Here are some basic recommendations to take into account and discuss with your trainer when preparing for horse show season. Keep in mind riding and showing can be stressful at times but with the right team and mindset is an enjoyable and educational experience.
Pre-Season Preparation
Confirm your horse's equipment is properly fitted
Confirm your horse is up-to-date on all vet records and maintenance
Confirm your memberships and registrations are completed
Review your horses feed, supplements and any medications to confirm you know the rules and are compliant
Confirm your equipment and show attire are rule compliant for the level(s) you'll be showing
Pre-Show Preparation
Clean all horse and rider equipment
Pack your trunk (mock packing list below)
Prepare your horse's feed and supplements for each day
It is highly recommended to put your horse on a dose of ulcergard daily beginning two days before the show and continuing one day past the show
It is also recommended your horse get an adequan shot 48 hours before the show
Elevate Rider Expectations:
Remember what your goal is and enjoy time with your horse and other equestrians.
MEMORIZE YOUR TESTS
When schooling, call where you're going and pay attention to your space in the arena
Safety first and pay attention to your surroundings while mounted AND unmounted and in all aspects of handling.
Learn from others and watch their rides but remember, it's just ONE ride. Everyone has good and bad moments and everyone is trying to learn and improve.
Support your team members and be kind to everyone you meet.
If you are showing with us at Elevate Dressage, please review the lists below to confirm what you are responsible for and what will be provided. We all share a tack room at rated shows to keep everything organized and make the show more affordable - you are welcome to get your own tack room if you'd like as well.
Elevate Dressage will bring the following to shows we are attending:
Show Drapes
Table and Directors Chairs (2)
Saddle Racks
Bridle Hooks
Muck bucket & Pitchfork
Hose
Bungee Cords
Cable Ties
Staple Gun
Owners are responsible for providing items for their horse during shows and clinics unless discussed and coordinated with Elevate Dressage in advance. Owners are responsible for providing the following:
Water buckets (2) and hooks for buckets (2)
Feed tub
Hay bag/net (optional)
Fan (ideally a fan with an enclosed motor)
Stall sign
Extension cord
Shavings
Bagged AM & PM feed
Hay
Horse/rider Equipment
Horse vet records
UDSF/USEF horse and rider registrations
Horse Equipment List Example | Rider Equipment List Example |
|---|---|
Show Pads (1 for each day of showing) | Show Coat |
Bridle, halter & lead | Stock Tie |
Saddle & Girth | Show Shirt (one for each day showing) |
Tack Cleaner | Show breeches (one for each day showing) |
Rag | Bun Holder & bobby pins |
Bathing Supplies | Show Gloves |
Grooming Kit | Helmet |
Braiding Supplies (waxed thread, bands, mane comb, braiding needle, clips, etc.) | Boots & legal spurs (Appropriate for the level being shown) |
Cooler or Show Sheet | Legal whip (if needed) |
Schooling boots or wraps | SUNSCREEN |
Transport equipment - boots or wraps, halter, head bumper, Tail wrap, etc. | |