I love Schooling Shows. They are low key, people are friendly. I find that even the 'fanciest' folks are willing to chat at a schooling show, and I have learned a lot there. You can dress all up if you want, or show in your yellow puffy dirty bag lady jacket and still
win high point (one of my BFF's did once)!
However, I dare say that a few sets of truly unprepared riders on unruly/unprepared horses and a fun day turns into a frustrating and potentially dangerous one. It sucks the fun right out of a low key show.
So I offer the following blog as a friendly help to those considering their first schooling show, or those who feel like they 'don't understand the rules'.
Before go to any show- schooling, 4-H, Open, or Gaming ask yourself if you have these basics down:
- Can you stop your horse? Simple rule- No whoa, no go. This does not mean you finally get him to stop once he's crashed into someone or when he gets tired enough to slow to a trot :)
- Does your horse kick, lash out, or excessively spook? Maybe a little more homework is in order before trailering to a public venue. (Hint: if people in the arena with you look scared, you're not ready!)
- Do you know basic ring etiquette? If not, it's your lucky day... (read on for some tips)
...but wait, Cowgirly- it's a schooling show. Don't you go to learn to show?
"No, my friend, I think you want a clinic. Big difference.Think of it this way- is the judge at a schooling show teaching or instructing you on how to improve? Nope. He/She is judging you and handing out ribbons for whoever does best.
If you want a public venue with multiple horses to work among and learn, I highly recommend a clinic. If you want or need individual training and focus on a regular basis, find a trainer. Some even let you split lessons with another rider or do groups.
How about books? Your local library probably has dozens- mine even has DVDs of some very popular trainers if you want to follow a certain philosophy. Online forums are excellent as well. Don't forget to ask others. I have several friends who help me a ton when it comes to working my horse.
Then you go to a schooling show to put what you have learned into practice, to evaluate what you're learning, to gain show experience, see how training is going. And you have FUN!
The opinion that a schooling show is a clinic with ribbons is exactly why there are horses and riders getting kicked (or worse) at schooling shows, or people getting cut off, run over, insulted, and/or having a bad experience. And I think many folks just don't realize that, I don't think they set out to ruin someone else's day. Green /Novice classes at a schooling show should not look like a sheep riding event at the local rodeo (wooly critters running amok while frightened riders cling for their lives and others try to get out of the way before being destroyed).
Anyhow, regardless of who you are or how you prepare, I wanted to share some lessons I've learned over the years on ways we can all make any show a great experience for everyone who is there to compete, watch, judge, or host.
Cowgirly's Top 10 Rules of Show Etiquette
- No whoa, no go (don't bring a horse you cannot control).
- If your horse is a kicker, put a red ribbon in his/her tail to warn others. Even a small one will help others steer clear.
- Enter what you're ready for- there's no shame in doing walk only or walk/jog only.
- Do not block arena gates (this includes the warm up arena) and don't take up arena space to sit and talk. This includes those who come to watch you- help keep them out of the way so other riders can prepare for their class.
- Ride the same direction as the others when warming up whenever possible. Pass left to left (just like driving) and call out when you are passing (a simple call out of "Passing on the inside. Thank you" will do. If you need to ride the reverse, remember you're the odd man out and stay out of other's way :)
- Leave as much space as possible on the rail between you and the horse in front of you- at least one horse (10 feet) minimum. (you can see the dirt behind the back feet of the horse in front of you when you're this far back).
- If your horse gets out of control, get out of the ring (and let others know if they are in the path of destruction so they can move).
- Don't rush to transition between gaits- take your time so you don't affect those riding behind you.
- Manners: be polite, help when you can, if you have an issue handle it like an adult (no yelling, swearing, etc). If you cannot handle it, ask the ring steward or office for help.
- Share the show: if something you're doing is scaring other horses (loud equipment, yelling at your own horse, etc) or making others uncomfortable (loud friends, unsupervised kids) fix it or stop.
Post rules near the arena so people know what is expected. They'll appreciate it!
- Offer red ribbons and rubber bands in the show office for potential kickers.
- Don' t allow unsupervised kids to run all over- it's not just annoying, it's dangerous and a huge liability for the facility and you!
I've been to quite a few shows, and when basic ring etiquette is practiced everyone has fun. When children run around like monkeys, riders insult each other, horses run up on other horses (with frantic passengers on them about to cry) and kicks are exchanged - everyone loses. When we all remember to consider others (and our horse) we win!
If you have show etiquette tips, a wish list for those who host shows or a story from a show, post it in comments!
