Down the Horse Show Road – Weighing The Benefits Of Weekend Shows And Large Circuits
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164 – January/February, 2025
By Elizabeth Arnold
Poet Robert Frost famously wrote of two roads diverging and the choice one must make of which way to go. Many horse show exhibitors can no doubt relate to Frost’s choice as they are weighing their show schedule at the beginning of each season. Many exhibitors look back with nostalgia on the days of small weekend horse shows that saw one or two judges in the center of the pen and a full schedule of classes to show in each day.
Today the norm has become mega-circuits comprised of long runs and multiple judges. The extended schedule is ideal for trainers and exhibitors looking to pack multiple show days with the opportunity for many points earned. Plus, large circuits allow exhibitors to theoretically do less shows per year and save their horses for the major, end-of-year shows.
Many state associations and affiliates feeling the strain of the exhibitor exodus to larger circuits are looking at innovative and creative solutions to keep their costs in check, increase participation, and keep the small weekend shows that the horse show industry was built on alive and well.
Despite the draw of large circuits, many competitors and trainers have witnessed the challenges local and state associations are facing and are urging exhibitors to support them. Trainer TR Potts has been on the board for the South Carolina Quarter Horse Association for more than ten years. He says, “We do the big circuits and still try to support the smaller shows.” Potts says that there are different goals and objectives for his clients at large circuits and weekend shows. “I like to take clients to a weekend show because it gives them focused time with their horse. Those small shows become more of a clinic situation and the rider can spend a lot of quality one-on-one time with their horse and their train-er,” says Potts.
Christian Jauntig has managed shows of all sizes and levels from The Corporate Challenge to weekend shows hosted by Tri-State Quarter Horse association that typically sell 120 stalls. Jauntig shares that when trainers opt to bring their barn to small shows and use the time as a schooling experience, it makes the larger shows those same affiliate groups sponsor possible. “We have to start by supporting grassroots shows. Every state association that hosts big circuits also has small shows that are struggling. If trainer groups made a conscious choice to go to one weekend show a month, it would make a big difference for the local affiliates,” says Jauntig.
Growing Challenges
Click here to read the complete article
164 – January/February, 2025
