For Parents and other Supporters of Riders Things to look for when your rider is in the show ring Please keep in mind horses move away from pressure. Pressure is applied with rider's legs and with their seat bones and hands. So there is more going on between horse and rider than meets the eye. Proper posture: This means each rider should be sitting up straight  They should sit in such a manner so that if you were to drop a line from the sky down past these points on the rider the line would go directly straight through each point. There are 3 lines: line #1 ear to shoulder to hip to heel (looking from the side of the rider) line # 2 toe under knee with heels down ( this helps the rider balance properly) line #3 elbow to wrist to horses mouth. You want to see the rider looking up between the horses ears and and ahead to show the horse where they want to go. Riders need to keep hands hip level, forward towards the horses head, with soft flexible hands and arms that move with the movement of the horses head. Judges will watch to see how well the rider controls the horse. Judges look for all the above plus how quietly (not using big gestures) the rider communicates with the horse Judges also look for the attitude of the rider and horse looking for relaxed pleasant attitudes. Above all we want to encourage the joy of horseback riding and we use shows to learn how well we are utilizing our skills that we learn in lessons.  Please help us maintain this experience as a positive one. Some horse lingo: on the rail means to stay next to the fence while walking of stopping, reverse on the rail means to change directions staying close to the fence, correct diagonal means that the rider should stand up when the front leg closest to the rail comes forward and sit down when it goes back. The up and down motion a rider does when the horse trots (one speed faster than a walk) is called posting. Finally for safety while enjoying the show please observe the following Safety rules: Do not walk closely behind and horse or stand right in front of the horse, they cannot see you and you could startle them., please don't use flash photography, please don't make rapid movements around horses, no shouting, throwing objects, or running (this includes any younger siblings that may accompany the rider). Please be aware that some horses find different objects like umbrellas for instance alarming so please listen and cooperate with show staff if they ask you to move or put away a certain object it is only for safety of riders and horses. Please don't feed any of the horses unless it has been cleared by the owner or trainer. Thank you for coming and we hope this extra information helps you enjoy the show more.

An Explanation of Show Costs and Fees If this is your child's first time attending a show this is a brief description of costs associated with attending and participating in shows. For my program the majority of the shows that your child will participate in are at "home shows" held at the stables where your equestrian takes his or her lessons. For our purposes all other show will be referred to as "Away Shows" meaning that some form of travel will be required of trainer, horse and rider to attend show and will not be located on the grounds where the participant normally has his or her lessons. Types of Shows Schooling Shows: This type of show is the one in which the majority of my students participate. In a schooling show the judge will often take time at the end of a class to give feed back to a rider on how they can improve in their next class.  These shows are invaluable for building confidence, comprehension in the sport, a positive sportsmanship attitude, and much more. Dress regulations for this type of show are usually quite relaxed. Riders in this type of show are there to either start their showing experience or that of their horses. The atmosphere tends to not be as intense. The class fees associated with type of show are usually minimal. The level of difficulty in the classes is also lower as more emphasis is being put on education versus performance. Rated Shows: This is where the competition becomes more intense.  Dress regulations are usually very strictly enforced.  Riders involved in this type of show are earning points for themselves as riders and for their horses so they can advance. You will find all riding levels at this type of show from beginning through professionals. Ratings go from C through A which is the highest rating and therefore difficulty level. Class fees are generally higher at a rated show and most rated shows are some type of "Away show". Fees There are often a number of fees associated with shows aside from the apparel aspect of shows. Here is a number of fees to consider before doing a show.  This list is not comprehensive and please understand that different instructors charge different fees so please be sure to have a detailed conversation with your instructor before embarking on a show so that you don't have any financial surprises. Terms and descriptions Coaching Fee: This is a fee that covers the instructors time in coaching the student through the regulations and expectations of the show. As well as making sure that the horse is exercised in warm up day as well as show day. This can either be arrived at with a daily fee or show fee that applies for the whole show. Registration Fee: This is a fee paid to the stables or location holding the show for providing arena, Judge for classes and other facility expenses. Class Fee:  This fee covers the cost of ribbons and in some rated shows also goes toward a cup or pot won by the winner of the class. Class fees will vary depending on the level of difficulty of the class as well as the type of show, i.e. schooling show classes don't cost as much as a cup class where the winner takes all. Stall Fee: For those students attending an "Away Show you will need to plan on paying a stall fee daily for the totality of your horse being stabled at the show. There may be additional cost for bedding which you may be required to purchase from the site as well as a hay fee. You or someone from your stable is required to keep the stalls clean and in good condition as well as to set up and clean up the stall at the end of the show. You are also responsible for making sure that your horse has fresh water and hay at all times. Farrier/Vet. Fees: All Rated shows require that your horse be seen by the show vet and farrier to make sure that everyone is on an even ground for competition. Trailoring Fee: This fee covers the expense of hauling the horse to and from the exhibition site. The cost can be reduced by sharing a trailor with another competitor from your stables and splitting the cost. Carousel Series Schooling Shows Fees Requirements and fees for my schooling shows. Please see the shopping list for dress requirements. Fees: Registration Fees: $15/ rider Class Fees:$10/ Class minimum of 3 classes required Instructor Fee:$55 Please plan on spending $100.00 per show. (we often treat the show as a lesson for that week so then the cost is only $50) Little Bits Schooling Shows Fees Requirements and fees for my schooling shows. Please see the shopping list for dress requirements. Fees: Registration/Class Fees: are the same price as one lesson Instructor Fee:$25-35 depending on lesson price Please plan on spending $100.00 per show. (we treat the show as a lesson for that week)