How do I get my horse to compete at the western fair?

Krista: How do I get my horse to compete at the western fair?
I just recently got a horse. I know how to ride I have done it my whole like and I have 40 acres so it has more then enough room. But I would like to enter my horse into some competitions at the western fair agriplex in london ontario. How do you normally enter your horse in competitions… do you have to be scouted or what?

Thanks in advance!
and if I have to go in to sign up who do I look for ?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Brittany
i just go sign up lol

Answer by Sarah
If it’s a ‘fair’ usually they are 4-H based. look up your countys 4-h site.

Answer by LopeSlow
Depends on the show.

Some shows–most bigger shows and some nicer non-rated shows–require that you pre-enter. If you’re on their mailing list (join the breed association or whatever organization you want to show with) then you’ll receive information about the show, including entry forms. If you aren’t on the mailing list, check their website or call them to find out about upcoming shows and ask that they send you the information/entry forms/class list. Many bigger shows require that you be a member of whatever organization is sponsoring the show in order for you to compete, and if you’re a member you should get the info anyway. Occasionally you can pay a non-member fee and compete anyway.

Smaller shows do not require (or allow) you to pre-enter. You just show up on the day of the show, find the show office/sign-up table, and fill out the entry forms for the class you want. The show management will be able to help you do that.

If you’re interested in showing, figure out what classes would suit you and your horse–whether it’s a hunter class (jumping), dressage, western pleasure, halter, etc. Get information on whatever show you know of that offers that class, and I suggest you start with a fairly small show to get your feet wet. Call the person in charge and ask for information, like whether you need to pre-enter. You also need to find out what’s required–for instance, if you have to be a member, if you need a health certificate and/or Coggins (almost all shows in the US require a Coggins test, bigger shows often require health certificates), etc. Find out what the dress code is–whether it’s full show attire or if it’s more casual. Get info on things like whether you need to reserve a stall to keep your horse in or if you can haul to the show the day of it, and find out the times and location. Get there early on the day of the show and have fun ;).

Only certain shows–the biggest ones–have rules about who can enter. For instance, you have to qualify to compete in certain Finals or World shows or whatever the equivalent is in your breed/discipline. But most other shows allow anyone who’ll pay the entry fee to compete.