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My horse and I do the dressage show scene and love every minute of it – from training through the show ring, BUT the actual show entries confuse and bore me – HELP!

Questions and Answers

Q: My horse and I do the dressage show scene and love every minute of it – from training through the show ring, BUT the actual show entries confuse and bore me – HELP!

A: If you are in Region I, help is only as far away as the Region I Omnibus!  This handbook has it all – from AHSA and USDF member and horse recording forms, to the AHSA/USDF qualifying rules, to the BLM qualifying rules, to the Group Member Organizations, to the Professional Listings for services offered, to even the dressage tests.  It is a user-friendly handbook, which should make the entry process easier.

A time-saving suggestion would be to make copies of the enclosed entry form and create a “master”, which will be copied for each show’s entry.   Fill out this entry form “master” with as much detail as possible, ex: owner and horse info, addresses, USDF and AHSA numbers, etc. – info that would stay the same from show to show and will save time later.  Once you have this “master” copied, all that is needed before the closing date, is to fill in the actual show name and date, actual class entries, stabling needs and housing for yourself.  This really saves time, especially if you have several horses.

Read each prize listing for the show in detail – highlighting points particular to that show, ex:  health certificate needed, NO straw only shavings, submit a stamped envelope for times, how entries must be received: in hand BY closing date or POSTMARKED by closing date – all those little things which will be needed at a quick glance.   Each prize list is organized similar to each one with contact info, class info, and show categories, such as entry info, stabling, times, directions, housing, etc. all laid out the same.  Become familiar with the general layout and then each individual show will seem easier once you know where to go to find what you specifically need.

One final step would be to spend an hour or so on one day to save you time during the show season.  Use this day to make copies of:  1) your show master, per shows attending & per each horse; 2) your current coggins; 3) the AHSA and USDF horse recording certificates (backing them is the easiest, then only have 1 sheet); 4) all of your current AHSA, USDF membership cards, etc. copied onto1 page.  Then once the show season is in full swing, you only need to go to 4 folders, pull 1 copy from each and your paperwork is almost done!

You prepare and train your horse for the show season, taking one day to prepare you and your paperwork will make a big difference.  Enjoy the show season!