Horse Show Location, Location, Location

The Strider Horse Show Organizer Tips series features best practices from equestrian organizers who host a combined total of over 50 horse shows annually. Hear from:

  • Anna Mitchell of Mitchell Dressage Series

  • Miranda Kettlewell of Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association

  • Liz Erwin of Potomac Valley Dressage Association

  • Cynthia Brickley of Elysian Hills Training Center

1. Select the Right Space

If you own or rent a facility and are promoting your business, choosing a venue is easy. If you’re a GMO or independent show manager, the choice may require more consideration.

Either way, remember that incoming riders may need a hand navigating the space.

#StriderShowHack: Send all riders an annotated facility map ahead of the show to help with logistics. Use a JPEG or PDF they can easily access on their phones.

View the facility map example

2. Plan for Smooth Show-Day Logistics

“Learn what works and doesn’t work with your facility. The first year [of Mitchell Dressage Series] we set up the dressage arena with the judge’s booth at the opposite end to the manager’s booth. While this was great for getting a ton of Fitbit steps, it ended up wasting a lot of time!” — Anna Mitchell

As you plan your layout, consider these questions:

  • Parking: Is there adequate parking for trailers of all sizes? Do you have signs up? If riders expect parking to be tricky, they may avoid bringing more horses to your show.

  • Water: Is there a convenient water source for horses?

  • Competition areas: Will this be a one-ring show, or is there space for two?

  • Warm-up space: Is there enough room for riders to safely lunge and warm up their horses without feeling cramped? Schooling shows can be a first experience for developing horses and riders. Adequate space helps make that experience a positive one.

  • Footing: How well does the footing handle rain? Could heavy rain the day before force you to cancel?

3. Have a Backup Plan for Weather

If bad weather is in the forecast, manage rider expectations before the event begins.

Share your plans on social media or email your subscriber list. A clear update can save you hours on the phone answering questions!

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned for more of our #StriderShowHack Series!

Â