What to Expect at Your First Saddleseat Horse Show

I will never forget my very first horse show. Saddleseat shows, in particular, are absolutely nothing like what you would expect. The energy is incredible and the fun never ends. However, for a first-timer, the whole experience can be an overwhelming one. There are plenty of strange traditions and unspoken rules that anyone attending such events should know.

1. Lively Crowds

One of the best traits of a Saddleseat show is the crowd! When you see a horse tearing up the rail at a rack, expect to hear the results. Cheers are always appreciated, especially in the fast paced and denser classes. The more competitors- the more reason to holler for your favorite! Don't be afraid to throw in a "yea boy!" or a whistle here and there when your class pick does something right.

2. Early Mornings and Late Nights

For whatever reason, horse show schedules never sleep. There are almost always classes in the morning and night. However, that is not what makes the days so long. It is the endless hours of working horses, cleaning tack, and barely squeezing in lunch breaks that makes you want to crawl in bed at the end of the day and never move again. Not every barn requires their riders to clean their own tack or work around the stalls all day. I, however, strongly believe in putting forth the effort. I come to shows for the whole experience. Being at a show gives me a new purpose. I do everything with just a little more pizazz. I want everything to be in it's top condition. Therefore, at the end of the night, I am exhausted but I still wakeup the next morning and do it again. That is why this point is so important. If you aren't willing to work the early mornings and late nights, are you really ready to show saddlebreds?

3. Concession stands will save your life

If a show doesn't have concessions, is it even worth going? I have never been to a horse show that didn't have spectacular food. If you are worried about budgeting for food, remember there are other options. You do not have to go to a sit-down restaurant for every meal. Unless you are an avid health food junky, concession stands can provide quick dinners on site, which is especially convenient on late show nights when everything is closed. Between free hotel breakfasts and concession lunches and dinners, you can save quite a bit of money. However, do not be totally fooled. You can easily find yourself spending as much cash as you would at a restaurant. All in all, cheeseburgers and cheese fries have been my horse show fuel for years.

4. Superhero Photographers

There is no need to hire a photographer at a saddleseat show! Most charity shows have an onsite photographer that takes proofs for every single class. Some shows even have videographers that will film your class for you. The photographers are almost always speed ninjas when it comes to uploading your pictures. In fact, by the time you are changed from your class, you can usually go see your pictures at their stands. Don't like your pictures? You don't have to buy any! They are all available for you to see and purchase at your leisure.

5. Hurry Up and Wait

Horse shows usually consist of a brief moment of spasy hurrying to get everything ready, followed by a long session of waiting to actually go. I could not begin to explain the reasoning behind this logic, it just happens. Trainers like to have all their ducks in a row and everything set on go. Riders are too excited to sit and think about things, so they get ready. I always find myself with extra time and never know what to do with myself. When going to your first horse show, be ready for lots of waiting and pace yourself!