Show set-up ideas

[Soaponarope]

[QUOTE=mvp;8557865]
Some barns have the clients show up the day before and help with the set up. It gets the job done fast when you have one or two people directing and a lot of hands.

But I show by myself (largely), so I personally carry every pound of equipment and supplies in and out. Nothing comes to my show set up that doesn’t do a job, and looks good doin’ it. But I grew up studying the Big Barns at shows like Menlo. (I remember when Equitex was started in NorCal.) So I got good ideas about how I’d do it if/when I could buy studying their set ups. It was great to see their ideas and to pick the ones that would improve mine, along the functional lines I wished.

I hate it when people have fugly, messy tack/equipment storage in front of their stalls because they can’t/won’t buy, say, the $2,000 in custom trunks and equipment a Big Barn has for each horse. There are options somewhere in between 0 and $2K. And the idea of putting a saddle stand out there (or a whacko horse to wear as a bracelet), or putting my saddle on the ground because I don’t have a place for it… or leaving dirty, unrolled wraps out after I get onto ride (I would have been ripped a new one in my youth for that)… Just No.

If you approach this question from the perspective of a groom, for from someone entirely in charge of client comfort, you instantly see what a show set up needs. Function is all.[/QUOTE]

None of the clients in our barn object - far from it! The trainer invested in her drapes. The clients then pitch in for the rest. I always do the flowers and loan my lawn furniture because I live very close to the horse park we often use. Other clients always do the food. I reuse all the flowers and greenery for my home. Nothing is ever wasted.

It’s a show and we like to put one on. We our proud of our barn and we also want to be organized and comfortable.

[541hunter]

[QUOTE=RockinHorse;8557661]
I always wonder how much some of these extravagant set-ups are costing the clients. Not just the initial purchase of the items (which can be significant) but the trailer space to haul it, manpower to put it together and break it down, etc.

I can understand going all out for the weeks long series (WEF, etc.) but for a week long show where most of the clients are really only there for two of the days, some of the set-ups do seem over the top to me, but I guess that is just my frugality showing. ;)[/QUOTE]

We do the set up ourselves, from loading the trailer to tearing it all down on the last Sunday. The initial cost of the drapes, barn trunks, furniture, etc. is covered by the BO, who sees it as an investment in his barn’s reputation. Might seem silly, but our set-up is an outward representation of our barn. We like it to be stylish and comfortable. And honestly, I can’t tell you how much easier it is to deal with finding stuff and keeping the area neat when everything has its place. Plus, it is so nice to have a dressing room with drapes so you don’t have to worry about mooning some poor pony kid passing by when you change into your show breeches!

A lot of it IS just appearances. We certainly don’t need to spend money on flower pots or pretty wood shelves for the dressing room. But when we’re in one place for 6 weeks out of the summer, it’s nice to have a comfy, attractive space to spend the downtime in.

[RockinHorse]

I was not talking about things like attractive storage (matching trunks, bandage holders, racks, etc) Nor was I talking about shows where the barn is there for more than 2 or 3 weeks.

I am referring to some of the over the top set-ups I have seen at the week long venues - antique desks, upholstered sofas, crystal vases and the like. .

[mvp]

[QUOTE=RockinHorse;8558099]

I am referring to some of the over the top set-ups I have seen at the week long venues - antique desks, upholstered sofas, crystal vases and the like. .[/QUOTE]

The two-story tack room sounds beyond Beyond. But you should see the set-ups they build at Quarter Horse Congress. And I think they differ each year. One barn had a huge, bill-board like wall showing a client and her horse. I can’t even imagine how that relationship and the money works when that kind of thing happens. A whole 'nother world, even for someone who has toured fancy H/J shows on the West Coast, in the North East and the Mid-Atlantic. Oh, and I think people should probably see the Arabian and Saddlebred Circuits, too, before they consider their barn set-up education complete. It’s like studying abroad if you want to be a sophisticated, global citizen of barn set-ups.

[RockinHorse]

[QUOTE=mvp;8558181]
The two-story tack room sounds beyond Beyond. But you should see the set-ups they build at Quarter Horse Congress. And I think they differ each year. One barn had a huge, bill-board like wall showing a client and her horse. I can’t even imagine how that relationship and the money works when that kind of thing happens. A whole 'nother world, even for someone who has toured fancy H/J shows on the West Coast, in the North East and the Mid-Atlantic. Oh, and I think people should probably see the Arabian and Saddlebred Circuits, too, before they consider their barn set-up education complete. It’s like studying abroad if you want to be a sophisticated, global citizen of barn set-ups.[/QUOTE]
Those sound like the kind of set-ups that would give my frugal self the vapors

[mvp]

[QUOTE=RockinHorse;8558240]
Those sound like the kind of set-ups that would give my frugal self the vapors ;)[/QUOTE]

If you feel that way, you won’t be able to up your game. As often as not, you can find a cheaper or modified way to do something that you see and like in a Big Barn. Window shopping is free… even at Tiffany’s.

[RockinHorse]

Fortunately, I am very happy with a barn that has a nice clean organized set up with curtains, nice trunks some directors chairs etc. All the over the top flash is really wasted on me, but what do I know, TB’s are still my preferred ride, I ride in whatever britches fit regardless of brand and I do not bling anything I own. (yes, I am also over 50 )

[Sueby]

[QUOTE=RockinHorse;8557661]
I always wonder how much some of these extravagant set-ups are costing the clients. Not just the initial purchase of the items (which can be significant) but the trailer space to haul it, manpower to put it together and break it down, etc.

