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