have to | | | | fences so what's the difference, I would often get |
| trailer your own horses to the venue. | | | | asked. So I developed the Skill Builders series of show |
| All you really need to host a show is: | | | | clinics to provide a safe professional, atmosphere at a |
| - ribbons | | | | reasonable cost to help promote shows and the |
| - some prizes - easiest to get prizes from local | | | | showing experience. |
| businesses such as feed store or local veterinary clinic | | | | The format is simple. You ride the course and when all |
| - a judge or local horse personality | | | | the competitors in the class have finished their courses, |
| - insurance | | | | comments are given as to why they placed and ways |
| - of course people who are willing to take part. | | | | to improve. So it might be something like, "Equitation is |
| It really doesn't have to be too big of a deal. Entry | | | | judged on riding. Number 134, you are the best rider in |
| forms can be simple or in some cases, for in - house | | | | this group and could have placed first, but because |
| training shows, sign up can be listing your name, your | | | | you rode on the wrong diagonal, your placing is lower. |
| horses name and then checking the correct column of | | | | Next time correct your diagonal and your placing could |
| the class number that you would like to enter into on a | | | | be better". |
| posted sheet of cardboard. | | | | Often, as well, we would incorporate a short |
| More elaborate shows require significant organization | | | | description of the class requirements is read over the |
| and financial backing. Hosting a recognized show, | | | | loud speaker to let spectators and participants alike a |
| sanctioned by your national governing horse body is | | | | chance to learn and know what is required. Road |
| the ultimate goal but to begin with, you must start | | | | hack, Pleasure Horse/Pony, Equitation can be a bit |
| somewhere and that place is at home at a local show. | | | | confusing for first timers so clarifying it is helpful. |
| The parents were happy to go and watch their | | | | Hosting you own development series is a great way |
| children ride, but they didn't know some of the | | | | to promote your stable and help your students |
| fundamental basic rules or specifications of classes | | | | understand the requirements of showing. |
| they were to show in. Or, for that matter, did the | | | | |