How New Horse Show Parents Can Prepare
Horse shows are a lot of fun! But, they can feel bewildering if you’re new to the equestrian community. If you’re a parent heading to your first horse show with your young rider or if you’re a beginner rider yourself, these eight survival tips from veteran horse show participants may help you feel a little more prepared. While each discipline will have differences, most of this advice is broadly applicable.
1. Ask a Lot of Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most horse people are happy to assist you, but they won’t assume you want help if you don’t ask—so speak up!
Allison shares the following about her daughter’s first show: “We knew less than zero about what a horse show entailed or how to prepare for one. However, we are fortunate to have a wonderful barn family packed full of experts who are always willing to help.”
Kim suggests tagging along to the show with someone who has been to one before. You’ll have a much easier time if you can rely on experienced horse competitors to teach and guide you.
2. Plan Ahead
Here are a few ways to prepare in advance before you head to your first horse show:
Pack for Success
Packing effectively for a horse show takes planning. Charlotte recommends using a horse show checklist to ensure you have the necessities for both horse and rider. She also says to pack two of anything essential, such as riding attire and tack.
Sandy suggests bringing something comfortable your child can wear over their show clothes to stay clean while grooming their horse. Barbara says to pack a large quilt for napping on during downtime. It’s also a good idea to take something you can enjoy doing during the inevitable waiting periods. If you are taking children who are not riding, don’t forget to consider their needs as well.
If you’re attending a multi-day show, consider investing in a tack trunk to haul around horse equipment and store it easily at the show grounds. For an easy and inexpensive option, we recommend a rolling, fifty-gallon tool trunk from your local hardware store. These are spacious, easy to move, and durable.
Learn the Basics
“Learn how to become a groom because that’s what you’ll be!” Mak shares, laughing. If you’re willing and able to learn a few horse basics, it’ll probably come in handy. Even when your child doesn’t need your help, another grateful individual nearby probably will!
Bring Plenty of Food and Water
Nearly everyone we spoke with suggested coming prepared with meals and snacks. Kristen recommends packing “easy things that can be eaten on horseback. Healthy snacks to keep you going are key!”
Sandy points out that excited kids “may not eat or drink as much as they need to without prompting. Have their favorite flavor of sports drink on hand and food that you know they’ll eat—even if it’s not the most balanced diet.… Dehydration or heat exhaustion can really wreck the horse show experience!”
Allison shares, “At one horse show early on, we naïvely thought we would take our daughter out to a late lunch after her noon class…. [W]e were still waiting for her to ride as dinner time came and went. As you can imagine, things didn’t go well. #kidwoundupinthedirt”
Plan For Any Type of Weather
The weather at horse shows tends to come with surprises no matter how many times you check the forecast. Pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and any other outerwear or equipment that may come in handy.
If you take a sun canopy or umbrella, handle these items with care and courtesy—remember that most horses spook easily.
3. Arrive Early
If the show schedule says that classes start at noon, don’t assume the start time is set in stone. It’s usually important to arrive early and check in with your trainer and show officials. This allows you to relax and readjust if the schedule is running ahead or behind.
Horse shows involve a lot of waiting. While you wait for your child’s classes, suggest that your rider prepare everything they can ahead of time, such as dressing and doing their hair, grooming their horse, and cleaning and gathering tack. Then, keep an ear to the ground so your child will know when to tack up without having to rush.
If you end up running to the arena in a panic, don’t worry—we’ve all been there! Arriving early and learning to time your preparations will get easier with practice.
4. Help Out—But Not Too Much
Kids will need help and support as they learn their horse show responsibilities. However, be careful not to take over for them. Barbara says, “Don’t do too much for your rider. Shows are an opportunity to learn responsibility and a good work ethic. Help and support, but let your rider learn.”
5. Be Patient with Your Child’s Emotions
Horse shows can come with a roller coaster of emotions. “There are wonderful highs and moments of celebration,” Allison relates, “but there are also moments of tears and utter frustration. Expect this! I did not and was caught off guard…. Hug [your kids]. Love them. Support them. Listen to them and validate their [feelings and] perceived shortcomings, even if what you see as a proud parent is very different.”
Barbara adds, “There is nothing you can say to change your rider’s round. You’ll just be a target for their feelings of the moment. Don’t hover by your rider at the in gate. Stay nearby until you learn how your trainer treats your rider after a good round and a bad round. Then, if you’re happy with [how your trainer handles things], keep your distance. Let your trainer train. That’s why you pay them. Let your trainer deal with the tears. Let your trainer celebrate the great rounds and build trust with your rider.”
As a parent, it’s also important to regulate your own emotions. Mak cautions, “Be patient with your child because they’re going through a lot. If your stress is high, their stress is double.”
6. Foster Excellent Horsemanship
Remind your child to tend to their horse’s needs before their own. “Cooling down, hosing off, wrapping legs, and making sure your child’s equine partner is taken care of comes first,” Barbara explains. “They can’t do it themselves.”
Kristen gives the following advice to young riders: “Remember to enjoy the day and the fact that you get quality time with the horse! Take care of each other. If you take care of the horse, the horse will take care of you!”
7. Encourage Good Sportsmanship
Whether your child brings home a champion ribbon or no ribbons at all, teach them that horse shows are for learning and growing—not for winning. Barbara says, “Teach good sportsmanship and perspective. Teach your rider to be a pleasure to ride with.”
Remind your child to build up their fellow riders rather than attempt to elevate themselves by tearing others down. Nothing spoils a horse show faster for everyone nearby than unkind or spoiled behavior.
8. Manage Expectations and Enjoy the Ride!
Your child may approach their first show with big expectations. Hanni cautions, “Don’t have any expectations. Go to learn, have fun with your horse, meet new friends, and learn new things—just have fun!”
Talk to your child in advance about having a growth mindset and a positive attitude. This will ensure a positive learning experience whether they have a perfect ride or a difficult one.
Why Horse Shows Are Worth the Effort
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re ready to enjoy a successful horse show! Preparing and adjusting to horse show life can feel like a huge task, but watching your rider grow and learn is a priceless experience.
Allison says, “Horse shows are utterly exhausting, but oh so much fun. We hope you enjoy your experience and make memories to last a lifetime.”
If you have a story about how horses or horse people have improved your life, please consider sharing!
