Once you and your trainer have decided that your child is ready to attend a horse show, it’s important to plan ahead for the big day.  Below is a partial list of what needs to be done, items to bring and what to expect the day of the show.  Please review this list with your trainer prior to your first horse show.

• Bathe your pony one day before the show
  • Completely wash the ponies entire body, mane and tail.
  • Do not spray Show Sheen on the ponies back where the saddle will be placed.  Show Sheen is very slippery and the saddle may slide.
  • Place your pony into a stall to stay clean.
• Oil/polish/organize all tack and place into the horse trailer
  • Saddle
  • Saddle Pad
  • Girth
  • Bridle
  • Martingale (for jumping classes only)
• Extra items that you will need to bring along:
  • Lunge line
  • Two buckets with snaps
  • Halter/lead rope
  • Hay bag with hay
  • Grooming bag complete with hoof oil, various brushes, hoof pick, two rags, a bottle of water, sunscreen, chap stick, saddle tight, money for snacks, fly spray and camera
  • Spurs
  • Crop
  • Registration form
  • Your checkbook-you will need to leave an open check with the show office.
  • Water and snacks for you and your child
  • A change of clothes and shoes for your child
• Make sure all riding attire is clean and ready to go
  • Breeches/Jods (jods are for younger children not yet wearing tall boots)
  • Shirt/rat catcher
  • Jacket
  • Tall boots (or jod straps for younger children wearing jods)
  • Helmet
  • Hair net/hair band
  • Tie (for boys)
  • Leather gloves
• Miscellaneous expenses:
  • Lease of an Equine pony or horse $25.00 per day
  • Transportation (within 30 minutes of Cameron Park) $60.00
  • Trainer Rail Fee $50.00 per day
  • Feed/shavings/trainer split-prices vary
  • Braiding-tail and mane-approximately $85.00 (for rated shows)
  • Groomer-usually at multiple day shows-$50.00 per day (for rated shows)
  • Registration fees-prices vary
    • Pre-register online at www.horseshowtime.com or mail your registration form to the appropriate show office
  • Association fees-prices vary

• Be Prepared for a long day
  • Plan on arriving at the show location at least an hour and a half before the show begins.
  • Check in at the show office, confirm classes, confirm class times, leave an open check and pick up rider’s number.
  • Bring appropriate pony paperwork:  Measurement cards, membership cards or numbers (for example: USEF, USHJA and SAHJA). For more information please visit the following websites:  www.sahja.org, www.usef.org, www.ushja.org. (Also for rated shows)
  • Lunge your pony for 15 minutes to burn off extra energy
  • Tack up your pony
  • Head to the warm up arena 20-30 minutes before the first class begins
  • Listen for class announcements: gates and times can change rapidly
  • Arrive at the show gate 5 minutes early
  • Make sure your trainer is aware of each class/time when your child will be riding.  Your trainer will need to be on the rail for safety and instruction.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions, most people are more than happy to lend a helping hand.
• A partial list of popular horse show locations in the Sacramento Area:
  • Starr Vaughn Equestrian Inc. www.svequestrian.com
  • Leone Equestrian Inc. www.leoneequestrians.com
  • Brookside Equestrian Park www.brooksideshowpark.com
  • Rancho Murieta www.murietaequinecomplex.com
  • Historic Nelson Ranch www.historicnelsonranch.com
  • Royal Crest Stable www.royalcreststable.com
  • Willow Creek Horse Park www.willowcreekhorsepark.com

HAVE FUN AND RELAX!

Written by:  Teresa G. Crowley, www.ponyweekly.com