Horse Show Management Your EquinePost.com Horse Show Management Expert is: Deborah Warehime

Are you the New Horse Show Manager? What It Will Take To Succeed

So, you're the new horse show manager! Whether the assignment is by choice or default, don't become overwhelmed by the task. In this first of a series on horse show management, assess your skills and resources. You'll soon be on track to host a great show.

As the show manager, your goal is to create an event where participants may exhibit in a safe, professionally run atmosphere with minimal stress and maximum enjoyment. Managing such a show is a tremendous responsibility. It can be an extremely stressful ordeal or it can be a rewarding, fun, team building experience.

To complete the task you will need a lot of energy, a sense of humor, thick skin, a bit of the "control freak" in your nature, experience in crisis management, an understanding family, and a backup sense of humor.

Most of all, you will need the following to succeed in your endeavor:

• Organizational skills
• Communication skills
• Time (lots) and time management skills
• Diplomatic skills
• Leadership skills
• Solid resources
• Willing volunteers with the skills listed above and more important, enthusiasm
• Any tips you can find on horse show management.

Ask yourself these questions before you begin:

• Do I know anything about the type of show I am going to manage?
• Am I comfortable in a leadership role?
• Am I able to delegate?
• Have I identified resources (people, organizations, etc.,) to assist me in this endeavor?

The basic steps you need to follow to organize your show are:

• Choose a show committee
• Define the goals and purpose of the show
• Identify available resources
• Confirm the budget
• Find a sponsoring organization
• Define the type of show (open, 4H, breed, rated, etc.)
• Name the show
• Set the dates, time and location of the show
• Choose the class list
• Determine entry and registration procedures
• Set class and show fees
• Confirm any policies, rules and regulations
• Plan your plan including publicity

Once you have evaluated the basic show planning steps, you can start implementing the plan. Just remember, the key to success is organization. Do not set up and implement a show in a single week. Be realistic. You need adequate time to prepare, organize, and publicize.

Next month's article will feature "getting the wheels in motion". Future articles will feature step-by-step procedures for management (choosing judges, publicity, etc.), new trends in horse show management, resources for horse show managers, and more. Suggestions and questions are always welcome.

This article is an excerpt from HORSE SHOW MANAGEMENT: The Complete Guide, authored by Deborah Warehime. More information on the guide, a quick-start plan and other resource materials may be obtained by visiting Taimers Horse Show Management.

The author is an 18-year veteran of corporate event planning and horse show management. She has written a comprehensive guide based on hands-on experience, on-going involvement and continuing research. Living in northern Colorado with her husband, daughter, 12 horses, 2 dogs and assorted cats, she has been involved in equestrian activities for many years – a 4H mother and project leader, county coordinator of horse activities, horse show manager, horse show exhibitor, and designer of custom Western and rodeo queen apparel. Her many years "on the rail" watching her daughter complete in English, Western and gymkhana events, both open and breed, has reinforced her skills as a show manager.

Your EquinePost.com Horse Show Management Expert recommends these websites:

Taimers Horse Show Management
Horse Show Management Resources

Taimers Custom Sewing
Custom clothing for Western show and rodeo queens.

JW Equine Therapies
Equine sports massage therapies, riding instruction and training.

Greeley Saddle Club
Greeley Saddle Club - a non-profit club

Taimers on Ebay
Taimers Horse Show Management & Clothing

Past articles by Deborah Warehime:

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