Show Etiquette

How Hope Acres Shows Operate:

It's best to sign up for your classes ahead of time on Horsespot.net. You'll get an email confirmation when your sign up has been processed.
Email images of current negative coggins to Amanda@hopeacresllc.com.
Arrive at the show about an hour before your schooling time (watch the schedule on HorseSpot so you know).
Check in with the office to get your number and pay for your classes.
Tack up your horse and be ready for schooling.
Schooling: Warm up in the arena; keep it short and simple. Watch for other riders. Always pass Left-Hand to Left-Hand. Jump in the correct direction (ground-line-indicated) and ensure you have a helper to pick up downed rails.
Listen for the announcer and gate person: they will call out upcoming classes and assign rider order.
Keep the gate clear; enter and exit the arena at a walk.
Places will be announced. After that time you may request ribbons/prizes at the show office. Be patient, there is lots going on at the office!
Have fun!

No matter what, SAFETY is the priority. Unsafe or unsound horses will be dismissed by the Show Manager or Judge.

What do you need to wear for a schooling show? What if it is a rated show? Below are some helpful links to check out. But don't get overwhelmed. When it comes to riding attire, I'll help you and your kiddo navigate boots, breeches, and tops.

ASTM Helmet. There are lots of brands, and they range in prices. Just make sure you get the correct size.
Collared Shirt. For formal shows, the expectation is a proper long sleeve show shirt. At schooling shows, a simply colored polo shirt is just fine.
Boots. Tall boots or paddock boots. They must have a small heel, and again range in prices depending on brand.
Breeches or Jodpurs. Breeches are to be worn with tall boots, jodpurs are worn with paddock boots. Younger children generally wear jodpurs.
Belt. Anything nice and clean will do. We tuck our shirts in and a belt finishes the ensemble nicely.
Hairnet. Helps keep hair tucked up nicely and eliminates fly-aways. Girls also have the options of wearing their hair in pigtails with bows. It's cute!

On the left, a breeches with tall boots. On the right, jodpurs with paddock boots.

Hunters

In the hunter discipline, the horse and rider are judged on style, smoothness, rhythm, and overall presentation. The goal is to make the round look effortless and polished. Judges look for consistent pace, quiet movement, correct form over fences, and subtle communication between horse and rider. Courses are designed to resemble natural obstacles found in fox hunting, with flowing lines and straightforward turns.

Key Characteristics of Hunters

Emphasis on elegance and consistency
Horse should move calmly and smoothly
Jumps are approached at an even rhythm
Rider position is quiet and balanced
Faults include poor form, inconsistent pace, refusals, or awkward distances

Jumpers

In the jumper discipline, the focus is on technicality, accuracy, and successfully clearing obstacles. Unlike hunters, jumpers are scored objectively: rails down, refusals, and time penalties determine the results. Riders aim to complete the course as accurately and as concisely as possible while avoiding faults. Courses are more technical and may include tight turns, combinations, and strategic route choices.

Key Characteristics of Jumpers

Emphasis on athletic performance and efficiency
Fast pace and tight turns are encouraged
Horse and rider must be agile and responsive
Lowest faults and, depending on the Table, fastest time win
Faults include knocked rails, refusals, and exceeding time allowed

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