Unwritten Horse Show Etiquette

Negotiating the silent rules of horse showing can be intimidating to people new to showing horses. Many "rules" are simply not written in any breed association rule book. But break one of these unwritten etiquette rules and you will get "the look" from the more seasoned exhibitors.

Some of these unspoken rules are as follows:

Distracting Horses

Never distract other horses or handlers either intentionally or unintentionally while in the show ring. The number one offender of this rule is using something noisy to get your horse to perk his ears such as tic tacs, squeeze toys or whips. Talking to your horse in a loud voice is also considered rude. Especially if you insist on talking to your horse using baby talk.

Crowding

Crowding. Never crowd other horses in the halter line up. Always leave plenty of room between you and the horse in front of you. If your horse creeps up, circle around and re-set your horse.

Whips

Watch your whip. Too many people crack their whips to get their horses attention, but unfortunately this also gets the attention of every other horse. Do not crack your whip in the warm up arena either. This is just rude and will get you a lot of dirty looks from other exhibitors.

Wash Bays
Do not be a wash bay hog. When washing your horse in the wash bay, wash your horse and get out. Do not use the wash bay to finish grooming your horse, chat with your friends or gossip about the show. And if your horse passes manure while being washed, be sure you clean it up before you leave.

Showing Stallions

If you are showing a stallion do not walk up on other exhibitors holding mares or another stallion to chat. Stallions are unpredictable - just because you think your stallion is sweet doesn't mean he won't jump on that mare or fight with another stallion. Use caution and always be aware of where your stallion is and what he is doing.

Stall Area

Keep your stall area neat and clean and do not block the aisle with chairs. Sweep up your area at least once a day and remove all of your trash. No one wants to walk their clean show horse through your dirty shavings or walk around your pyramid of pop cans and empty chip bags. Most horse show people are welcoming and helpful to people new to showing. Always be courteous and respectful to other exhibitors and make your horse showing experience the best it can be.