Horse Show Etiquette: 8 Do's for a Flawless Impression

Do you want to be the exhibitor that the show staff want to come back again and again, or the one that makes them cringe when you pull up? Personally, I am in the first group. I know a few that belong to the second group, and they can make the show day more stressful than it needs to be. Have the show staff looking forward to having you at the next show by following these 8 “Do’s” of horse show etiquette.

 1 – Do Pre-Enter/Submit Your Entry BEFORE the Deadline

Most horse shows have pre-entry. Pre-entry is simply being able to register for the show and enter the classes you want to compete in. Most shows have an online form or email you can send the entry to. The show secretary loves exhibitors that pre-enter. Trust me on this one. Pre-entering does not mean you have to compete in the classes you chose, or you can’t change/scratch your classes the morning of the show. It does, however, give the show secretary the opportunity to get all your information entered, assign you a number, and start filling in gate sheets. It gives show managers an idea of how many horses are going to compete, and they can make adjustments to show staffing, stall availability, and extra arena space if it’s available.  If the show has an entry deadline, be sure to mail the entry so it arrives on or before the due date. If you are concerned about your entry, be sure to contact the show secretary to verify it was received. This makes for a speedy and smooth check-in on the morning of the show.

2 –Do Be on Time for Your Class

If the show starts at 8am and you are in Class #1, then you should be at the in-gate at 7:55am at the latest. First call for a class is your signal to head to the in-gate area. Some shows have assigned start times for exhibitors. Be mindful of the time and be where you need to be at least 5 minutes before your start time. If you need a gate hold, be sure to communicate that to the show staff as soon as possible. Don’t wait until they call your name because your class is entering the show ring to request a gate hold. Some shows will simply move on, and you miss your class. You still must pay for the class even if you miss it. Keep track of what class is in the show ring, and how fast the classes are going. If you are competing in an open block class, figure out when you have a long enough break in your classes to go complete your pattern. Don’t wait until the end of the day to complete your open block class.

3 – Do Check in with the Gate Person

The gate person’s job is to keep the exhibitors flowing in and out of the show ring smoothly. They have a list of entries for the class, and they check off the entrants as they check in. I have been the gate person at several shows. There is nothing more frustrating than calling an exhibitor’s name, having them not respond, and finding out the exhibitor was standing 10 feet away the whole time. Be sure to check in as soon as you arrive for your class and pay attention to the gate person in case they need to communicate instructions for the class. It is also extremely helpful if you remember your exhibitor number and what class numbers you are entered in.  

Heather and Dream early in their second year of showing together. April 2017

4 – Do Review the Rule Book

Be sure to review the rules for the show and for the classes you are entering. This simple step done at home prior to the show can save a lot of misunderstandings and potential conflict. If you are unsure of where to find the rules, ask the show secretary. They will be able to direct you to the appropriate rule book(s) for the show you are attending.

5 – Do Be Prepared

There is enough stress on show day without adding forgotten tack and dehydration to the mix. Pack your trailer the day before so you know you have all of the tack and clothing required for the classes. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks. You would be surprised at how many food vendors cancel at the last minute. If you need help, be sure that person is coming. Don’t rely on the good graces of others to assist you on show day. Remember, they are getting ready to compete as well. If available, print or take pictures of your patterns to bring with you. Bring a copy of the showbill so you can keep track of classes. Remember your checkbook and/or wallet. In the summer, don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses.

6 – Do Park Straight and Clean Up When You Leave

Parking can be challenging especially if there are a lot of people attending a show. Try to park your trailer as straight as possible. Leave enough room for the neighboring trailers to be able to tie their horses to their trailer. Take up only the space you absolutely need, so more trailers can fit into the parking area. When you leave, clean up your area. Pick up manure, hay, and hair as well as any trash. Most facilities have a wagon and manure fork available to clean with. If not, throw your manure, hair, and hay bits into the back of your trailer. Ideally, when you leave, your parking space should look as good as or better than when you arrived. 

7 – Do Be Polite and Courteous to Everyone

Horse shows require a lot of patience. There are lines to get checked in, waiting at the in-gate, and unexpected delays. Remember a lot of show staff are volunteers, especially at open shows. They are trying their best to keep the show moving along.  Catching up and visiting with friends is wonderful, however have those visits away from high traffic areas, such as the entrance to the arena. Be efficient when using water spigots, the bathroom, and any other shared resource. Remember the adage “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” Don’t be a doormat, but you can be polite and assertive.

8 – Do What’s Right for Your Horse

We spend a lot of time preparing, training and practicing for a show. If you have been showing long enough, you know that show days rarely go as planned. Your sweet angel muffin may have inconveniently decided to take the day off, and your horse is now grumpy Gus who doesn’t feel very cooperative. Your horse may have some discomfort today that wasn’t there yesterday. This may mean you need to scratch a class or scrap the day altogether. Show staff would much rather you scratch classes than watch you and/or your horse have a miserable day in the show ring. I have had to scratch entries and whole days. It is so disappointing. At the end of the day, your horse and their health is more important than any buckle, ribbon, or trophy. 

There you have it. Follow the 8 golden rules of horse show etiquette, and the show staff as well as your fellow exhibitors will cheer when you pull up.