Hunter Jumper Horse Show Essentials

For some, getting ready for a horse show can feel overwhelming. Luckily, we've partnered with hunter jumper and sponsored rider Elizabeth Siadous to provide insight on what a typical horse show looks like for her, and what essential products she never goes without. With years of many hunter jumper shows under her belt, Liz knows how to set herself and her horses up for success. Let's dive in to learn more about her background and what she does to prepare for a horse show, as well as her post-show horse care routine.

I became a professional trainer in 2013 when I started my business, ES Sporthorses LLC. While I grew up very poor and seemingly unable to get the experience I needed to achieve my goals, my family did everything they could to help me. I convinced myself that if I worked as hard as I could, I would shift my own odds. I decided that no matter what was required, I was going to find a successful route into the hunter jumper industry!

Although I had a decent junior riding career, I was nowhere near where I wanted or needed to be. For 10 years, I was fortunate enough to work for a variety of friends and trainers who provided me with opportunities leading me to where I am today. Since 2013, I have been partnered with so many incredible horses that led to wins and top placings in the Green Hunters; from Baby Greens to 3'9, High Performance Hunters, to National and International Derbies.

In the jumper ring, I've personally brought along young horses from their first jumps to ribbons in the 1.45m Grand Prix. At home, I have 17 horses—the majority of them being for sale. I ride 6 to 10 horses per day; I do not have a groom, and I manage the care of each one myself. I still clean stalls, feed, water, turn the horses out, and bring the horses in. At the end of the day, I just love horses! I am always seeking more education from them and other professionals. I believe that no matter the amount of success you find, if you treat every day like it is a working interview for your dream job, you can never lose.

When looking for horses, I don't have a specific type or breed that I like. Although bloodlines and conformation play a role in their abilities, horses will always surprise you. I try to evaluate temperament and work ethic. Finding a horse that enjoys its job is crucial to its potential. Finding a horse with great potential that enjoys its job is crucial to its career.

To prepare for upcoming shows, I use my lists. I have so many specific lists for each category: tack, grooming supplies, supplements, show clothes, schooling clothes, grain, hay, display setup, etc. My personal favorite show attire and tack consists of brands like CWD, EGO7, Equiline, Samshield, Jin Stirrup, Arma, and Free Ride—many of them from Riding Warehouse. This is what my show supply lists look like most of the time to help me remember the essentials for my horses:

Prep the Horses & Rider:

To prepare the horses, I keep in mind what I expect from them during the show week. Regardless of which discipline, my program focuses a lot on flatwork. I typically work on a horse's physical range and adjustability with poles. I set up related distances for bounces and different stride lengths (1-2-3-4-5-6 strides) and focus on being able to do the measured number, the add, and extended stride until the horse can do it consistently.

Other days, I set poles down as guide rails to leg yield on and off the rail, as well as in the center of the ring where the arena fence does not give them a wall. Since I have mostly young/green/sale horses, I don't drill them; I allow each exercise to be worked on over a few days or during my warm-up prior to their jumping days. My main goal is to encourage the horses to be relaxed and comfortable with what I'm asking of them.

Making sure the horses are fit in general is the goal, but so is ensuring they are physically ready for and comfortable with whatever level we expect from them. This, along with their mindset toward the current workload, allows me to decide which classes to enter and how to prep them.

To prepare myself for showing, I also make sure that I am physically ready to accomplish the goals that I have. I am lucky enough not to get nervous prior to walking in the ring; however, I do have a strenuous routine of yoga, running, and listening to a lot of music.

Week Before the Show:

The week before each show, I make sure the horses are freshly bathed and appropriately clipped, and that they won't be due for shoes while we are away. My first steps when arriving at each show are to make sure the care and comfort level for the horses is perfect. I use a gastric support called MagnaGard by Eagle Equine, and my horses receive this every day. My show setup is very simple; I have simple furniture and two signs with my logo and contact information with brief descriptions of the sale horses I have available at that show. Since I have mostly sale horses and only a handful of customers, I pack minimal trunks, hooks, tack cleaning setup, racks for linens, wraps, bandages, etc.

Post-Show Horse Care:

Post-show care for each horse varies depending on what they are competing in. If they jump multiple classes in one day or at 3'6 or higher, we typically wrap all four legs and liniment specific parts of their bodies. For my barefoot horses, we use Farrier's Fix Hoof Oil daily and poultice their feet. My personal horse jumping at the 1.45m level (that is also barefoot) gets his legs and hooves iced before and after each class.

If we have been at a show for two or more weeks, I typically give the horses at least three or four days off to go outside and have some time to themselves. If we have a few weeks between the next show, then we take it easy for the whole week and let them stretch or trail ride after their days off. I try to add in some body work with my equine masseuse before and after each show regardless of their job.

Preparing you and your horse (or horses) for a show takes a lot of hard work, time, and money. We hope Liz's humble background and professional insight have helped embolden you to take on your next hunter jumper show with confidence. If you have any questions, please contact our friendly customer service team at 1-800-620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com for assistance. Happy riding!

"The best advice I can give to anyone on their way to a show is to remember what you and your horse have been working on, and what your goals are. It is so important to not over-face you or your horse and ensure that you are both comfortable with what you are entered in. I think it is good for all of us to be brave and push past our fear, but as we are dealing with animals that ultimately rely on us to know their job, making sure that we as riders and them as our teammates are ready to succeed is the top priority. Having reasonable expectations and enjoying the time with your horse in a show environment should always be the goal, regardless of the outcome."

- Liz Siadous, RW Sponsored Rider