Why Enter Shows?
By entering shows, your horses can gain prominence. As their ability improve, they would be able to gain titles through the Equine Recognition Program. In addition, other players will also notice your rising stars, and you will receive requests from them to breed their horses to yours. You and your barn would gain increased respect from the game community too. Seeing your horses win ribbons and titles will give you a sense of satisfaction.
Why Host Shows?
If you run an association or registry, hosting shows are mandatory. But even if you don't, you should try to host a show so that your barn can gain the reputation of being an excellent and active barn. More boarders will thus be attracted to it, and players might also ask if they can have their horses trained at your barn. If your show is successful, you can also end up making a tremendous profit from it.
Keep a record of the shows that your horses have been entered in.
Horses and riders may enter only one show per day. However, if you wish to enter some horses in one show and some in another, you may do so as long as they have different riders.
Read the show rules very carefully before entering. Different show hosts have different rules. If you do not follow their specific rules your horses may be disqualified without a refund.
Be realistic. A 2 year-old cannot possibly do a hundred-mile endurance race.
One person cannot possibly ride 10 horses in a single class.
One horse cannot compete in the upper levels of every discipline. It's just not realistic.
Virtual Riders are often allowed in most shows. These are riders that you make up to ride your horses. This will allow you to more realistically enter your horses in shows.
Hosting Shows
No more than 2 shows can be hosted on the same day.
Request a show date at least two weeks before (but no more than 2 months in advance) to allow the players time to enter.
Send in your classlist at least two weeks in advance to allow the players time to enter.
Set the closing date far enough in advance to allow you time to do results.
To be fair, either do show results using a randomizer (like randomizer.org or by drawing them out of a hat. You may enter your own shows, but please uphold our honor system and do not give your horses and unfair advantage.
Try to do interesting write-ups. What was the day like? Were there any outstanding performances?
For boarders or mini-barn owners, ask your counselor (main barn owner) for permission to host a show at her barn beforehand.
If you cancel your show, be sure to let players know via the message board or e-mails to entrants. They can refund their entry fees and you will not be allowed to keep the money obtained from a cancelled show.
Shows must have a certified veterinarian on the grounds. The vet may enter the show, but they must be present all day.
Check out some examples of classlists when preparing your own.
No horse abuse! Place limits on the number of classes a horse can enter each day.
Make up entry rules to prevent horses from showing in advanced levels of all disciplines.
Stipulate the minimum number of horses that have to be entered in a class for it to be judged.
Schedule enough time for your shows; A show with 300 classes cannot be finished in a day.
Fees should be reasonable. A low-level show should not demand $100/horse per class.
Prizes awarded should be enticing, but be sure that you have the finances to afford them.
If you are hosting a top show, try to find sponsors to offset the costs.
When a class is cancelled, be sure to send refunds to the affected players.