The Competitive Rider
To be competitive in the show ring, you need to constantly upgrade and refine your riding skills, both on your own and with an instructor. You will run up against very good riders in the show ring, and you need to match and better their skills, even for the classes that are judged solely on the horse's performance.
A highly trained horse can take a rider through a fifteen-minute horse show class without the rider having to know more than the basic cues. These are good horses for novices to ride in a show to learn the ropes. Trainers who focus on showing often keep a couple of these show veterans in their barns to lease out to new students for a couple of shows or even a whole showing season.
When you and your horse are learning the show ropes together, you will want to take your riding skills to a higher level than is required to hack through the woods — if for no other reason than to know how to deal with a show ring full of other riders.
Dogs generally are not welcome at horse shows. Some horses aren't accustomed to dogs and may spook easily at the sight or bark of one, potentially causing injury to the rider or nearby onlookers. Check the rules first to see if dogs are allowed. Keep the dog confined or restrained at all times, and stay away from the arenas where riders are warming up or competing.
Some horses are not suited for the pressures of showing — which include long hours in the trailer traveling to an event, constant changes in environment, long periods of time confined to a stall or tied to the side of the trailer, and going around and around a show ring. This can stress out some horses and cause ulcers, so be mindful of your horse's comfort level and well-being.
Retired show horses in their teenage years can make great horses for beginner riders, young or older. However, some have not seen much of the world outside the show ring and need some exposure to trail riding and other activities, with a supportive and experienced rider, before being retired to such an activity.
The required riding apparel and accessories (called “appointments”) will differ for every type of show and riding discipline. For example, if you plan to ride in “over fences” classes, you need a hunt seat saddle, riding breeches, a coat, tall boots, and a helmet. If you plan to take your horse in the Western pleasure class, you will need a complete change of clothes and tack. Even within the English riding disciplines the tack and clothing requirements are vastly different.
The USEF Rule Book is an annual publication that lists in detail all the rules governing every type of horse sport and class it oversees, including conduct, clothing, appointments, participation and class requirements, and much more. Before entering a show, read and familiarize yourself with the rules and information that pertain to your division. The show world has an appropriate etiquette for every discipline — how and when to pass a horse that is slower, for example — and your instructor/trainer can help you learn the specifics. The rules can be different for each kind of show and type of riding. If you've switched riding disciplines, for example, and are showing in the new style for the first time, make sure you know what rules apply to the type of show and classes you're entering.
A rule violation could get you eliminated from the class or the show, and ignorance of the rules is never an excuse. The rules change periodically, so get your hands on the most recent version. As a USEF member, you're entitled to receive a print copy on request, or you can easily view it online at
