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Note to Parent's
(Please read the following information if your child is involved in the show team)
Please be sure and read all information sent home regarding horse shows. It contains important information that will
help make sure were all prepared on show day. Please note that the fees for showing are as follows.
Coaching $35 per division
Transportation $1 per mile each way divided by # in trailer
Horse rental $25
Friday night practice session $15
Additional fees for admission and class entry fees vary from show to show please be sure to check the class sheet or notes
from trainer for information.
Please make sure that all fees payable to Blue Moon Farms are paid in advance of the horse shows, preferably by the first
of the month that the show falls in. If this is not possible please make arrangements with us, communication is key. Please
understand that this is not a money making venture for us. With the ever-increasing cost of fuel, the cost of upkeep to maintain
enough horses for the team, maintaining the truck and trailer and the cost of tack and clothing that we provide for each student,
it is actually quite costly. We do this because we want the kid's to have the opportunity to show, test what they have learned
in lessons and have the opportunity to work as a team. Which leads me to my next request; if your child plans to show, I
strongly recommend that they come to the Friday night practice session. I feel that this is imperative for our students to
get the most out of this experience. There is more to showing than just riding in the classes, we need for everyone to participate
in the preparation of their horse and tack as well as the additional practice. It is also a great team building opportunity
and that's what were all about.
I want to make sure to stress the importance of preparing your horse mentally once you get to the show grounds. I believe
were all familiar with lunging and the games, but we will revisit it in upcoming lessons and practice sessions. Please make
sure to lunge your mounts as well as show them around their new environments so that they may acclimate. Playing the 7 games
is also extremely beneficial in getting your horse focused. I understand the stress and time constraints of getting ready
for you classes, but there is nothing more important than your safety so please make sure to properly prepare your mount before
mounting before warm up. Even the calmest most seasoned mounts can be nervous and right-brained in a new environment; it's
up to us to figure that out before we get in the saddle. We always have to remember that horses aren't machines, they have
minds of their own.
Remember the rider's main job is to show off his horse. The rider's appearance is just as important as that of his mount.
The hunter rider should wear traditional hunt field attire, which is clean, conservative and well fitting. His boots should
be shined and he should wear gloves. For riders wearing paddock boots, garter straps are an inexpensive way to complete the
look. A well turned out rider can really dress up a horse. In some competitions, the show management may choose to waive
the jacket requirement if the heat and humidity is very high.
We understand summer months are hot so if you are unable to wear your jacket, please bring a sleeveless show shirt or
nice polo shirt to wear. I've had several questions about attire and I want you all to understand that the judging in the
Hunter arena is always subjective meaning that it is based solely on the Judges opinion, therefore if a ribbon is your goal,
it is in your best interest to try to make a good impression. Now I am not saying that dressing well will be a substitute
for good riding and a good performance by your horse. What I am saying is that if two riders give an equally good performance
and one is wearing proper turn out and the other is not, more than likely the ribbon will go to the rider in proper turnout.
We have decided to forgo the August show in Lincolnton and do the two remaining shows at Sundance in September and November.
In addition to the fact that August is extremely hot, after attending several shows we feel that Sundance Shows are the safest,
most professionally run and the most conducive to coaching. We will be offering a summer camp in July and a camping trip
in August instead. Our last show gave us lots of ideas of things to work on, so were excited to see you all in up coming
lessons.
We hope that with your support our show team will continue to be a success. Thank you!
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