The fourth installment of our Equestrian Organizer Hacks series includes some great ideas for taking the stress out of show day for you as an Organizer.
#LearnFromTheBest with tips 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
Combined, these organizers host a combined total of over 50 horse shows annually! Here’s a few industry Best Practices they shared with STRIDER to help you #GetOrganized before your next horse show:
#StriderShowHack: Communicate clearly with riders about how you will run your show.
Remember: Setting goals isn’t just for riders. As an Organizer, you need to decide what you want to accomplish and stick to it!
#StriderShowHack: Collect rider email addresses digitally & automatically upon entry, so communication updates are a breeze. Your Organizer’s Corner includes a downloadable spreadsheet including ALL registration details, to include rider/auditor email addresses.
Cynthia Brickley includes a final email notice to competitors along with ride times & course maps:
“This is a schooling show, please don’t hesitate to ask for help at any time.
Our goal at Elysian Hills is to have you complete all three phases.
We look forward to having you here tomorrow!”
#StriderShowHack: Ask for help!
Miranda Kettlewell of CDCTA suggests, “Have an experienced organizer help you for the first few shows. There’s nothing wrong with phoning a friend!”
#StriderShowHack: Have your paperwork printed out and organized prior to the show. That includes registration packets, class schedules, and all relevant dressage tests & jump courses.
#StriderShowHack: Put complete rider packets in Tupperware bins on an accessible table. The less burden riders have to place on you & your team, the easier it is for all. Incomplete packets can be left in the office/ check-in stand if payment or signatures are owed.
#StriderShowHack: Order your registration packets by rider’s last name and ensure they include bridle number, ride time(s), and horse name on the front.
#StriderShowHack: Have support on stand-by. Ensure you have a vet, EMT, and farrier on-call for show day, just in case something goes awry for some of your competitors!
#StriderShowHack: Make it memorable. Team up with your local florist for arena/ jump decor. You can also collaborate with nearby tack shops for prizes, or talk to your local bakery about sponsoring morning coffee and treats! These activities are a great opportunity for you to support local industry and give your customers something to remember.
Remember: Over-prepare so that show day is simple and not stressful for you!
Then you can reduce some of the show day stress off of your competitors.
