Show Ring Etiquette

From the September 2014 issue of The Stable Magazine – www.thestablemagazine.com/september2014

Proud tradition is observed in many areas of the equine world, none more so than the show ring. Whether you’re competing at an open show or a Royal Show - or any event, for that matter, a certain level of respect, good manners and good sportsmanship is expected. Read on for our show ring etiquette tips.

Manners in and around the show ring are very important. Every rider needs to respect other competitors space, property, and above all, horses! Be considerate of what you’re doing, and think about the consequences of your actions. Have you parked your float in front of another float, so the owner of the float you’re next to is boxed in and can’t leave? What if someone did that to you?! There are many unwritten laws of the show scene.. so here are a few of them...

PARKING

Never box anyone in, and listen to the show officials on where to park. Always remember to leave enough room between your float and the next.

PICKING UP YOUR NUMBER

Remember to take all of your papers with you, and wait patiently in line. Don’t cut in front of other competitors. Leave plenty of time to get your number, just in case there’s a long queue.

BE Nice to your groom!

Don’t take any frustrations out on those around you who are trying to assist you! This means grooms and partners. Things inevitably go wrong on show day - take a deep breath and concentrate on finding a positive solution.

BE A SPORT!

This one’s SO important. If you don’t win, don’t corner the judge, screaming, asking why you didn’t place in that last class. If you must know why you didn’t get a ribbon, and you honestly think you should have, stay calm, and if you see the judge, politely ask him or her what you can improve on before your next show. Most judges are happy to answer your questions if you treat them with respect.

KEEP LOUD FRIENDS OR INSTRUCTORS ON LEASHES!

Yep, if you’ve got a highly opinionated, loud friend or instructor, try to keep them from making loud comments if you didn’t place in a class and they feel you should have. It’s just embarrassing, and it shows that you have little or no respect for the judge or organisation holding the event. Plus, it’s just plain rude. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

THE WARM UP ARENA

Eeek. Chaos! To put it mildly, anyway. Above all, watch what everyone else is doing. Try to stay on the same rein as other competitors, and if you’re only walking, do so on the arena’s inner track - let those who are trotting and cantering use the outer track.

Before popping over a practice jump, make sure no one else is planning on jumping it at the same time as you. Allow space for obviously green or difficult horses, and if someone falls, halt your horse until the runaway is caught. Oh, and if you knock down the practice jump - put it back up, or ask your groom to do it for you.

BE ON TIME!

There’s nothing worse than a class held up by riders who aren’t there. In open shows, you will simply miss your class if you’re not paying attention to the show’s program. You need to make sure you keep track of what’s going on in what arena at what time.

RIDING IN THE SHOW RING

When you’re in the ring, you’re being judged. From the second you ride in, to the second you leave - you are under the judge’s eye. When you enter the arena and begin walking around, do so at a nice, even but impulsive pace. Don’t just let your horse plod along as if you’ve got nothing better to do.

• Be attentive and pay attention to what’s going on. Listen carefully for any instructions from the judge. Try to keep a consistent smooth pace as you go neatly around the arena. Make sure you allow plenty of room for other competitors, and try not to hold anyone up. If someone is on a larger horse than you are, and they are stuck behind you, make sure they can overtake you to the inside if they need to.
• If you are stuck behind a slow horse, there are a few things you can do in order to keep your distance. It is perfectly ok to turn inward and do a small circle, therefore allowing the horse in front to gain some ground.
• You can also cut across the arena to give yourself a bit more room - just make sure you check that doing so will not disrupt any other competitor.
• Riding into your corners will help to keep you slower - the more distance you cover, the further ahead the slow horse in front of you can get!
• Make sure your horsemanship is up to scratch. If you treat your horse nicely in the ring, the judge will notice. A pat and reward for your horse after a workout never goes astray. Try to keep your seat as perfect as possible, and ride forward confidently.
• The idea is to show off your horse to the best of your ability. This means good forward moving (controlled) paces. Aim for plenty of energy and impulsion - don’t let your horse dawdle.
• Don’t check to see if the judge is watching you. He or she will watch you and judge you and your horse - so there’s no need to see if he or she is looking at you. At all times, ride like the judge is watching.
• Don’t block other competitors from the judge’s view. If you must circle to keep your distance from other horses, don’t be over the top about it. Do what you need to do and continue on. Don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

BE POSITIVE!

If you’re smiling, happy and comfortable, you’ll ride better. It’s a proven fact. If you are unhappy with your horse, grouchy, or annoyed that you didn’t place in your last class, it’ll show. If you have a bad experience, wipe it from your mind for the moment - you can analyse what went wrong later! - but the minute you step into the ring, it’s time for the positive attitude!

YOU’VE WON RIBBONS - YAY! ... BUT TAKE THEM OFF YOUR HORSE’S NECK.

It probably wouldn’t happen, because you’d be stopped before you entered the ring.. but it’s important to remember to take ribbons you’ve won OFF before entering another class. The judge doesn’t need to know how you placed previously - in fact, we’re sure that she doesn’t want to know. Be proud, but get a friend to hold them while you’re in the ring!

SPEAK POLITELY TO THE JUDGES AT ALL TIMES

If the judge asks you a questions, answer politely. When you’re in the line up, don’t talk to the other competitors. Act cool, calm, happy and professional. If someone talks to you, smile and nod, but make it clear that you’re interested in the class you’re in - not about discussing how you got your horse’s mane so white!

READ THE SHOW PROGRAM

Save yourself some embarrassment and make sure you read the show program thoroughly and carefully before entering your horses. Some classes are for registered horses only - you might need to product registration papers upon entering the arena. If you have a question, ask the show secretary before you enter.

BE A GOOD SPORT

Good sportsmanship is expected of every competitor. If you’re not the winner, congratulate him or her. When it comes to showing, yes, you are competing against others, but more than that, you’re competing against yourself. Bettering your own performance is more important than winning. Don’t be a sore loser or let a poor performance (or ‘oopsie’ moment) ruin your day. Be positive!

PUT YOUR HORSE’S NEEDS FIRST

Care of your horse on show day is most important. Always untack and take care of your horse after your classes before you go to buy lunch for yourself. Don’t overwork your horse, allow him plenty of rest periods between classes, and make sure you have cool, clean water on offer to him when he is in his yard or resting at your float.

Ensure you take enough hay to keep  your horse happy and occupied over lunch or between classes.  Make sure you warm up well before you compete, and make sure your horse is cooled off completely after you ride. Make the day as enjoyable for your horse as it is for you.

Thank you to The Stable Magazine for this article, which was originally published in their September 2014 issue. Check out The Stable Magazine online now for FREE. Read this article and many more at www.thestablemagazine.com