Show Season Prep

By Sally Anderson

Everyone at the barn is telling me it’s 3 months until show season, panic attack! Maybe we need to start planning and making a list of things we need to start getting done.

Memberships
Let’s start by looking at every organization we need to have a membership with or renew a membership (don’t forget your horse’s) If you are planning on attending licensed a USEF show that is recognized by USDF there is a list of memberships you will need.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) requires both rider and owner to be an active member. If you are going to include your Trainer and Coach on you entry form, they must also be an active members. USEF also requires your horse to have an Annual or Life registration to participate at their shows. This organization does offer a one show pass for $45. A summary of horse and membership requirements can be found here. https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/wTgDx_rFSFo/usef-membership-requirements-for-horses
United States Dressage Federation (USDF) memberships are along the same lines as USEF. They require both the rider and owner to be participating members or pay a $35 per show fee. However, trainers and coaches are not required to be USDF members. The horse will minimally need a USDF horse identification number which is currently $35. However, to be eligible for Year-End Awards and be qualified for Regional Championships, a horse needs a Lifetime registration. Details can be found on the USDF website. https://www.usdf.org/join/HRFees.pdf?t=3/12/2024%202:39:31%20PM
A registered Morgan has the opportunity to participate in the USDF All-breeds Award program. To be eligible the horse will need to be registered with AMHA, “ declared” and a $35 fee paid to USDF by August 1. https://www.usdf.org/awards/all-breeds/all-breeds.asp . AMHA also requires that both the rider and owner are members and charges a $25 fee in addition. https://www.morganhorse.com/programs/usdf-all-breeds-awards/ . With the USDF and USEF registrations you will also be eligible to qualify for your Regional championships. Check your USDF Member guide for both the All Breeds and Regional score requirements. If you have decided to participate recognized shows you will need to complete the Safe Sport program, plan on blocking out two hours to complete this and you might want to have a glass of wine handy.
As you are receiving this newsletter you are eligible for MDA awards and scholarships! The MDA offer several opportunities for Year-End Awards, and does not require memberships with the AMHA to be eligible. In addition, if after the requirements to show at recognized shows you have decided to save your money and only attend schooling shows, the MDA also offers an award program for schooling shows. https://morgandressage.org/awards-and-scholarships/
Truck and Trailer
How are the truck and trailer running? The truck will probably need an oil change, and be sure to check that the registration and insurance are up to date Now it’s time to drag the trailer out of the snow pile. Are all the lights working? Check the brakes, tires, and make sure the floor is in good shape. It would also be a good time to schedule an appointment to get the wheel bearings packed if you haven’t done that recently. Since we have the trailer out, it’s the perfect time to take a look at all the equipment you have stored in it. Count and inspect your water buckets, hay nets, grain tubs and poop forks. If you are like me, I keep flyspray, show sheen, shampoo, braiding supplies, tack cleaning items, first aid items and brushes in the trailer and this is a great opportunity to make sure everything is full and in working order. You should also consider adding an extra girth, halter, whip and maybe an old bridle to your trailer in case you forget something or someone at the show happens to be in need.
Show clothes
The dreaded show clothes!! Make sure you try them on before you get to the show…just in case things have changed over the winter. This will also give you time to get them to the dry cleaner, do any repairs or order any new items you may need. If you are scared of wearing the traditional (and impractical) breeches, the USDF has now allowed subtle colors in both breeches and jackets at recognized shows. “Bling” is also allowed and if you are on the cheap side, like me, these items can be sewn on by hand. I have added sparkles to both my jacket and saddle pads. If you plan on upgrading you attire take a look at this link before you buy. https://www.usdf.org/education/A%20Visual%20Guide%20to%20the%20Dressage%20Attire%20Rules.pdf?t=2/9/2022%206:13:05%20PM
Helmets have come a long way in both fit and safety and it might be time to take a look at upgrading before the show season. https://www.smartpakequine.com/content/riding-helmet-guide
Vet Day
Recognized shows require certain vaccinations and show grounds also have their own requirements. USEF has a vaccination record form that your vet will need to fill out and you will need to upload/print it for your show entry. You need to be aware what is required for your area and plan your vet visit accordingly. Some horses do react to vaccinations and may need time to recover so keep this in mind as you schedule. If you are going over state lines a Coggins (Equine Infectious Anemia) as well as a health certificate will be required and some show grounds also ask for theses certificates. Check if a brand inspection is needed to county/state lines. https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/qGZEI_tvdgE/rule-gr844-equine-vaccination
It’s Time to Enter the Show!
Entering a show can be a very confusing process as there are a lot of forms that need multiple signatures and organization numbers. Allow ample time to gather the information and work your way through the process. A good resource to help you through the process http://www.frederickdressage.org/enter-usefusdf-show.html
Most shows now have online entry options which is handy but requires forms to be uploaded and again takes time. Don’t forget to make plans for yourself, will you be camping on the show grounds, motel or staying with a friend? If you are planning on staying at a motel check if they have discounts for the show.
Test Preparation
Are you going to memorize your test or have a reader hand? Decide early on which way you want to go. If you plan on memorizing the test start running through it in your mind as you are falling asleep, in the shower and making dinner. As a Morgan owner don’t ride through the whole test too many times, your Morgan will have it memorized better than you. If you want to use a reader at the show, practice with them a couple times to make sure things flow nicely and you are able to hear them. It is always a good idea to have the test mostly memorized as things can happen at the show and your best made plan with your reader may change or your reader may get too involved with watching your test and get behind with reading, which I confess, I have done this myself as a reader even with my experience! Also have a couple copies of the test at the show.
Farrier
As the show date starts getting closer don’t forget to plan the farrier so your horse’s feet will be looking great.
Loading trailer
A couple days or a day before the show start loading the trailer with hay, grain, tack, show clothes, a binder of paper work and food for yourself. We also have a white board at the show with a list of ride times to help plan out the day’s schedule. With thoughtful planning and preparing for the show season it can be an amazing experience. As Morgan dressage riders, we spend a lot of time, money and tears pursuing our dreams so make sure this season you have a lot of fun doing it!