For the average rider, in-person horse shows may have a lot of barriers to attendance. They often require a huge time commitment (especially for multi-day shows), they are incredibly costly (trainer fees, showground fees, stabling, etc), and they require transportation – for both horse and rider. Until you’re used to riding away from home, being in a new environment can also be an intimidating and stressful experience for some horses and riders. Alas, hope is here! There are online horse shows you can participate in from the comfort of your home barn!

Virtual and online horse shows make showing more accessible and easier than ever. And, while online horse shows were happening well before the pandemic, they’re even more popular today. When traveling and being in crowded spaces and places isn’t an option, a virtual show is the next best thing. Not only are virtual horse shows fun and easy to attend (because everything is done from your own stable), but they allow equestrians from around the world to connect and compete with one another.

If you think that competing in an online horse show means giving up those big, gorgeous rosettes, think again! Online horse show competitors still compete for rosettes, trophies, and prizes. Some show series even allow you to accumulate points that go towards end of the year championships and awards.

If you just signed up for your first online horse show, or you’re just looking for a few online showing tips, take a look at this quick and easy guide on how to prepare and what to expect at your first competition.

How to prepare for an online horse show:

First, find the online horse show you’d like to compete in and select your classes. Online horse shows aim to provide a mix of skilled competition and fun classes. One show may include English and Western hack and equitation classes, conformation and in-hand exercises, and fun competitions like the “Best Friends Photo” class, hosted by the Equimind online horse show, or the “Fun in the Sun” class, hosted by Horse Show Online.

There are even breed specific shows, like the ones hosted by The American Paint Horse Association. No matter the class or type of show you’re looking for, there’s an online horse show for every horse and rider team.

Once you’ve signed up for your classes, preparing for your online horse show will look a lot like preparing for an in-person horse show, with a few exceptions.

Just like an in-person show, it’s a good idea to start your show grooming a few weeks prior to your classes. Give your tack and boots a good deep cleaning, and polish any metal buckles. Be sure to wash your saddle pad and any polo wraps you intend to use too.

In terms of training & preparation, it’s really important to have a relaxed & confident horse. Just as there are virtual competitions & shows, you can also access a range of online training courses on confidence building, at liberty training, lateral work & polework to help you & your horse in your online competitions. An equestrian journal is also another really useful way to track your progress.

Virtual horse show equipment:

Say goodbye to your long horse show packing checklists, traveling wraps and boots, trying to coax your horse in the trailer, and making a mess with hay nets! Everything you need to prepare for your first online horse show is already at your home barn. Because all online horse show entries are submitted by photo or video, the only special equipment you’ll need is a phone with a camera, or a stand alone camera – and someone to operate it.

If you don’t have horse show attire like a hunt coat or show shirt, have no fear! Some shows, like The Mane Show, a UK-based online horse show, allow you to wear your regular barn gear. Of course, if you wish to dress in full horse show attire as you would at an in-person show, you’re welcome to do that too. Just be sure to read all of the online horse show rules to ensure you’re properly turned out for the classes you’re competing in.

8 Popular virtual horse shows

Here are 8 popular virtual horse shows that are worth checking out.

• The Mane Show
• Global Showing
• Horse Shows online
• Online Horse Showing
• The Equestrian Box
• American Paint horse Association
• Equimind
• Internet Horse Showing

Tips for filming and photographing your performance

It’s a good idea to have a fellow horse woman photograph or film your performance. Our barn friends are experts when it comes to horse photography!

Be sure to have your friend film your competition video horizontally. This ensures you and your horse stay in the frame of the film the entire time. It also gives the judges a better sense of space as they’re watching you compete.

Film at a time of day where the judges will be able to see the video clearly. Avoid early morning hours and dusk because the video may be too dark for the judges to view. If you’re filming in an indoor arena, be mindful of shadowy spots or extra sunny areas, as this may create camera glare. It might be helpful to turn on the indoor arena lights so the judges can view your video clearly.

It’s never easy to predict what sort of activities might be happening at your barn on the day you film your class, especially if you’re part of a larger stable. Try to film your test in an area that is quiet and free from distractions like dogs, loud noises or music. You’ll also want to keep the sound on as you record to ensure no extra sideline coaching is occurring.

To maintain fair competition, most online horse shows do not allow videos and photos to be edited or altered. While everything operates on the honor system, don’t be tempted to try the test multiple times and select your best effort.

Finally, submit your video or photo to the appropriate email address or upload site and wait for the results!

Final tips

Online horse shows aren’t just great for staying connected to the equestrian community, and meeting some new horse friends along the way, they are also a wonderful tool to see how you’re doing prior to attending an in-person show.

Riders new to showing may find online shows helpful practice for their first in-person shows, and to get some of those first horse show nerves out of the way! Above all else, don’t forget to have fun!

Are you thinking of entering a virtual horse show this year? Let me know in the comments!