HORSE SHOW INFO

So, you and/or your student is ready to go to horse shows!!  We are so excited to have you join our team!  There are some things you should know and a list of recommendations plus commitments.

Being on the show team is a commitment to the team and the sport.  I will not require you to attend all the shows, but urge you to compete at as many as you can.  I do have expectations, however, and not following them can get you removed from the show team. 

1. We always put the horse’s health and safety first.  No exceptions.
2. We support our whole team. We also support our fellow competitors and sport.
3. You will always demonstrate good sportsmanship and horsemanship.
4. Help your team when and where you can.

 

• Most of the shows we go to are at Scissortail Hill Equestrian and they are held on Saturdays.  I recommend you follow their FB page as the show information is posted there.  The show schedule is posted on their page on Thursday/Friday before the show.  I will send a mass schedule to all show goers Friday, as soon as I have the schedule, so everyone knows when and where to be.  
• Lessons should be taken at least once a week, if possible, so your student feels ready to compete.  If you plan on showing eventing, I recommend two lessons a week, one for jumpers and the second for dressage.  Two lessons are not a requirement, but strongly encouraged.  
• I charge $120 per horse show to Scissortail Hill Equestrian.  This is the hauling and coaching fee for the day.  The show grounds charge a separate fee per class.  The prices can be found on their website.  You can pay the secretary either cash or check.  All riders will pay a one-time annual membership fee.  Leadline riders will have a medic fee + one class fee.  Jumper riders will have a medic fee + two jump classes fee.  Dressage riders will have a per test fee.  Event riders will have a medic fee + one horse trial fee.
•  Attire:  any solid color breeches along with a show shirt, BLE show polo, or any color polo shirt.  You can find our BLE show polo at Two Socks Designs website.  Riding boots: either paddock (short ankle boots), tall boots, or western boots.  Helmet of course, any color.  Gloves and half chaps are also ok, but these are optional. Please have your hair braided or in a ponytail.  Please, do not have it down and in your face. Sweaters and jackets are allowed when necessary.  
• I would pack a chair and your patience.  The shows usually run really smooth, but there are times when we hurry up and wait.  Snacks, water, and sunscreen are always good things to bring.  Umbrellas/shades are ok to bring but should stay away from the arena as many horses can be scared of them.
•  We are a supportive group, so I ask that students stay and support all our riders.  I understand this cannot always be done, so if you need to leave after your class, please let me know prior.  Be prepared to help each other while at the show.  I may not always be available to help brush, tack up, or fill water buckets. I require volunteers to help load in the morning and unload when we return.  This responsibility can be shared within the show team and should not be the burden of a select few.   
• The show team has the opportunity to sign up first.  There will be a limited number of spaces for others to participate. If you are signed up, you have made a commitment to go to the show.  If you decide to cancel, you will still be charged the coaching fee.  
• To sign up, simply write the rider’s name on the show list next to the horse we have decided you’ll show (this is who you ride in lessons), and write the class(es) you’ll be competing in.  I will take care of signing students up with the show grounds.  

 
I think I have covered everything.  As always, any questions please let me know!


                                                                                  BLE Division Descriptions                                                                                              
We will start with Pair Paces starting with cross country. The higher levels will go first then work our way to the lower levels. We will then do Eventing starting with the higher levels and starting with cross country. We will finish with Jumpers. You cannot cross over to other divisions. You may ride jumpers and eventing but must stay in the same height. For example, if you show 2ft jumpers and want to do eventing, you must enter in Green as Grass. Points will be calculated for end of year awards so you will want to stay in the same divisions all year to maximize your points. Pair pace was added for fun and is not eligible for year end awards. You may show in any height for pair pace and do multiple rounds.

Jumpers Divisions: Eligible for end of year Grand and Reserve prizes

**POP walk: Pile of Poles walk division is for riders just learning to trot or not fully comfortable trotting a complete course. 2-4 poles in a pile flat on the ground. Timed 1st round, power & speed.

**POP trot: Pile of Poles trot division is for those who want to trot their course. 2-4 poles in a pile flat on the ground. Timed 1st Round, Power & Speed.

**Crossrails: Xs 12”-18” maybe trotted or cantered. Timed 1st Round, Power & Speed.

**2ft: Verticals at 2ft. Flowers may be added. Time 1st Jump Off, Power & Speed.

**2’3”: Verticals at 2ft 3inches. Flowers and oxers may be added. Time 1st Jump Off, Power & Speed.

Eventing Divisions: Eligible for end of year Grand and Reserve prizes

Eventers will have one stadium course, and one cross country course. This will be faults only, no time penalties. In the case of a tie, we will have a jump off in the jumper arena. Cross country will be ridden first, followed by stadium.

**Itty Bitty Jumpers: Stadium: 6-10 jumping efforts. Maximum obstacle height of 18”, all crossrails. Cross Country: 6-8 jumping efforts. Maximum obstacle height of 18”. Course is straightforward and inviting for beginners.

**Green as Grass: Stadium: 6-12 jumping efforts. Maximum obstacle height of 2ft. Flowers may be added. Cross Country: 6-12 jumping efforts. Maximum obstacle height of 2ft.

**Goldilocks: Stadium: 6-12 jumping efforts. Maximum obstacle height of 2'3”. Flowers and oxers may be added. Cross Country: 6-12 jumping efforts. Maximum obstacle height of 2'3”.

Pair Pace: Not eligible for end of year Grand and Reserve prizes

Ride eventing with a buddy. Both riders must jump all jumps, faults only, no time penalties. Same course and info as the Eventing divisions. Riders can cross into any pair pace division and ride multiple rounds.

Attending our first CTSSA show June 2023