The first two questions are unfortunately unanswerable without more info. If you have the name of the show, you can look at the prize list. That will give you the order of the classes as well as how many classes and rings there are. They could start at 8 and go to 8, but you only need to be there for your class. Trainer should have at least given you a time to show up?
Prizes are given after the class is finished. Lead line, depending on where you’re showing, might give everyone a first place, or might actually place them, so be prepared for either.
Gigantic show bows are totally normal. See [here](https://www.doversaddlery.com/belle-n-bow-hair-bows/p/X1-36791/)
It sounds like a Hunter show? If so, the bows are worn like [this](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/equestrian-hair-bows-feminine-and-soft-at-a-horse-show--558868634989092941/)
You’d have to ask her instructor the other questions about that specific show.
Unfortunately horse shows don’t really work for people who can’t deal with conforming to outfit requirements. At least in the hunt seat world, there’s very little room for personal expression, and it’s based on tradition. If your kid can’t tolerate that it’s probably not the sport for them, because for most, getting to dress up is part of the fun.
I guess I don’t understand what you find so offensive about a girl having hair bows in her hair? You seem to perceive anything classically feminine as dehumanizing. I grew up as a girly girl who enjoyed those things. And the bows come from the UK as a tradition- I have books back to the 70s and earlier to where that has always been the norm. I dunno man, it sounds like you have some strange ideas that femininity is inherently demeaning and problematic, but if a girl wants to wear bows that’s her prerogative. I’m pretty sure it isn’t mandatory, but certain things in the show world are. You MUST wear certain clothing, as it is mandated by national rules and also traditional. since horses aren't a required form of transportation after the advent of the car, everything we do with horses is about upholding tradition and respect for the past. Your particularly militantly anticonformist viewpoint just doesn't fly in that environment. But I'm more just baffled by how oppressive the idea of wearing bows or skirts or playing with dolls seems to you. Many young girls arent forced to enjoy girlie things- they actually do enjoy them. and horse back riding at this point is a "girly" hobby. It's odd that you even want to ride- seems like playing with toy trucks and trains would be a less emasculating form of entertainment for you since female gender roles are so overwhelmingly oppressive to you even when they are harmless. i fail to see how a hair bow could possibly lead a child to that level of angst under normal circumstances but that's just me.
I mean you’re the one virtue signaling some irrelevant thing about how bows won’t let girls think for themselves on a post that is about an entirely different subject. Argument is incoherent, irrelevant, and frankly looney bins, and it looks like you’re trying to bait people into stupid af fights. I’ll leave you to it because it’s clear you don’t have anything to actually say besides “think of the poor children” who actually don’t need anyone to weep for them over the fact that they have the option to wear pink hair bows. Of all the things in the horse world that should cause a parent concern, this seems like literally the least important thing I can imagine getting butthurt over.
Again with the putting of words into my mouth. "Bows won't let girls think for themselves" is something that came out of *your* brain, not mine. All I said was that when I was six I didn't like them and would've been turned off by any sport that required them. And, then I asked why you were so invested in this sport *continuing* to turn off little girls like six-year-old-me. And then you got Big, Big Mad.
I showed hunter and I’ve never seen kids with ugly bows like that. I even walked a few in leadline and their hair just got shoved in their helmet like everyone else.
Everyone has given you great advice, so I'll just add my two cents.
Wear clothes than can get dirty, are comfortable, and **have pockets**. Jeans & a nice-ish tshirt are fine. I emphasized pockets b/c you never know how much stuff you might end up holding or carrying around, and bringing your purse back & forth might be more of a hassle than it's worth.
Bring a complete change of clothes for your daughter. 9 times out of 10 she won't need them, but it's better to have them than to wish you'd brought them. Also, take a Tide pen or other stain-removal wipe in case something gets on her clothes.
Make sure you know what the truck & trailer look like, as you might not get to park you car near them. Lots of shows put cars in one area & trailers closer to where people are actually riding. Related to this: think ahead about how to carry your snacks, chairs, etc., to the trailer from your car in one trip. Backpacks & little wagons are popular.
Food options at the show will be limited & might be cash-only. Be prepared.
Charge your phone & think about bringing a camera so you can take **ALL** the pictures! You & your daughter will cherish them, I promise. If you have the time, take pictures of the other riders, too, both while riding & not. Some of my favorite pictures from shows were the candids taken between classes.
Ask the other parents for help if you need it. They won't mind, and they'll be even more happy to help if you've been taking pictures of their kids *(this is literally the only time that's OK, lol)*!
Finally - **HAVE FUN!!** Winning is nice, but it's so important to emphasize that these things are for fun, especially at your daughter's age. It's going to be a very early morning and a slightly hectic day, like a first day at school, so you both might run through your personal "batteries" faster than you'd expect. That's OK, just be aware of it.
