Even if in case you have a superb horse for the job, exhibiting – like all equestrian endeavours – will be onerous work, time-consuming and costly. Nevertheless it’s additionally nice enjoyable and a superb option to make and maintain life-long friendships. So that you is likely to be happy to listen to you’ll be able to nonetheless play a component, even should you don’t have the horse, the time and even any spare money proper now. Right here’s how you can get entangled in exhibiting…
1. Grooming
In case your plaits are often on level and your shark’s enamel completely symmetrical, likelihood is buddies will chunk your hand off – metaphorically, clearly – on the provide of assist at exhibits. This provides you a good way to go exhibiting with out even having to pay for the diesel, gives firm all day, and offers you a vested curiosity within the competitors. In case your plaits make others resentful, an expert yard will in all probability be thankful for your abilities on their lorry, particularly at bigger exhibits when numerous house owners expect their animal to look tip-top. This may even make you some additional money.
Be warned although, plaiting and grooming for professionals will not be for the faint-hearted as you will have to get cracking very early within the morning and you could not have many probabilities to observe the competitors unfold. As a substitute, your main sources of enjoyment might be understanding that your turnout abilities have helped bag massive prizes, and presumably the shared contents of an proprietor’s hamper!
2. Becoming a member of a present committee
Additionally not for the faint of coronary heart is becoming a member of a present committee, particularly if you end up in a competitor-facing position, corresponding to secretary. However, if in case you have a sound data of how exhibiting works, and even should you’re simply naturally inclined to be organised and are keen to get caught in, a committee someplace might be glad of your assist. You’ll in all probability have the odd brusque encounter with a pressured competitor, however seeing the day unfold efficiently offers you loads of satisfaction even earlier than the “thanks” from grateful attendees roll in.
3. Stewarding
If committing to a committee feels too time-consuming, then stewarding may very well be an possibility for you. It may be a protracted day in your toes, however is a really rewarding day’s work. If you happen to’ve by no means finished it earlier than, you’ll be taught new abilities. If you happen to’re eager to be taught the do’s and don’ts of exhibiting, it’s a good way to absorb data from skilled judges and watching seasoned professionals. If you happen to simply wish to give again to the game, then what higher manner than serving to a fixture run easily? Fabulous lunches are a bonus.
4. Serving to your native equestrian centre
In addition to society space and present committees, your native equestrian centres will in all probability be planning a sequence of occasions by the 12 months, too, together with some exhibits. If you happen to’re keen to provide a couple of hours to taking entries, making teas and even car-parking, organisers are prone to welcome you with open arms!
5. Judging
If you happen to’re a seasoned exhibiting fan, maybe with nothing left to show within the showring, or with once-keen kids at college, you could be able to think about becoming a member of a judging panel. That is one other nice option to give again to the game, share your data, and have a beautiful day trip proper on the centre of the motion. Simply bear in mind, you’ll be able to’t please everybody within the ring, however you may simply make somebody’s season.
6. Helping with course constructing
Working hunter followers, this one’s for you. If you happen to’re a long-term follower of the employees ranks, you’ll in all probability already know that there are a handful in fact builders who construct tracks week in week out to place rivals to the check. Lugging wings and dressing fences with simply the correct quantity of greenery is tough work and we’re fairly positive that should you’re critical about serving to and are keen to choose up poles come rain or shine, they’ll be glad of the assistance. You’re certain to be taught a trick or two about constructing programs at numerous ranges of issue, too.
7. Spectating
It sounds apparent, however spectating at exhibits will not be a nasty day trip should you take pleasure in exhibiting however can’t partake in courses. Newbies to the self-discipline are certain to be taught one thing, and exhibiting geeks can witness the motion first hand whereas additionally catching up with previous buddies. Head to fixtures like Royal Windsor, Royal Worldwide Horse Present or Horse of the Yr Present and also you’ll additionally discover loads of procuring and foodie treats to fill any lulls in competitors.
Now that’s your spare weekends sorted!
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H&H exhibiting editor
Bethan joined Horse & Hound as exhibiting editor in January 2025, after spending two years as Editor for Exhibiting World. Having adored ponies since childhood, she began exhibiting as a youngster and has loved wins at main exhibits up and down the nation, together with Royal Highland, New Forest, and the Royal Welsh, in addition to HOYS, RIHS and London. She is especially enthusiastic about Welsh breeds and can be a Welsh language commentator.
