Hoofer Riding Club Schooling Show Information

Dressage Show Prep Clinic with Nicole Trapp - April 1st

Click here for the clinic flier and click here to register!

2012 Show Schedule

• Our shows this summer will take place on
  
  May 12 - 13
  
  June 23 - 24
  
  August 18 - 19
  
  Hunter/Jumper and Combined Training Jumping will be on Saturday and Dressage will be on Sunday! Show Fliers will be posted in March.

2011 Show Photos

To order photos from our shows, visit our Facebook page, Hoofers Photos, to view prints. Fill out our Order Form and follow the payment instructions. Photos will be delivered electronically.

What is a schooling show?

A schooling show is a non-competitive, relaxed atmosphere show that anyone and everyone can participate in. These relaxing horse shows give our riding club members and other neighbors the opportunity to participate in a show environment that is comfortable and fun. Schooling shows have something for everyone, whether you are a beginner and are just getting started in showing, or if you are an advanced rider and you are looking to perfect some of your skills in the dressage arena. Schooling shows are also ideal for horses new to the world of showing. We offer a calm environment for the inexperienced show horse so you can get ready for future competitive shows.

Classes Offered

Classes vary show to show but in general we offer the following:

Saturday Hunter/Jumper Show Classes
Equitation Classes
Walk/trot, walk/ trot/canter, and equitation over poles
Separate classes for youth and adult
Youth and adult equitation over fences classes (up to 2'6")
Tiny-tot lead Line

Hunter Classes
Hunter under saddle walk/trot and walk/trot/canter
Jumping classes up to 2'6"

Jumper Classes
From over poles classes up to 3’6"

Combined Training Jumping Classes

Sunday Dressage Show Classes:

Dressage Classes

Introductory A, B, and C
Training 1, 2, 3
First Level Test 1, 2, 3
Try It Again (re-ride a previously ridden test)

Combined Training Classes
From Beg Novice to Preliminary Combined

Commonly Asked Questions for Hoofers Riders

There are so many classes, which one(s) should I sign up for?
If you are interested in participating in the show talk to your riding instructor about what classes you should sign up for. We want to make sure that everyone can show at a level they are comfortable at. We have classes for all ages and levels. Most riders participate in the hunter and/or jumper classes and only medium to advanced riders participate in the dressage and combined training classes.

Which Hoofer horse will I ride?
On the entry form you can indicate the top three Hoofer horses you wish to ride. Horses are generally assigned on a first come first serve basis, but the show committee also takes into account which horse will work the best for each rider.

I don’t think I’m quite ready to show. Can I just come and help out?
Yes! If you don't think you want to ride in the show but you want to participate by volunteering please contact Kim Hokaj. This is a great opportunity to earn some Volunteer Points.

Commonly Asked Questions for Everyone

What if I don’t have all those fancy tall riding boots and a hunt coat?
The only riding attire we require is a ASTM/SEI certified helmet and boots or shoes with heels (just like in lessons). Most riders wear breeches and a polo shirt for the hunter jumper show.

What size is your dressage arena?
We set up a small (20 x 40 m) dressage arena.

What is your warm-up arena like?
For Hunter Jumper shows, flat classes take place in the indoor arena and jumping classes in the outdoor arena (weather permitting). All flat classes are completed before we begin jumping classes. Therefore you may warm-up in the indoor before flat classes start or the outdoor during the flat classes. During the jumping classes, you can warm-up in the indoor. We have gate keepers posted at both the indoor and outdoor rings in order to let you know when you should head to the ring for your class.

For dressage shows, all classes take place in the outdoor arena so riders can use the indoor arena for warm-up. Again, a gate keeper will be present at both gates to help keep things running smoothly and on schedule.

Do you have a food at your shows?
Yes, each show we have snacks available in the registration/lounge area for purchase. We have bottled water, fruit, and snacks available for purchase as well as vending machines.

Do you have stalls available the day of the show?
Yes, we do have stalls available the day of the show for your horse. Specific information regarding pricing can be found on the registration form for the show.

What do the terms equitation, hunter, and jumper mean? How are these classes judged?

Equitation
Rider is judged on position and ability to correctly follow directions given by the judge. Riders are expected to be on the correct diagonal at the posting trot. Hands should be over and in front of the horse’s withers, thumbs on top, handles slightly apart and making a straight line from the horse’s mouth to the rider’s elbow. Eyes should be up, shoulders back. Heels should be down, toes out, leg quiet and in contact with the horses sides. Stirrup iron should be on the ball of the foot.

When in two point position, rider’s hands should be moved up the horse’s neck, and the rider should bend at the hip, lifting their seat of the saddle. Riders should convey the impression of complete control. Horses that are out of control will be disqualified and asked to leave the ring. Overall appearance of horse and rider and presentation can be taken into consideration.

Hunter
Horse is judged on overall performance of gaits. Light contact with the horse’s mouth is required. Horses should be obedient, alert, responsive, and move freely. Horses are expected to be on the correct lead at the canter. Soundness is required for eligibility.

Over fences, horses will be judged on overall performance and completion of the designated course. Minor faults include kicking out, jumping out of form, and/or spooking. Major faults include bucking, refusing to jump, and/or circling while on course. Horses may be eliminated for three refusals, dangerous behavior, or jumping off course. Depending on severity and frequency, light rubs (horse’s hooves knocking obstacle as it is being jumped), adding or dropping strides in a line, or excessive animation can be considered faults.

Jumper
Horse and rider will be judged on the ability to complete the designated course without fault, within the allotted time. Time allowed may be adjusted by the judge if she determines that it is too short or long. Faults include disobedience (4), exceeding time allowed (1 per second), knock down of any part of jump or standard (4). Elimination criteria include resisting a jump for more than 45 seconds, multiple acts of disobedience, or going off course or leaving the ring before the course is completed.

Successful completion of the first course, without fault, makes the horse and rider eligible for the jump off. Jump off rounds will be judged by the same criteria, except that is no time limit established; faults are subtracted from the time (1 second per fault) and the horse and rider take to complete the course, and the fastest time wins the class!

Below are some testimonials from parents, instructors, and riders about Hoofer Schooling Shows: 

"The schooling shows have been a tremendous experience for my daughter. She actually loves to be able to learn while she has the experience of competing in an actual show, and not feel stressed about the mistakes that she makes along the way." - Hoofer Riding Club Parent

"This is the reason why we love Hoofer's shows...you make life easy for us show moms!" - Parent

"Shows are a great time to try out what you’ve been working on in lessons. Riding on your own and figuring out how to problem solve." - Hoofer Riding Club Instructor

"I just wanted to say "thanks" for including the public at your schooling shows. As someone new to this Hunt Seat riding, I do appreciate it. I have to admit I almost chickened out before the show. I'm certainly gald that I didn't. Everyone was friendly and helpful, from the parking assistant, the office staff, the judge and ring steward, the person who gave me a "leg up", and Jamie, who answered all of my questions. Thanks to all." - Letter from show participant

Contact the show coordinator, Jamie Stone with any questions you have regarding shows at Hoofer Equestrian Center.

Want to know more about Schooling Shows at Hoofers as well as general events open to the public such as clinics? We have created a mailing list, just for this purpose. E-mail Jamie Stone with the subject – “Add me to the riding shows e-mail list” and we’ll get your e-mail added right away!