Show Team
For students interested in showing, riders must reach the Yellow Level of Horsemanship. This level ensures that the rider has a solid foundation and is ready to move beyond our home arena to that of local shows and events. Riders must show a commitment to horseback riding as “their sport” and consistently take at least one lesson per week. Students who take two or more lessons per week will progress more quickly to reach their goals.
There are a variety of show opportunities in our area throughout the year and shows will be selected based on our rider’s goals and abilities.
Classical Dressage
English riding students will have the opportunity to show in Classical Dressage, ensuring they have a solid foundation of the core principles of riding. Dressage is the basis of all equestrian sports, and our program focuses on these fundamentals first and foremost.
In-Hand Dressage
In-hand dressage is a subset of Classical dressage and is performed by the handler walking/trotting the horse on a specified pattern. These classes are ideal for new riders and to expose both horse and rider to the show atmosphere but in a low stress atmosphere.
Western Dressage
Western students will have the opportunity to show in Western Dressage. Similar to Classical Dressage, western dressage creates a firm foundation in good riding principles that helps the student develop the skills needed before moving on to other western show classes.
Horse Show Costs
There are a core set of expenses required for showing outside of the actual horse show’s class fees and office costs. Horse showing requires equipment (truck & trailer), fuel, and a significant amount of time investment from both the rider and the trainer. Some of these costs are split amongst the team as a whole.
Hauling & Coaching Fee - $40 per student/day
Fuel - $1/mile
The majority of the shows we attend will be “schooling shows.” The costs for these shows tend to be lower than “recognized shows.” Schooling shows are designed to be learning opportunities for both horse and rider. Recognized shows are the next level above and designed to provide riders/horses with points to earn additional awards and achievements. Recognized shows are more expensive to attend than schooling shows.
Membership fees are required at most shows. The Northeast Texas Dressage Club has a $40 annual fee that includes a Group Membership to the United States Dressage Federation (USDF). The East Texas Hunter Jumper Club has no club fees; however, if you wish to earn USHJA Outreach points, you must be a competing member with the USEF and USHJA.
Per show, you can expect to pay the following:
Class fees at most shows are in the $22-25 range per class for schooling shows. Recognized dressage shows are approx. $50-55 per class.
Office fees - $35 typically
Grounds fees - $15
Stall fee - $30-35 (may be split if horses are being shared and vary by location)
$7/bag for Shavings (may be split if horses are being shared)
Show Attire
Show clothes are also required. For dressage and hunter/jumper schooling shows, tan breeches, our Lake Fork Stables Polo shirt, and proper tall boots or paddock boots with half chaps are appropriate. For rated dressage shows, white breeches, a show shirt, and a show jacket with white gloves and tall boots are appropriate.
Proper-fitting jeans, western boots, a nice western shirt (or our Lake Fork Stables polo), and a helmet are appropriate for Western classes. Western-style helmet hats are also on the market for those who want the cowboy hat look but the protection of a helmet.