Horse shows are a unique kind of event — full of passion, precision, and proud moments. But behind every polished performance and seamless class is a hard-working network of show staff, secretaries, ring stewards, volunteers, and committee members making sure it all happens.
Whether you compete in Arabian breed shows or the detailed world of dressage, for example, one thing remains true: you can make a huge difference in how smoothly your show experience goes — not just for yourself, but for everyone. Here’s how to show up like the kind, capable, and considerate exhibitor we all love to see.
📝 Before the Show: The Entry Phase
✅ Enter Early — Really Early
Dressage shows often require intensive scheduling coordination, especially when you factor in conflicts across multiple rings. With ride times being carefully calculated to the minute, last-minute entries are a nightmare for management. You’ll have noticed most shows do not allow post entries for anything that requires a scheduled time, so the sooner, the better!
💡 Pro tip:
Aim to enter at least a week before the close date. Earlier if you’re planning to ride in multiple divisions or are part of a trainer’s barn with a large group.
✅ Submit Accurate, Complete Info
It’s common to forget to list membership numbers (AHA, USEF, WDAA, USDF, etc.) or to double check horse registration spellings. For dressage, errors in level or test numbers can mean mismatched scores and confusion when the schedules are released.
💡 Checklist for other points of interest:
- Class numbers — double check!
- Stabling requests (be clear if stalling with a barn group)
✅ Don’t Skip the Notes Section
You might have trainer or rider conflicts — say so! For dressage, you might be hauling in and need late or early ride times. Use the notes field to help the secretary help you.
🚛 When You Arrive: Setting the Tone
✅ Have Paperwork Ready (Or Already Sent)
If the secretary needs to track down anything before the show… you’re not starting off as a favorite. Have everything ready or easily accessible digitally. Or better yet, send it in before you get to the show! Email is great for this.
✅ Be Ready for Minor Hiccups
Your stall might be one over from what you were told. Your test printout may have a smudge. It’s not personal — it’s the reality of managing many horses and riders across multiple rings.
Be flexible. Be kind. And if you’re confused, ask respectfully.
✅ Check the Show Office
Many shows — especially dressage — will post class or ride time updates on an office bulletin board or website. Don’t rely on others to tell you; check it yourself.
🐎 During the Show: How to Be the Rider Staff Love
✅ Check In at the Gate (And Don’t Vanish!)
At all shows, classes can run quickly. Let the gate steward know you’re there. At dressage shows, arrive at your ring at least 10 minutes before your test time. Ride times are appointments, not suggestions. Checking in with the gate steward or paddock manager is really helpful!
💡 Tip for riders:
If you’re in multiple divisions, communicate conflicts in advance. Don’t wait until the gate is calling your name to say you’re not ready. They don’t have to hold it for you at that point!
✅ Learn the Rules (And Trust That Staff Knows Them Too)
Don’t argue with the gate person about required tack or class order. If you have questions, go to the show steward. Respect the fact that staff are enforcing the rules — they didn’t make them.
✅ Be Gracious — Even If Things Go Wrong
The music cuts out in your freestyle. Your number got entered incorrectly. It happens. Responding with kindness (and maybe a little humor) goes a long way.
🏆 Wrap Up: Good Riders Win Ribbons, Great Riders Build Community
Showing horses isn’t just about what happens between the in-gate and out-gate. It’s about how we treat the people who make those gates possible.
So at your next horse show, remember:
- Enter with care
- Arrive with grace
- Ride with respect
- Leave with gratitude
Let’s make horse shows a joy — for every horse, human, and hard-working staffer behind the scenes.
🐴 Bonus: Easy Ways to Say Thank You
- Handwritten note to the secretary or manager
- Social media shout-out tagging the show
- Bring coffee or snacks to the gate staff
- Volunteer next time!
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