Online horse shows have become a thing. As Lockdown descended and any hope of attending ‘real shows’ dwindled the new age of online showing came into its own. I have been part of that movement with the Lockdown Show and I have a few thoughts I would like to share with you.
“Online shows are not real shows” is something I hear quite often. I agree that online horse shows aren’t traditional, but they are very real, just different! In fact I think they are new, progressive, and exciting!
Before you make up your mind let me share with you my top ten reasons to love online horse showing.
1 . Anyone can take part
So this is probably my favourite thing. A show for everyone! Many online shows offer breed and type classes as well as hosting speciality and novelty sections in their schedules. Whatever your level of expertise in the show ring, or conformation and breeding of your animal there are classes for you! From the total novice to professional, online showing has got you covered.
2. There are no practical restrictions
Online Showing has no transportation requirements, costly entry fees or restrictions on time. I think thats brilliant , as I myself am not a lover of hiking up and down the country with a fire breathing dragon in a metal box at 4.30am! From a practical point of view it’s a winner.
3. Online showing offers the opportunity to show under more judges
An increasing number of judges are enjoying the online showing experience. Technology gives you, the competitor, access to highly qualified, experienced judges, with impressive C.Vs from all around the world! Online showing provides opportunities for competitors to show under a wider circle of judges. Hey if you’re really clever you could even use this arena to work out the opinion of a specific judge on your animal before entering a traditional ring!
4. Points and prizes
Let’s be honest we all love the ribbons and the opportunity to bag ourselves a fantastic prize. Many online shows run accumulator rewards as well as offering beautiful rosettes, sashes, and prize giveaways. For this reason alone, I’m in!
5. There is a fantastic sense of community to many online horse shows
These communities last much longer than show day and provide a space to share and celebrate achievements and all things showing with other like minded competitors. Its also a great way to connect with showing enthusiasts all around the world.
6. Online shows provide an excellent medium for education
Many websites offer top tips on getting started and discuss important topics from getting your showing attire sorted to how to present your horse or pony to the judge for the best possible outcome. I wish I’d had access to this information before I presented myself in the show ring in that pink tie!
7. An online horse show is international
Online showing offers the opportunity to compete in larger classes and to compete against animals all around the world. For our showing professionals and seasoned experts this could mean new competion, different opportunties and an international experience.
8. Online showing is all year round
Another great thing about online showing is that its not limited to the show season. Competions are held all year round so the fun never stops. You can show all winter without having to get wet and cold and hey you dont even need to leave the comfort of your sofa if you dont want too.
9. The two for one deal
If you, like many others enjoy all the delights of the traditional show ring you can enter your photos from a recent show day into an online show for a two for one showing experience. You get the unique opportunity to compete twice, plus the chance to win double the ribbons. I think that one’s a no brainer!
10. In an online show you get the chance to show yourself on the very best day
We have all been there, all those hours of training and preparing only to find your horse gets a fly in the ring and bucks like stink or they just wont stand still for the judge. Not in an online show. You can show yourself in your best light every time because you get to choose which moment in time you enter! Like the sound of this? Hundreds of competitors do too!
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you love online horse showing too? Maybe you are a first timer and would like to give it a try? If so, the Lockdown Spring Show is now open for entries. The links to enter are below……..
