Sorry, I meant suitable for the horses to stand tied on for long periods. Generally, somewhat flat and gravel or grass (not mud) are preferred so the horses don’t slip, but I’m not personally picky as I come from eventing. I probably wouldn’t leave my horse tied unattended on pavement or really uneven terrain, though.
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I’m the person who quoted the $400.
I am not in the US, so I am sure your values are different. I was just stating my experience.
I wish my area had more schooling shows, but it is my understanding that if a judge who is rated with our overarching organization judges at a schooling show that was not registered with the overarching organization - they are stripped of their judge status. Not helpful keeping costs down.
I do (or have done) most of the things on meaupatdoes list (don’t own a trailer). Hopefully it’s helped someone, but it won’t help people wanting to step into the show ring.
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I was able to research the cost of renting the local facility used for rated dressage shows here. For 2 day access Sat and Sun it looks to be $2100 plus tax. Does not include stalls or RV Hookups. Those are extra. An additional “admission” fee is charged at 10% of gross revenue. I wonder if this last bit is normal
Looks pretty spendy.
I think we are in similar boats of wish it was cheaper but not seeing a lot of wiggle room for it to be made cheaper
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Most shows have sponsors that offset the cost of renting a facility and hiring judges. A few years ago, a local USDF show received over $5,000 in sponsorships from local businesses and individuals. That kind of money could be used to offset expenses and lower prices, for example, stabling and prizes. Of course, you need to have a group of dedicated volunteers to find sponsors willing to donate.
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I think this is what most shows are already doing, getting sponsors to pay some of the expenses to make the show possible.
Yes, so then you have to ask why class and stabling fees are going up.
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Because the costs of running the show exceed the amount of sponsor donations. Most likely the show would cost even more if it was not for those sponsors.
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It probably depends on the type of venue…a local fairgrounds or similar probably not but I could see it being standard for a high end horse-only show facility.
Speaking of sponsors, other than the advertisement piece - what is the benefit to them? I can understand horse-related companies (the local tack shop) or big sponsors (Rolex, Land Rover) at international, televised events, but for the average dressage show, why would regular businesses want to be sponsors? Honest question, I’ve never understood it.
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Do your local level fairgrounds have footing that would work for a dressage show?
That depends on who you ask. Several GMOs host shows at a couple of the fairgrounds here, and most people that attend don’t have issues with the footing but a few do complain. It’s just a sand/dirt mix, similar to what you’d find in an economy boarding facility - it has to work for many different disciplines. I don’t personally have any objections to riding on it.
The facility I looked at is the Escambia County Equestrian Center, in case anyone wants to go look.
I’m not sure I would call it high end, but nice enough. They hold the local dog shows there as well.
We show at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in NJ. It isn’t the best footing ever, but it’s workable.
This comparison isn’t entirely fair (different disciplines, different levels, etc.), but 25 years ago, I remember a lot of shows being held at local barns, with volunteer staff/parents. Parking was in a paddock, and often warm-up was sub par. The outdoor ring was the show ring. Sometimes there were two rings, and they held flat classes in the indoor and had the course set up outside.
There were no stalls available; their horses were living in them.
For a myriad of reasons, most shows we now attend are at show facilities, with stabling, and the office staff is professional, not volunteer. I’m sure insurance requirements and liability concerns have contributed at least in part.
I’m lucky enough to be in an area that still has one-day, trailer-in shows. These Level 1 and 2 shows are held at training/boarding barns and usually offer very limited or no stabling. In almost every case, though, there is still some professional office staff running the show.
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I love how we are trying to break down some of the actual costs of shows. Absolutely regional differences will occur, but I think if we really want to see if and how dressage shows can be made more affordable then outlining a sample budget is a fantastic idea.
Anyone have any ideas on what judges cost?
Sponsors get lots of free publicity through banners at the show, ads in the show program and, in some cases, mention in media interviews. Many just want to support the sport of dressage, especially as an opportunity for young people. (Lots of kids sports have sponsors.) At the show I mentioned, many of the sponsors had nothing to do with horses and were happy to support a local event.
I think you are thinking of AOTS - Amateur Owner Trained and Shown - its a decent sized division in Arabians.
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@joiedevie99 about 20 years ago, I went to my first rated dressage show. It was held at a college barn, had one show ring with an outdoor warmup and was practically a schooling show by today’s standards.
@lenapesadie it would be great if we could get people that actually put these shows together to have these conversations (and with an open mind). I have some contacts that have managed GMO shows, but I know that is a bit different from putting together a USEF show. Knowing the numbers would be hugely beneficial in coming up with innovative ideas that work for both sides.
@sparkygrace I wonder if there might be some way to offer bigger incentives to sponsors, to draw more in. I don’t know what it would be, though. I’m currently having an internal debate with myself about whether or not I want my kid to get into horses, purely because of how expensive showing has become!
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I’m sure I’m missing some items, but presumably we have facility, judges, assorted staff, the ambulance folks, insurance (I’m sure that’s a thing somewhere in the mix), supplies (arena, flyers, ribbons, paper etc) and perhaps a portion has to be sent to USDF / USEF (this was mentioned up thread, can anyone confirm that?)
As it happens I can probably find out the costs of the ambulance. I’ll work on that
Most show don’t have an ambulance, but have an EMT on the grounds. Vets are on call unless they have to drug test. Some shows give non-monetary prizes and sponsors donate items. And yes, fees are paid to USEF and USDF. Here is a sample of what it costs to compete at a typical licensed show:
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Here is the USEF fee schedule: https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/VTIW8I15ZxQ/usef-fees-schedule
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That’s good info and seems pretty consistent with the rated shows held near me as well. I’m afraid I’m not terribly familiar with shows outside my area, are there regional differences in cost or is it a set fee schedule?
