| ou have decided to try showing in the hunter ring. If | | | | When selecting the classes you want to enter keep |
| this is your first show you probably have a lot of | | | | in mind that the show day can get very long and it |
| questions about how a show is run. It is my hope | | | | isn’t fair to put your horse into more classes |
| that this guide will ease your worries and allow you | | | | that he can handle. Many horses can’t |
| to have a pleasant experience. | | | | manage more than 4-5 classes in a day. Others who |
| The first thing you need to do is find a show that is | | | | are very fit can manage more. If you do enter a lot |
| suited to your level of riding and the quality of your | | | | of classes make sure that there are some breaks in |
| horse. Not all horse shows are the same. Unless you | | | | between so you are not on your horse all day long. |
| are riding with a good coach who will guide you | | | | After entering your classes take some time to study |
| through the process and have a horse who is | | | | the courses. Usually there will be papers with the |
| experienced in the ring, your best bet is to start at a | | | | courses written on them placed somewhere near the |
| schooling show. | | | | arena. You should be able to study the course while |
| Schooling shows are usually run by riding schools in | | | | looking at the actual ring and fences so that you will |
| your general area. They may be closed to students | | | | be familiar with what the course looks like. It is very |
| from the riding school only, but many accept outside | | | | important to memorize these courses and refresh |
| horses and riders. Call the barn before the show to | | | | yourself before going into the ring as going off |
| find out what their policy is. They may have a small | | | | course will get you disqualified. Sometimes it is easiest |
| ship-in fee for outside horses, but most welcome any | | | | to memorize your course just before the class so |
| new participants. There are also shows at the | | | | that you don’t get the different patterns |
| schooling level that are held by local riding clubs. | | | | mixed up in your head. |
| These are generally open to horses and riders from | | | | When your division begins you may be presented |
| any barn but may require that you are a club | | | | with an order of go. This tells you which horses are |
| member. | | | | expected to enter the ring in what order. Other |
| Hunter shows generally can be entered the day of | | | | schooling shows just accept horses into the ring |
| the show. Some shows will have pre-entries, which | | | | when the riders are ready. If at all possible watch a |
| can cut your costs somewhat. Others only allow | | | | couple of horses and riders around the course before |
| entries the morning of the show. When looking at | | | | your turn so that you see how the course rides and |
| the list of classes available take into consideration the | | | | where potential trouble may lie. |
| level of your horse and your own riding level. You | | | | The flat classes are generally held either at the |
| should generally enter classes that are at or slightly | | | | beginning or the end of a division. In a flat class all the |
| below your current training level. For example, if you | | | | horses are brought into the ring at once. They are |
| are jumping 3’ at home, you might want to | | | | asked to walk and trot on the rail in each direction. |
| try a 2’6” or 2’9” | | | | The canter may be asked for as a group, but if the |
| division rather than pushing your horse to the | | | | class is large or the level is low the judge will often |
| maximum you have been training at. This makes the | | | | split the class into two groups, each one having a |
| show less stressful and will maximize the chance of | | | | turn on the rail to show off their canter. After the |
| having a positive first experience. | | | | class is finished the judge will ask you to line up in a |
| There are often classes in a range of levels available. | | | | row facing one direction. You might be asked to back |
| Many shows will allow cross-entering from one level | | | | your horse, but usually the judge merely looks over |
| to another, but will limit how big the range of ability is. | | | | each horse and rider a final time before handing in |
| For example, you might be able to enter a | | | | the judging card. |
| 2’6” division and a 2’9” | | | | Remember that showing your horse should be able |
| division, but would not be allowed to enter the | | | | gaining better experience and improving your riding |
| 3’ division. This is to make it fair for all the | | | | skills. While ribbons are nice they should not be your |
| riders involved and prevent high-level riders from | | | | top priority. Most shows pin to 6th place but some |
| sweeping the ribbons in the low level classes. | | | | will offer ribbons to 8th or even 10th place. There is |
| Many shows have actual divisions of classes that | | | | rarely prize money at the schooling level. |
| include 2-3 over fences classes and 1-2 flat classes. | | | | Hopefully you now have a better idea of what to |
| Lower level divisions are likely to have more flat | | | | expect when attending your first hunter show. If |
| classes, while higher level divisions will have more | | | | possible bring a knowledgeable friend or coach to help |
| over fences classes. Each over fences class will | | | | walk you through the process and give you an extra |
| usually have a different course to learn, but some | | | | set of hands. Remember, showing should be fun, so |
| beginning divisions or green divisions will offer a | | | | don’t get too worked up about it. If you |
| schooling class that is the same as a later class, or | | | | relax and take your time your first showing |
| not vary the courses very much to keep things | | | | experience can be a great one. |
| simple for the riders. | | | | |