| When you're getting ready for a horse show, | | | | take yours just in case. If your trainer is |
| it's always best to have a list of things you | | | | taking a group of riders to a show, there |
| need to take with you. Invariably everyone | | | | will probably be extras of everything, but |
| forgets something, so it's best if you have | | | | that doesn't mean it will fit you or your |
| your own list of tings to bring and your | | | | horse. Check to make sure your horse will be |
| trainer has his or hers. Don't depend on | | | | braided if needed. Most barns have a braider |
| someone else to organize you or remember to | | | | lined up to do all the horses. |
| your tack or show clothes. Clothes and tack | | | | |
| change with the type of show you're riding in | | | | Clothes |
| or the discipline - western riders don't have | | | | |
| to braid their horse's manes; whereas most | | | | The discipline you're showing in requires you |
| hunter classes require horses be braided. | | | | to dress a certain way and have a certain |
| Various disciplines have different | | | | look. Hunter shows tend to be more formal as |
| requirements, but you'll still need to have | | | | do some western pleasure classes. Saddlebred |
| the basics covered. | | | | and dressage shows are also formal in their |
| | | | horse/rider turnout. Riders are required to |
| The Paperwork | | | | have safety helmets for hunter/jumpers, |
| | | | endurance riding, and eventing. Britches, |
| You'll need a copy of your Coggins test, | | | | coats, shirts, and boots are also required |
| which needs to be updates each year. Horse | | | | for dressage and hunter shows. Endurance |
| shows won't take last years' Coggins test. If | | | | riding, some western classes, jumpers, and |
| you're traveling out of state, you must have | | | | some phases of eventing have more relaxed |
| an interstate health certificate which | | | | requirements. All riders and horses need to |
| includes a negative coggins and a veterinary | | | | be presentable and clean in their appearance. |
| exam. Also, make sure all your vacccinations | | | | |
| are up to date. When you travel with your | | | | Transportation |
| horse and are at a horse show, there are many | | | | |
| opportunies for diseases to be picked up from | | | | You or your trainer will need to make sure |
| other horses. Class choices, paperwork and | | | | your horse gets to the show. Usually your |
| stall fees can be mailed in a few weeks ahead | | | | trainer will organize shipping for you. Make |
| of your show date. This gives the show staff | | | | sure you have clean wraps ready for shipping |
| a rough count of how many horses and riders | | | | and have someone wrap your horse if you don't |
| to expect. . | | | | do it. You'll also need to reserve a stall |
| | | | for your horse. |
| Tack | | | | |
| | | | It doesn't matter what level you show at or |
| Make sure your tack - saddle and bridle -- is | | | | what discipline you're in, showing your |
| clean and polished and take extra soap, oil | | | | horse is expensive. The more prepared you |
| and a cloth in case you need to do a last | | | | are for a show, the more relaxed you'll be |
| minute clean up. Take an extra bridle if you | | | | and hopefully the more fun you'll have. And |
| have one and a couple clean saddle pads. If | | | | chances are, you'll bring home some well |
| you need a martingale for jumping classes, | | | | deserved ribbons for all your effort! |