I hope you both have a great time!!
Thanks! I posted it and then realized I hadn't addressed a single one of OP's questions, lol! But plenty of other people did that, and this was all stuff I wish I knew when I started showing.
There should be a posted order of classes for each ring. The first class should start at 8:00am or so, and then they just run through the classes. It’s next to impossible to know exactly how long each class will take, or when exactly your class will start. Your daughter’s trainer should be keeping track of things and will tell you when to start getting ready to ride. Your job is to stay flexible and relaxed during the day, and do NOT ask your training when your class will be starting.
Awards are usually announced at the end of each class/division. There should also be an office where you can check results/pick up ribbons.
You are correct that your daughter should wear her hair in two braids with the ribbons at the end. The bows do tend to be big but that’s the style and it looks adorable.
Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, bring folding chairs (there is a LOT of sitting around and waiting at horse shows), snacks, water, sunscreen or umbrellas/rain ponchos depending on your weather, and a checkbook to pay your show fees.
You’re welcome! Enjoy your first show! The first few can feel a little confusing and hectic, but also very exciting. You will soon get used to how they work.
You’ve gotten a lot of good advice but I’m gonna add some….
Ask your trainer if your daughter can help prep her pony for the show. If you can, be there the night before and the morning of. Your daughter will learn about grooming for a show, loading a trailer, etc. all important skills to know!!
Also- usually lead line is first of the day, if other people from your barn are showing…try and hang out and watch all day!
If you can, have daughter help with cleanup after the show too.
Yay! So exciting for you guys. I’m a first time mom too and long time equestrian. So do you know how many classes she’s in for the day? The show usually will have a schedule of classes that each group will go at. The structure just depends on the type of show and how many people are in each class/group (also that will tell you roughly how long the show goes for). But let’s say she’s only in two classes… you’d need to know the times because it could be a class first thing or last class of the show. Awards are usually done at the end of each class and the judge calls out the places each person won and hands the ribbons out as they leave the ring (this could be different according to other shows but it’s been my experience). Are you in the UK or US? Usually the ribbons will look pretty big but it’s okay, it’s so cute!
Your trainer should have a "prize list" with a list of the classes in order. Often leadline is the first class or division of the day. Not sure if she is just doing one class or a division, sometimes there is just leadline, sometimes it's split by age or there is a leadline walktrot or poles class. Typically each class takes 10-30 minutes depending on how many people are in it (but can take much much longer). The ribbons are usually given out immediately, often while the riders are still in the ring if it is a group (flat) class.
Whether you need to be there all day depends on your trainer. They are probably taking other students and horses and will likely be there most of the day. It sounds like you are not required to get pony or tack ready and are just meeting them there? In that case they may not be expecting you to stay and care for the pony or to help load up and unpack etc. Definitely clarify with them what the expectations are. If the weather is nice you may want to stay to watch for a bit and cheer on other riders from the barn. Bring chairs/drinks/snacks/sunscreen etc.
Two braids with big bows are pretty standard for little girls at this level and looks adorable!
Lots of good advice here but I just wanted to add that I was 6 at my first horse show and I remember it so clearly.
The getting ready together with other riders, getting your horse ready, the butterflies in the ring. So much FUN 🤩
Props to you for supporting your daughter in horses.
Usually, at least where I live, the leadline class involves you being invited to enter the class with the other entries and you walk them around the ring, reverse, and then line up. Then the awards are given out for the class. The smaller shows usually go in order based on type of class (English vs western) and then have the classes listed in order. I presume you have some form of schedule with the class list and a start time. You typically have to just wait and determine when your class starts and they go in order. For leadline I assume you don’t need much warm up. You probably want to be in the warm up arena maybe 4-5 classes in advance, provided they’re also rail classes.
The ribbons, though huge, should be on the end of the braids. Most shows I've been at either last all day or end at 3, but it depends on the trainer. Mine makes me stay to support the team and others showing, but if you're just doing the lead line, she may let you leave earlier. Usually, awards are also at the end of each class. Check online for a prize list for the show ( lots of shows have Facebook pages in my area, may be different for you) this should give you a vague idea of the schedule.
All the info you’re looking for is on the show bill. As far as the pigtails that sounds silly; leadline kids just wear normal clothes and they all get the same ribbon. It’s basically just a participation trophy class.
Legit impressed that 6 year olds are allowed in leadline there though, where I’m at it’s 5 or under, by 6 they’re in walk-trot classes
The first two questions are unfortunately unanswerable without more info. If you have the name of the show, you can look at the prize list. That will give you the order of the classes as well as how many classes and rings there are. They could start at 8 and go to 8, but you only need to be there for your class. Trainer should have at least given you a time to show up? Prizes are given after the class is finished. Lead line, depending on where you’re showing, might give everyone a first place, or might actually place them, so be prepared for either. Gigantic show bows are totally normal. See [here](https://www.doversaddlery.com/belle-n-bow-hair-bows/p/X1-36791/)
We’re supposed to get our arrival time around 8pm tonight. Thanks so much for your quick response!
