Showing with Bennett Farms
Interested in showing? Time to learn all about how to prepare for a show with Bennett Farms, what to expect when you're on the show grounds, and the all fun things that are in store for you!
Are you ready to Show?
Horse shows are fun, exciting, and challenging! Learning to compete teaches confidence, responsibility, and more.
Knowing you're ready:
Talk with your trainer to make sure you are ready for your first event. Your trainer will review your current riding level and progress and work with you to choose which show and classes are appropriate for you. Your trainer might recommend being a spectator at a show first as an opportunity to learn how shows are run and what it takes to have the best experiences.
Preparation is key:
Being prepared can empower you to be more confident about entering the show ring. We've put these resources together to help you decide if you're ready to show, and learn what you can do to prepare for your next show. Our trainers are here to help answer any questions you have but in the meantime, your homework is to Read on!
Budgeting for a Show
Average Cost
A typical away horse show (one not hosted at the LAEC) will cost between $1,400 - $2,000. These costs include:
-
Show entry fees
-
Horse hauling
-
Stall rental
-
Shavings
-
Feed and hay
-
Groom tips
-
Barn set-up fees
-
Ring-side coaching
-
Trainer fees and housing
-
Health documentation (Coggins, EHV-1, etc.)
Remember, even if you are only showing in two classes, your horse may be at the show for a longer period of time. Costs do not include personal attire, tack, or accessories.
Sharing Horses
Sharing your horse is a great way to save on the overall cost of the show. You and another rider can coordinate the use of one horse in your respective classes, as long as the horse is appropriate for your class and riding level, the number of classes is appropriate for the horse, and your trainer approves. This way, you can cut your fees down by 30% - 40% (not all fees are per horse).
Deposit
There are many up-front fees that Bennett Farms covers for you to attend a show, and to help with these costs you will be expected to pay a $500 non-refundable deposit to Bennett Farms 2-3 weeks before the show. This deposit will go towards the total of your show costs.
Dressing the Part
Don't forget that you will be judged as well as your horse when you're in the show ring! Your attire is an important part of your presentation and it is often defined in the rules of your class, so how do you know what clothes to buy?
Since each discipline and division has different rules, we've provided dedicated help pages for your reference. Click the buttons below to learn more.
Show Classes & Schedules
Discipline vs. Division
Your discipline is the style of riding you perform - for example, Saddle Seat or Western. Within your discipline, there are different classes judged on different sets of rules and guidelines, called divisions. Different divisions may require different attire and tack, call for different gaits and tests, have different eligibility requirements, and judge according to different criteria.
Choosing a class
Your trainer will help match you with the appropriate classes according to your riding level and strengths, previous qualifications, horse ability, horse temperament, and more. Learn more the classes Bennett Farms often enters below:
How Show Schedules Work
Shows are multi-day events, often spanning Thursday through Sunday, and the larger shows can have several hundred classes. This means your classes may be on different days, weekday or weekend, and you will need to plan accordingly. Bennett Farms will work with you to find the available suitable classes, but does not have the ability to change the time or date of the scheduled classes.
Show Etiquette
Be on Time
Plan on getting to the show early. The classes do not wait for you, and missing a class because you are stuck in traffic can be very expensive! Your trainer may want you to arrive a day early to practice.
Come Prepared
Take time before you leave for a show to double check that you have everything. It makes it less stressful for you and your trainer if you don't have to scramble for a derby last minute because you forgot yours on the kitchen counter! You can also prepare by familiarizing yourself with the USEF Rulebook for your class so you know what the judges are looking for. Knowledge is power!
Clean up after Yourself
Keep track of your belongings and make sure they are not getting underfoot. Having tidy cross ties, stalls, seating areas, and get-ready rooms makes it easier, faster, and safer for everyone else at the show.
Be mindful of others' focus
The Grooms and Trainers have many horses and equestrians to get ready at a show. If you are not getting warmed up for your class, the best way you can help is to let the grooms and trainers focus on the equestrians and horses that need their immediate attention. Only be in the Get-Ready room before or after your class.
Watch and Learn
Watch the show when you are not getting ready or in a class and root for your fellow equestrians! Watching other classes is a great way to learn and supports the other riders.
Practice Good Sportsmanship
We're all here to support each other, so cheer your teammates on, celebrate with them, help them out, and most importantly be kind! Remember that you are a part of everyone else's show experience as well, and you can make all the difference!
Show Resources
Use the handy links below to register for your memberships, plan your show calendar, see show results, keep up with equestrian news, watch saddlebred shows, and learn more!