By Maggie Junkin
There's nothing I enjoy more than horse showing. Let’s keep our horse shows safe and enjoyable for all.
Do: Pay attention in schooling rings. Clearly communicate
with other riders.
Don’t: Crowd others, both in the schooling ring and in the
hack class. Leave space in the model.
Do: Have ringside awareness. Be considerate. Don’t make loud
noises or sudden movements while a horse or pony is on course.
Don’t: Ride with a
group of friends spread across chatting and unaware. Make it safe for vehicles
and other horses to pass.
Do: Walk your animals on the horse paths.
Don’t: Text and ride. If it’s that important, pull over.
Instagram and snapchat can wait.
Do: Drive responsibly with scooters and golf carts. Be
patient and use caution while passing horses.
Don’t: Ride without your helmet.
Do: Use commonsense when bringing your dogs to a horseshow.
Don’t: Leave your dog unleashed and free to roam. Over the years, I have seen a few dogfights
and several dogs that were hit and killed.
Do: Be courteous and clean up after your dogs. Please do not
allow your male pups to water your neighbors tack trunks and barn set-ups.
Don’t: Tie your dogs in communal barn aisles or in areas
where they are underfoot of the horses.
Do: Take your dogs safely with you to the ring. If not,
leave them securely crated in the shade, or better yet in a stall with water,
dog beds and a fan.
Maggie Junkin competes in the Children’s Hunters with her horse, Tommy Bahama. She lives with her family, 5 dogs, and 3 cats in Jenkintown, Pa.