I can understand going all out for the weeks long series (WEF, etc.) but for a week long show where most of the clients are really only there for two of the days, some of the set-ups do seem over the top to me, but I guess that is just my frugality showing. ;)[/QUOTE]

We own a closed in trailer and I spring for all of the stuff in our display. It’s my weakness and I love doing it. In our case, none is passed on to anyone else except the cost of the display stalls. I also own the golf cart we use :D. I do get gas money from each person showing for hauling the trailer and golf cart.

[Sueby]

Oh, and we all do the set up/take down as a barn. Arrival, horses get settled and feed/hay area set up. Next morning it’s all about the display and grooming areas!! I love that part of going to shows.

[Brutus614]

This might be a bit off topic, but I’m looking for organization ideas for our tack stall. We’re a small, local crew and we only get one extra stall for feed, tack and dressing room.

Anyone have any pictures of how they like to organize things, or products / ideas of great organization tools?

[Lord_Helpus]

You can neve have too many things in your barn colors with the barn logo.

Years ago, I found a mirror in a 2 part frame. I needlepointed the farm logo in barn colors, and it hung in the dressing room (tack room?) so people could check their hair.

Also a white board for scheduling/braiding/etc. in a needlepoint frame. Back in the 80’s everyone needlepointed, and the resulting projects were used for dressing up the tack room, or front area.

I also love a collage of individual photos of barn members jumping or getting an award.

Also, trophy coolers hung on a cooler rack on the front wall.

I have never seen a covered dog pen, but it sounds like a great place to leave your dog while riding.

[N2Equus]

Yes, the Quarter Horse Congress is crazy. Here is a link to the top ten from last year. Insane! http://gohorseshow.com/2015/10/gohorseshows-top-10-congress-stall-fronts/

and here, http://www.equinechronicle.com/ec-congress-gilligan-stall-decoration-contest-has-begun/

[Gnalli]

[QUOTE=Sueby;8558966]
Oh, and we all do the set up/take down as a barn. Arrival, horses get settled and feed/hay area set up. Next morning it’s all about the display and grooming areas!! I love that part of going to shows.[/QUOTE]

I would too!

[BITSA]

Parkwood had a lovely set up at Thermal. The grass sod was shaped so it went in waves instead of at sharp angles. I also like water features, raised sitting platforms (like Oz does) and chandeliers.

[BITSA]

[QUOTE=N2Equus;8560482]
Yes, the Quarter Horse Congress is crazy. Here is a link to the top ten from last year. Insane! http://gohorseshow.com/2015/10/gohorseshows-top-10-congress-stall-fronts/

and here, http://www.equinechronicle.com/ec-congress-gilligan-stall-decoration-contest-has-begun/[/QUOTE]

These are insane! :eek:

[BITSA]

@541hunter;8558049

Plus, it is so nice to have a dressing room with drapes so you don’t have to worry about mooning some poor pony kid passing by when you change into your show breeches!

:lol:

I like those dividers (in the same barn fabric) people put in the changing room so mooing and flashing is minimized…Our zipper broke at Thermal and mooning may or may not have occurred.

[BITSA]

I like this–the flooring is cool

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/f0/a1/56/f0a15647ef29e4c86efe43dd91b5cbe6.jpg

simple but elegant
http://equitex.com/assets/Stall-Drapes-Main.jpg

[showidaho]

[QUOTE=N2Equus;8560482]
Yes, the Quarter Horse Congress is crazy. Here is a link to the top ten from last year. Insane! http://gohorseshow.com/2015/10/gohorseshows-top-10-congress-stall-fronts/

and here, http://www.equinechronicle.com/ec-congress-gilligan-stall-decoration-contest-has-begun/[/QUOTE]

This is the most fun part of Congress…this and the puppies…

[Soaponarope]

Ok, so after showing last weekend three things come to mind that I would like to have in my dream set up:

1. a table or - island- in the tack stall for cleaning tack with all the necessary things in cute baskets or drawers 2) tall pub style table and chairs so that if possible we can see the action from our set up 3) a really over the top beautiful portrait or poster size photo, framed and matted in barn colors. In our case our trainer’s stallion passed away last year and several of his babies remained at home and are now showing. I’d like to blow up and frame one of his beautiful Shawn McMillan pix.

Those my new thoughts on this important topic!

[SCI]

[QUOTE=Soaponarope;8570479]
Ok, so after showing last weekend three things come to mind that I would like to have in my dream set up:

1. a table or - island- in the tack stall for cleaning tack with all the necessary things in cute baskets or drawers 2) tall pub style table and chairs so that if possible we can see the action from our set up 3) a really over the top beautiful portrait or poster size photo, framed and matted in barn colors. In our case our trainer’s stallion passed away last year and several of his babies remained at home and are now showing. I’d like to blow up and frame one of his beautiful Shawn McMillan pix.

Those my new thoughts on this important topic![/QUOTE]

For your tack cleaning station, a friend uses something like this that hangs on the wall to hold soap, sponge, and bucket of water. They hang it next to a 4-prong and a saddle stand. It seems to work really well and keeps everything out of the way.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AaS9Vsj-7h2j3c6hPPqnbLOTwW7pGjIXXPQXAEGgBGMh0u-2VY-_PME/