Attending Horse Shows: Essential Preparation & Success Tips

Attending horse shows can be an exciting experience, but they can also bring stress and nerves. This comprehensive guide shares key tips to help you stay calm, well-prepared, and enjoy your day with your horse fully.

1. Preparation is the Key to Success

The old adage about preparation being crucial holds especially true for horse shows. Without careful planning beforehand, you risk last-minute rushing that adds stress to both you and your horse. Start by making a detailed checklist of everything you'll need, including tack, grooming supplies, and paperwork. Even seemingly small items matter to avoid forgotten essentials that could stop you from competing.

If you plan to bathe or groom your horse, doing so the night before can save lots of time. Protect your horse from dirt and weather with appropriate rugs so your hard work doesn’t get undone. For mane plaiting, consider doing this the evening prior unless your horse tends to rub, in which case you can use a horse hood to help maintain the style. Ensuring your horse is well-shod in the lead-up with a blacksmith’s checkup will help avoid losing shoes right before showing.

Having a trusted assistant can make a huge difference. Extra hands to help mount, tack up, and manage entries reduce your workload and help keep nerves in check. Don’t forget to plan your journey carefully — know the route to the showground and factor in travel times including possible traffic delays.

2. Arriving at the Showground

Arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to settle your horse, familiarise yourself with the venue, and get organised without rushing. Contact the show organisers ahead to check on your class times. Once you’re there, explore the location of the warm-up ring, show arena, and entry points.

Only tack up and mount with enough time left to warm up but not so early your horse gets restless. Shade and water access are vital if you’re keeping your horse tied to a trailer or horsebox on a sunny day — a calm rider helps keep a calm horse. If your horse is nervous with crowds, try finding quieter spots or staying near other horses. Watching others’ classes and taking breaks can help manage your nerves and let you enjoy the day more.

For jumping classes, walking the course beforehand is essential. Take your time to understand every jump and approach, which helps reduce surprises for you and your horse during performance.

3. After the Show: Care and Departure

After competing, ensure your horse cools down properly and gets fresh water. Adjust rugs if temperatures drop to keep your horse comfortable. Double-check that you have packed all your belongings before leaving. Plan your journey back by checking traffic updates to avoid delays.

Remember, attending a horse show is as much about the preparation beforehand as what happens on the day. With calmness and organisation, the entire experience can be rewarding and enjoyable.

Common Questions About Attending Horse Shows

What should you pack for a horse show?

Quick Answer: Pack grooming supplies, tack, spares (like extra reins and bits), paperwork, rugs, first aid kits, water buckets, and personal items like snacks and appropriate clothing.

Having a thorough checklist ensures you don't leave anything vital behind. Include everything from hoof picks to sunscreen, as well as items specific to the discipline you're competing in. Bringing backups and knowing where to source items locally can relieve stress on the day.

How early should you arrive at a horse show?

Quick Answer: Arriving at least one to two hours before your scheduled class is ideal to settle your horse and prepare calmly.

This window allows time to unload safely, find your way around the venue, tack up your horse without rushing, and warm up efficiently. Last-minute arrivals increase stress for both rider and horse as well as limit your preparation time.

How can you manage nerves at horse shows?

Quick Answer: Focus on preparation, breathe deeply, take breaks, and enlist a supportive person to help keep calm.

Nerves are normal but can be eased by visualising your planned performance, staying organised, and not overthinking outcomes. Watching other classes or stepping away for a moment can reset your mindset during the day.

Attending horse shows offers a unique opportunity to bond with your horse, learn, and enjoy equestrian sport. With thoughtful preparation and a calm approach, you can make each show a positive experience.