Ready at cone A: Being a prepared exhibitor for the next show season
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EmailBeing prepared is not just a skill that is used while exhibiting your horse. Preparedness is a great skill to use in your everyday life!
“Ready at cone A” is a very common saying in the world of horse showing, but it is important to be ready and prepared all day long at a horse show. Not only does it help you be successful as an exhibitor, but it allows the day to run smoother for everyone involved. Preparation at the show looks different for everyone: for some exhibitors it is as simple as being ready for their class, while for others, preparedness begins at home.
Michigan State University Extension provides a few tips to consider when preparing for the next show. These tips were shared from the perspective of two Michigan 4-H horse judges.
- Start preparations the day before you leave or show. Making sure you have all your feed, equipment, grooming essential, and show clothes loaded ahead of time helps to limit leaving common items behind. Consider creating a checklist you can keep in your trailer, tack box or somewhere else that always travels with you to verify you have all the essentials.
- If you know your number ahead of time, make sure it is pinned to your showmanship jacket and your saddle pads. Little things like this make for a time saver in the future!
- Give yourself time the morning of the show, especially if you are hauling in the morning of the event. You have to get your horse settled, dressed to show, in the make-up ring and be ready for your classes.
- Warm up before you enter the holding area. The last thing you need to worry about is getting in the way of others.
- Be sure to be ringside and ready one class ahead of yours. This way, you are ready in case they combine classes or a small class is ahead of you.
- Breathe! Judges can tell when you are frazzled. Take that deep breath as you make your way to the first cone and be ready to show!
Horse show judges want to see you succeed and score well. Take a moment to enjoy your day showing. It is never fun to be rushed and upset, and it definitely does not set you up for success. A little preparation ahead of time truly does allow for a relaxing and easy show day later.
A huge thank you to Michigan 4-H horse show judges Taylor F. and Shawn J. for their thoughts and tips on how to be better prepared and successful at your next show!
Interested in showing your horse at your next county 4-H horse show? Find information about your next county 4-H show here and reach out to your local MSU Extension office for more information if needed.
Looking to get some practice for the next show season? Consider showing at the Norma Agnew Memorial 4-H Hairy Horse show in March of 2026. Stay tuned to the Michigan 4-H Horse Program Facebook page for more information.