Showing levels questions

kshnooks · 07-02-2008, 10:21 PM

So I don't have any plans to ever show (at least anytime soon since I am sans my own horse

) but I have absolutely NO idea how the whole levels work. Oh, and I ride english H/J.

What I mean by levels is when people are talking about schooling or A circuit or whatever I just smile while thinking "duh...". If I was to start out (and I'm 26) what kind of show would I have to be in? Any help?

JoesLove · 07-02-2008, 10:39 PM

To me a schooling show is characterized as a local show. One that is smaller, not a whole lot of people. Regular horses, not all big fancy horses. The A rated shows are nicer and have better competition. Thats the way i can explain it in my own words, Im sure someone else can help more.

pippy · 07-02-2008, 10:51 PM

Schooling shows are just that- schooling..where horse and or rider are learning, many times people who are getting used to a new horse go to schooling shows. They are more like practice w/ competition. Low key. Usually the dress code is relaxed as well.
The A circuit would be an upper level show- you & the horse need to be ontop of your game to go as competition is stiffer, you need a polished look. They are more expensive.
I'm sure those w/ more experience w/ it can give you a more indepth look but in a nutshell, the above is how I see it.

KatieMae · 07-03-2008, 06:37 AM

Schooling shows are for just that. Schooling. The fences are usually less "busy" (as in, fewer horse eating plants under them, etc.) and the courses are usually easier to navigate. Dress code is normally a polo shirt, breeches and boots. Your horse does not need to be braided, and frankly, it doesn't get you better points (I know, I've tried. lol).. Normally, ring side instruction is acceptable.. And the cost of entry for schooling shows is far cheaper.

The "A" Circuit is basically considered the major leagues... The best of the best. Cream of the crop, if you will.. Horses must be fully turned out, braided, and groomed to perfection. Rider must be in full attire; breeches, rat catcher, show coat, tall (polished) boots.. The judges are harder, the courses are more intricate... And not only are the shows themselves more expensive, they're normally a further distance away than your schooling shows..

However, there are B-Rated shows, as well... Which are just a step down from the A-rated shows.. They usually last 1-2 days, and you can still compete for year end awards, trophies, etc. as you would in the A-Circuit.

As far as what show you would "start out in" nobody really has any say in that... If you feel you want to experience the whole show scene on a low key level, I suggest a schooling show or two, as I would suggest to any student of mine. Because jumping at home, and jumping at the show grounds are two TOTALLY different things...

Thekidsmum · 07-03-2008, 07:03 AM

I wish we had schooling shows here. It is the full thing everytime here.

Our classes are held more on horse height than experience. Hence my 13yo daughter who rides an ottb is out there against the adults who show at the very top levels. She holds her own pretty well but it would be nice for her to be out against her own age at times.

Our small shows are like your state fairs.

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07-02-2008, 10:21 PM
kshnooks Coming two Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 1,825	Showing levels questions So I don't have any plans to ever show (at least anytime soon since I am sans my own horse) but I have absolutely NO idea how the whole levels work. Oh, and I ride english H/J. What I mean by levels is when people are talking about schooling or A circuit or whatever I just smile while thinking "duh...". If I was to start out (and I'm 26) what kind of show would I have to be in? Any help?

07-02-2008, 10:39 PM
JoesLove Weanling Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Jacksonville, NC Posts: 357	To me a schooling show is characterized as a local show. One that is smaller, not a whole lot of people. Regular horses, not all big fancy horses. The A rated shows are nicer and have better competition. Thats the way i can explain it in my own words, Im sure someone else can help more.

07-02-2008, 10:51 PM
pippy Long Yearling Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: minnesota Posts: 1,045	Schooling shows are just that- schooling..where horse and or rider are learning, many times people who are getting used to a new horse go to schooling shows. They are more like practice w/ competition. Low key. Usually the dress code is relaxed as well. The A circuit would be an upper level show- you & the horse need to be ontop of your game to go as competition is stiffer, you need a polished look. They are more expensive. I'm sure those w/ more experience w/ it can give you a more indepth look but in a nutshell, the above is how I see it. __________________ Put your heart, mind, intellect, and soul even to your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.\" â€“ Swami Sivananda Saraswati

07-03-2008, 06:37 AM
KatieMae Greenbroke Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: C.FLA Posts: 3,972	Schooling shows are for just that. Schooling. The fences are usually less "busy" (as in, fewer horse eating plants under them, etc.) and the courses are usually easier to navigate. Dress code is normally a polo shirt, breeches and boots. Your horse does not need to be braided, and frankly, it doesn't get you better points (I know, I've tried. lol).. Normally, ring side instruction is acceptable.. And the cost of entry for schooling shows is far cheaper. The "A" Circuit is basically considered the major leagues... The best of the best. Cream of the crop, if you will.. Horses must be fully turned out, braided, and groomed to perfection. Rider must be in full attire; breeches, rat catcher, show coat, tall (polished) boots.. The judges are harder, the courses are more intricate... And not only are the shows themselves more expensive, they're normally a further distance away than your schooling shows.. However, there are B-Rated shows, as well... Which are just a step down from the A-rated shows.. They usually last 1-2 days, and you can still compete for year end awards, trophies, etc. as you would in the A-Circuit. As far as what show you would "start out in" nobody really has any say in that... If you feel you want to experience the whole show scene on a low key level, I suggest a schooling show or two, as I would suggest to any student of mine. Because jumping at home, and jumping at the show grounds are two TOTALLY different things... __________________ Slow down, everyone. You're moving too fast.

07-03-2008, 07:03 AM
Thekidsmum Weanling Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sunny Australia Posts: 242	I wish we had schooling shows here. It is the full thing everytime here. Our classes are held more on horse height than experience. Hence my 13yo daughter who rides an ottb is out there against the adults who show at the very top levels. She holds her own pretty well but it would be nice for her to be out against her own age at times. Our small shows are like your state fairs.