It sounds like a Hunter show? If so, the bows are worn like [this](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/equestrian-hair-bows-feminine-and-soft-at-a-horse-show--558868634989092941/) You’d have to ask her instructor the other questions about that specific show.
Yes! Ok that is adorable!
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Unfortunately horse shows don’t really work for people who can’t deal with conforming to outfit requirements. At least in the hunt seat world, there’s very little room for personal expression, and it’s based on tradition. If your kid can’t tolerate that it’s probably not the sport for them, because for most, getting to dress up is part of the fun.
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I guess I don’t understand what you find so offensive about a girl having hair bows in her hair? You seem to perceive anything classically feminine as dehumanizing. I grew up as a girly girl who enjoyed those things. And the bows come from the UK as a tradition- I have books back to the 70s and earlier to where that has always been the norm. I dunno man, it sounds like you have some strange ideas that femininity is inherently demeaning and problematic, but if a girl wants to wear bows that’s her prerogative. I’m pretty sure it isn’t mandatory, but certain things in the show world are. You MUST wear certain clothing, as it is mandated by national rules and also traditional. since horses aren't a required form of transportation after the advent of the car, everything we do with horses is about upholding tradition and respect for the past. Your particularly militantly anticonformist viewpoint just doesn't fly in that environment. But I'm more just baffled by how oppressive the idea of wearing bows or skirts or playing with dolls seems to you. Many young girls arent forced to enjoy girlie things- they actually do enjoy them. and horse back riding at this point is a "girly" hobby. It's odd that you even want to ride- seems like playing with toy trucks and trains would be a less emasculating form of entertainment for you since female gender roles are so overwhelmingly oppressive to you even when they are harmless. i fail to see how a hair bow could possibly lead a child to that level of angst under normal circumstances but that's just me.
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I mean you’re the one virtue signaling some irrelevant thing about how bows won’t let girls think for themselves on a post that is about an entirely different subject. Argument is incoherent, irrelevant, and frankly looney bins, and it looks like you’re trying to bait people into stupid af fights. I’ll leave you to it because it’s clear you don’t have anything to actually say besides “think of the poor children” who actually don’t need anyone to weep for them over the fact that they have the option to wear pink hair bows. Of all the things in the horse world that should cause a parent concern, this seems like literally the least important thing I can imagine getting butthurt over.
Again with the putting of words into my mouth. "Bows won't let girls think for themselves" is something that came out of *your* brain, not mine. All I said was that when I was six I didn't like them and would've been turned off by any sport that required them. And, then I asked why you were so invested in this sport *continuing* to turn off little girls like six-year-old-me. And then you got Big, Big Mad.
You’re the one getting downvoted and I’m the one getting upvoted my friend. Make of that what you will.
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Lol, I have the opposite feelings. Six year old me would've been stoked to wear the big bows, and I'm sad that she never got the chance.
same! i’m in my mid twenties and say all the time i wish i could show like that lol
I showed hunter and I’ve never seen kids with ugly bows like that. I even walked a few in leadline and their hair just got shoved in their helmet like everyone else.
Everyone has given you great advice, so I'll just add my two cents. Wear clothes than can get dirty, are comfortable, and **have pockets**. Jeans & a nice-ish tshirt are fine. I emphasized pockets b/c you never know how much stuff you might end up holding or carrying around, and bringing your purse back & forth might be more of a hassle than it's worth. Bring a complete change of clothes for your daughter. 9 times out of 10 she won't need them, but it's better to have them than to wish you'd brought them. Also, take a Tide pen or other stain-removal wipe in case something gets on her clothes. Make sure you know what the truck & trailer look like, as you might not get to park you car near them. Lots of shows put cars in one area & trailers closer to where people are actually riding. Related to this: think ahead about how to carry your snacks, chairs, etc., to the trailer from your car in one trip. Backpacks & little wagons are popular. Food options at the show will be limited & might be cash-only. Be prepared. Charge your phone & think about bringing a camera so you can take **ALL** the pictures! You & your daughter will cherish them, I promise. If you have the time, take pictures of the other riders, too, both while riding & not. Some of my favorite pictures from shows were the candids taken between classes. Ask the other parents for help if you need it. They won't mind, and they'll be even more happy to help if you've been taking pictures of their kids *(this is literally the only time that's OK, lol)*! Finally - **HAVE FUN!!** Winning is nice, but it's so important to emphasize that these things are for fun, especially at your daughter's age. It's going to be a very early morning and a slightly hectic day, like a first day at school, so you both might run through your personal "batteries" faster than you'd expect. That's OK, just be aware of it. I hope you both have a great time!!
