08/09/2026
SHOW RING ETIQUETTE
"A real sportsman plays the game for the enjoyment of the sport as well as the desire to win. It is one of the oldest heritages of man"
- Virginia Draper Robinson
Showing a horse is exciting! Hours are spent at the barn practicing. But, do you know how to ride in the show ring?
Success in the show ring requires excellent horsemanship and excellent showmanship.
The ultimate goal is to impress the judges but we are also showing for the spectators, and presenting our breed to the public. They came to see a show!
Show ring etiquette is tradition, ring generalship, good manners, and sportsmanship balled up together. We can break the show ring ride down into components: the entrance, passing horses, changing gaits, reverse, line-up, and sportsmanlike behavior.
Let's think a little deeper...
✅The Entrance:
Entering the ring is the first, and most important, impression. This may be when the judge decides whether to watch you...or not.
Allow space and don't crowd the horses entering ahead. Avoid entering and veering sharply to the right. It interferes with the horse's stride and an imbalanced horse is more likely to break gait.
Ride in straight and ease smoothly over to the rail like a professional. Continue down the rail and around. Don’t cause a pile up at the entrance and don’t pass the gate if it’s still open.
Get in there and find an open spot!
✅Passing Horses:
Work hard to present the best view of the horse. This means stay out of the pack! Look up, ahead, and around the ring to plan and keep a good spot. Pass to the inside so as not to get pinned against the rail. Watch for out of control and unruly horses.
Don’t circle the gazebo like a shark. It’s annoying to everyone! The judges can’t assess the horse if they’re trying to save their toes.
View each turn and every pass as a unique situation. If your horse is slower, go deep into the curves allowing the traffic to move ahead and away.
If faster, cut off a portion of a turn which saves ground and moves you away from the group. Do this carefully as cutting a corner makes it more difficult to set up for the straight away and some horses will do it as a bad habit.
Passing at the canter should be a gradual movement to the inside of the ring and then a gradual ease back over.
This calls for intelligent use of the leg aids and seat to keep the impulsion and stay on the correct lead. It's why circles, figure eights, and serpentines are great horse and rider exercises.
✅Changing Gaits:
Transitions of gait should be smooth and seamless. Not sudden and rushed.
It's ok to take a few seconds allowing a horse farther ahead or for your own to be farther behind before cuing the horse.
This is especially important at the canter to avoid running into other horses, but ultimately, to properly set the horse up for the correct lead and collection to do his best.
Don't sacrifice your horse's performance just to hug the rail. Be able to maneuver the horse left and right to show him at his best ability.
✅Reverse:
The reverse is a chance to evaluate how the ride is going and find a new spot alone on the rail. Western horses reverse toward the center with a turn on the haunches showing off their training as a western style horse.
An English horse will reverse toward the rail with a turn on the forehand. Some saddle seat breeds reverse in a fluid turn without breaking gait.
✅Line-up:
Line up is not the time to chill and let everything go. The show is still on and final decisions are being made!
Plan ahead. For example, if your horse is short don't line up next to the tallest. If riding a plain Jane don't stand next to the most beautiful horse.
Be strategic!
Some horses stand better in the middle of the pack and others at the end of the row. All horses stand better if taught to park or at least square up. In their mind, they are doing a job and it holds their attention.
A horse standing square on his feet makes a beautiful picture. In equitation, it helps to assess stirrup length and balance in the rider.
Be strategic!
✅Behavior:
Watch your face! A judge can't see everything you feel. Don't let your facial expressions show your mistakes. It may not be noticed and others may be having a worse time.
Ride hard to the end.
It is unprofessional to interfere with another horse, deliberately cover them up, or bully another rider in the ring. It's not cool to glare at the judge, refuse a ribbon, or throw the ribbon on the ground.
Entering the competition means you agreed to be evaluated. It doesn't mean anyone agrees with it. Don't show if you cannot stand to lose. A poor sport is a fast way to earn the wrong reputation as fellow horseman and spectators DO notice!
You can lose a class, trophy, or ribbon.
But never the feeling of a great ride.
Always leave the ring courteously with flair and energy. Make the judge wonder why they didn't place you higher and leave a good impression on future judges who are watching.
Men…tip your hat! Be a role model for manners and class.
Beginner riders are pleased to get all their gaits correctly. Advanced riders are strategic in thinking and spontaneous in presenting the horse.
Let's all strive to be that thinking rider.
- Dr. Leslie Perry Collins, PT, DPT, MA
