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Our show team is growing, and we couldn't be more excited! Whether your goal is to earn year-end awards, gain confidence in the show ring, or simply enjoy the experience with your horse and teammates, Meadowdale Farms is committed to helping you succeed.

 

Being a member of our show team is both an honor and a commitment. While riding ability is certainly important, we value something even more—positive attitudes, strong work ethic, sportsmanship, kindness, and a willingness to support your teammates. We believe championships are earned through hard work, respect, and teamwork.

One thing is non-negotiable: Meadowdale Farms is a drama-free barn. We expect every rider and family to contribute to a positive, encouraging environment where everyone can learn, grow, and enjoy the experience.

 

Show Team Requirements

To participate on the Meadowdale Farms Show Team, riders must:

• Take a minimum of two lessons per week, or have their horse enrolled in full-time show training.

• Attend all scheduled barn lessons, including weather makeup lessons. If you choose not to attend a scheduled barn lesson, the lesson will be forfeited and is not eligible for a makeup.

• Sign the Meadowdale Farms Show Team Agreement and Code of Conduct (all riders and parents).

• Pay all show invoices by the Wednesday prior to each show. Invoices are sent one week before the event.

• Understand that once invoices have been issued, fees remain due even if a rider withdraws, unless an emergency occurs.

 

Every rider is expected to help before, during, and after each show. This includes loading the trailer, helping load horses, setting up stalls, unloading equipment, and assisting with cleanup when returning home.

If a rider is unable to participate in these responsibilities without prior approval, a $50 service fee will be assessed each occurrence.

 

Understanding Show Expenses

Showing horses is an investment, and we believe in being transparent about expected costs.

Local Shows

Typical expenses include:

• Class fees (approximately $10 per class)

• Office fees (around $15)

• Optional membership fees for year-end awards ($15–$45 annually)

• Some local shows offer flat-rate entries (often around $50)

For overnight local shows:

• Stall fees average $100 per weekend

• Tack stall costs are divided among participating riders.

• RV hookup fees for the trainer are also shared among riders.

APHA & AQHA Shows

Depending on the number of judges and classes entered, weekend show bills generally range from $400–$1,000 before coaching and transportation expenses.

Coaching Fees

(Coaching fees may vary depending on travel distance and event location.)

• 1 Rider: $200+ per day

• 2 Riders: $100 per rider, per day

• 3 or More Riders: $75 per rider, per day

Trailering Fees

(Round trip)

If riders are sharing a horse, transportation costs may be divided between them.

• 1–2 Riders: $2.00 per mile

• 3+ Riders: $1.50 per mile

While transportation is a significant expense, these rates remain below the average commercial hauling cost of $2.50–$4.00 per mile.

Additional Show Services

• Horse Use Fee (for riders who do not own or lease their show horse)- $60/per day

• Banding: $45

• Braiding- $80

• Hanging fake tail- $10

• Clipping- $40 per horse

(Required for overnight shows and includes face, ears, and legs.)

Parent Information

Parents are always encouraged to attend horse shows! Your support makes the experience more enjoyable and helps everything run smoothly.

If a parent cannot attend, an additional $100 supervision fee will apply, as managing multiple riders throughout the day requires additional assistance.

For overnight shows, parents are responsible for bringing their child's personal belongings and horse equipment to the farm during loading. Trailer space is limited, and this helps us maximize room for horses and essential barn equipment.

If you cannot attend, please coordinate with another show family regarding supervision.

Instructor Lodging

Whenever possible, Savannah will stay in the living quarters of the horse trailer.

RV hookup fees (typically around $40 per night) are divided equally among all riders attending that show.

Required Equipment

Each rider is responsible for bringing:

• White show saddle pad

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Saddle rack (overnight shows)

• Hay net

• Three 5-gallon stall buckets

• Bucket straps

• Official Meadowdale Farms stall bag

• Meadowdale Schooling pads

 

Need help with proper show attire or equipment? Just ask Savannah—we're always happy to help!

Rider Responsibilities

Before the Show

Every rider is expected to:

• Bathe and groom their horse

• Pack tack, equipment, feed, and hay

• Thoroughly clean and condition all tack

• Fill trailer hay nets

• Plan to remain at the farm or showgrounds until approximately 10:00 PM during show preparation

• Clean up their workspace before leaving

Failure to clean up during show preparation may result in the rider being unable to compete the following day.

At the Show

Riders are responsible for:

• Arriving early

• Feeding, watering, and caring for their horse

• Grooming and tacking up

• Arriving at the warm-up arena with plenty of time

• Cooling out and caring for their horse after each class

• Cleaning tack and equipment throughout the weekend

• Keeping stalls and barn areas neat and organized

After the Show

Every team member helps finish the weekend strong by:

• Unloading horses

• Unpacking the trailer

• Cleaning the trailer (picking, sweeping, and washing as needed)

• Returning equipment to its proper place

 

More Than a Team—A Barn Family

At Meadowdale Farms, showing is about much more than ribbons. It's about learning responsibility, developing confidence, building lifelong friendships, and becoming the best horseman or horsewoman you can be.

We work hard, cheer each other on, celebrate every accomplishment, and most importantly—we have fun doing it. We can't wait to see what our team accomplishes together this season!