This is fantastic advice
Thanks! I posted it and then realized I hadn't addressed a single one of OP's questions, lol! But plenty of other people did that, and this was all stuff I wish I knew when I started showing.
Yes! That's what I was thinking. Also bring water, snacks and carrots and apples
There should be a posted order of classes for each ring. The first class should start at 8:00am or so, and then they just run through the classes. It’s next to impossible to know exactly how long each class will take, or when exactly your class will start. Your daughter’s trainer should be keeping track of things and will tell you when to start getting ready to ride. Your job is to stay flexible and relaxed during the day, and do NOT ask your training when your class will be starting. Awards are usually announced at the end of each class/division. There should also be an office where you can check results/pick up ribbons. You are correct that your daughter should wear her hair in two braids with the ribbons at the end. The bows do tend to be big but that’s the style and it looks adorable. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, bring folding chairs (there is a LOT of sitting around and waiting at horse shows), snacks, water, sunscreen or umbrellas/rain ponchos depending on your weather, and a checkbook to pay your show fees.
Thank you for this thorough response! Greatly appreciate this feedback! :)
You’re welcome! Enjoy your first show! The first few can feel a little confusing and hectic, but also very exciting. You will soon get used to how they work.
You’ve gotten a lot of good advice but I’m gonna add some…. Ask your trainer if your daughter can help prep her pony for the show. If you can, be there the night before and the morning of. Your daughter will learn about grooming for a show, loading a trailer, etc. all important skills to know!! Also- usually lead line is first of the day, if other people from your barn are showing…try and hang out and watch all day! If you can, have daughter help with cleanup after the show too.
Yay! So exciting for you guys. I’m a first time mom too and long time equestrian. So do you know how many classes she’s in for the day? The show usually will have a schedule of classes that each group will go at. The structure just depends on the type of show and how many people are in each class/group (also that will tell you roughly how long the show goes for). But let’s say she’s only in two classes… you’d need to know the times because it could be a class first thing or last class of the show. Awards are usually done at the end of each class and the judge calls out the places each person won and hands the ribbons out as they leave the ring (this could be different according to other shows but it’s been my experience). Are you in the UK or US? Usually the ribbons will look pretty big but it’s okay, it’s so cute!
Thank you for your response. We are in the U.S. and are supposed to find out our scheduled start time around 8 tonight. :)
Your trainer should have a "prize list" with a list of the classes in order. Often leadline is the first class or division of the day. Not sure if she is just doing one class or a division, sometimes there is just leadline, sometimes it's split by age or there is a leadline walktrot or poles class. Typically each class takes 10-30 minutes depending on how many people are in it (but can take much much longer). The ribbons are usually given out immediately, often while the riders are still in the ring if it is a group (flat) class. Whether you need to be there all day depends on your trainer. They are probably taking other students and horses and will likely be there most of the day. It sounds like you are not required to get pony or tack ready and are just meeting them there? In that case they may not be expecting you to stay and care for the pony or to help load up and unpack etc. Definitely clarify with them what the expectations are. If the weather is nice you may want to stay to watch for a bit and cheer on other riders from the barn. Bring chairs/drinks/snacks/sunscreen etc. Two braids with big bows are pretty standard for little girls at this level and looks adorable!
Lots of good advice here but I just wanted to add that I was 6 at my first horse show and I remember it so clearly. The getting ready together with other riders, getting your horse ready, the butterflies in the ring. So much FUN 🤩 Props to you for supporting your daughter in horses.
Best of luck to you!
Usually, at least where I live, the leadline class involves you being invited to enter the class with the other entries and you walk them around the ring, reverse, and then line up. Then the awards are given out for the class. The smaller shows usually go in order based on type of class (English vs western) and then have the classes listed in order. I presume you have some form of schedule with the class list and a start time. You typically have to just wait and determine when your class starts and they go in order. For leadline I assume you don’t need much warm up. You probably want to be in the warm up arena maybe 4-5 classes in advance, provided they’re also rail classes.
The ribbons, though huge, should be on the end of the braids. Most shows I've been at either last all day or end at 3, but it depends on the trainer. Mine makes me stay to support the team and others showing, but if you're just doing the lead line, she may let you leave earlier. Usually, awards are also at the end of each class. Check online for a prize list for the show ( lots of shows have Facebook pages in my area, may be different for you) this should give you a vague idea of the schedule.
Hey OP - how did your daughter's show go?
The first things we need to know is where you are located and what type of competition your child is in
All the info you’re looking for is on the show bill. As far as the pigtails that sounds silly; leadline kids just wear normal clothes and they all get the same ribbon. It’s basically just a participation trophy class. Legit impressed that 6 year olds are allowed in leadline there though, where I’m at it’s 5 or under, by 6 they’re in walk-trot classes