WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR FIRST FEW YEARS OF HORSE SHOWING

First Things First - Getting ready for the show at home the day before:

Everyone going to the horse show can come to the barn the day before the show. You should plan to exercise your horse, bathe or clean your horse, and clean and pack your tack.

What to Pack?

Taking care of your horse's needs is the first thing to do.

• Check your horse's stall. Make sure your horse has hay and water.
• Unload your tack and cleaning supplies.
• Ask the Trainer ...
  • Does my horse need to be lunged?
• Should I saddle up and ride now?
• What classes am I going in?
• Register for your classes. Enter your classes at the entry booth and get your number. (Don't forget your number!) Shows held at the Niagara County Fairgrounds accept CASH ONLY!

Time to Show!

• Keep an eye on the show schedule and know what class is being held. Have a plan of when you will want to tack your horse and get on, you don't want to miss your class. HAVE FUN!
• If you have a break in between classes you can groom your horse, pick his feet, clean your tack and check his water.

Yeah, You Are Done!

Congratulations, you are now done showing. After untacking your horse, you will take care of your horse first!! Make sure your horse is cool before putting your horse in its stall. Hose him/her off if weather permits. Tie up your horse's tail, and take out the braids. (Wet the mane first for easy removal.) Check that he/she has hay and water. Then you may pack all of your tack and supplies. Check with your trainer before you leave.

By the time you are showing your second year, you should have:

• Bathing Bucket - shampoo, conditioner, sponge, sweat scraper, etc.
• Tote full of Supplies - brushes, scissors, baby oil, hoof oil, hoof pick, show sheen, fly spray, hair brush for tail, old towels, etc.
• Helmet, whips and spurs
• Tack cleaning products (Soap, sponges, silver polish)
• Braiding kit and yarn to match your horse's mane
• Show saddle pad or blanket

After your second year of showing you should have:

• Cooler for your horse
• Saddle rack and bridle rack
• Lunge line and lunge whip
• Splint boots and bell boots
• Saddle

Horse show rules and regulations

• For anyone that is leasing, you MUST lease a horse at least one month prior to the show date.
• It is mandatory that anyone needing to cancel from attending the show, must give one week's notice or standard horse show charges will be made and you will be billed.
• Before going to a show, any previous show bills must be paid in full.

Braiding, Lunging and Grooming lessons will be given throughout the summer.

You must take braiding lessons in order to braid your own horse for a show.