JUNE VIRTUAL HORSE SHOWS
Although not a new concept, virtual horse shows are quickly popping up all over social media as more and more events are cancelled due to the spread of COVID-19. Innovative show organizers are giving equestrians something to do with their horses—in-hand or in the saddle— while helping them recoup some of the money lost from cancelled shows. It’s a win-win.
ESTABLISHED PLAYERS
Virtual shows make showing more affordable, since you don’t have to pay for stalls, haul-ins, gas or hotels. Dressage Show Online was started by Vicki Treverton when a friend of hers complained about not being able to show due to the travel.
“Initially, I thought about having riders email videos, and I could get someone to judge,” says Treverton. “But to me, that would not give the same experience. So, I went bigger. I started DressageShowOnline.com to deliver the same experience as a recognized show. I wanted competitors to feel this was as real an experience as they could get.” For this reason, she opted to only use licensed judges from the United States Dressage Federation and Western Dressage Association of America.
Emma Lord of HorseShowsOnline.co.uk has been running virtual shows for nine years after her horse suffered a tendon injury.
“I decided to set up an online competition that would be open to entrants worldwide,” she says. “I’ve learned that competitors gain a lot from online horse showing. Many find it easier to enter due to lack of transport, loss of showing due to injury, mental health issues or lack of funds.”
NEW ON THE SCENE
Others are just now starting online shows. Freedom Hill Farms in Washington state went virtual when they realized they may not have a summer show season due to COVID-19.
“I had scheduled a series for summer with the same classes, and since I don’t know how much we will be able to get out to show, I thought this would be a fun alternative,” says Jessica Pelissier, owner of Freedom
Hill Farms. Her first show is running now through June 15.
“There is a place for every rider and every horse at a dressage competition,” she says. “Everyone is on their own journey with their own challenges, and
it has been wonderful to provide a program that has helped riders show when they were not able to before.”
There are virtual shows for all types of disciplines. NavaRio Ranch held a cyber ranch horse show in March.
“We did a virtual show in January as a way for competitors in our 2020 Ranch Horse Series to receive feedback from the judges before going to compete in front of them,” explains Amanda Driewer, owner and founder of NavaRio Ranch. “Although our in-person series accommodates a wide range of competitor skills and experience, we strive to benefit our beginning riders with as many learning opportunities as possible. It was a complete fluke that we began doing this right before ‘shelter in place’ occurred!” Driewer says the show was very successful, with 37 total entries, and it won’t be their last.
“We chose classes and designed patterns that were easy for anyone to set up at home,” she says. “We are currently working with a software developer to bring our competitors one of the most innovative and educational cyber showing experiences available.”
Jasmine Powell of Online Horse Showing admits that it’s hard work, but extremely rewarding.
“I love seeing happy, smiling photos from all over the globe,” she says. “We allow everyone to enjoy the excitement of showing. With more entries coming in, we’ve expanded our rosette placings and number of classes, which means more chances to earn a gorgeous frilly!”
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Most shows have a combination of photo and video classes. Halter and costume classes are often photo entries, and usually can be a past photo. For video entries, each show has their own rules about how to take and submit them.
Low-key shows do not require you to be in show clothes or perform in an arena, where others ask that you treat it like a real show, including tack, attire and a polished horse. You will get some lovely awards, and some even have cash prizes.
For a list of links to online horse shows, visit www. horseillustrated.com/hi-virtual-horse-shows.