National Western Stock Show?

[Vandy]

Wondering if anyone here has been, and what it was like...My SO did Western stuff there years ago and is trying to get me to put it on our farm's show schedule - but I don't know anyone who's been there for the hunter/jumper show. IME h/j week at western oriented events can either be really great or really disastrous.

So, any reviews - good, bad, ugly? We'd be taking an eq rider and a few adult jumpers.

[Parker_Rider]

It's a good time- we've always gone and enjoyed the atmosphere. There are a TON of spectators and people walking through the barns.. great for a horse to see, but not so much if it's not what your horses are into. Last year we were showing when a bunch of elementary classes were coming through for a field trip and it was insane - especially the running up and down the bleachers.
They nickel and dime you to death (without the classes, I think I added it up to be about $200 in fees from this year's prize list, maybe? so with classes, you're looking at a $500 show minimum), but it's fun and reasonably well run. The people coming through from the Western exhibits are genuinely interested in learning and talking to you about what you're doing.
I enjoy it, I'll be taking my jumper this year and leaving my eq horse at home. The minimum height for jumpers is 3'6", and I think maybe 3' or 3'3" for hunters/eq.
Basically.... Do it! It's a lot of fun, and not at all just an "english horse show tacked on to the western show." :)

[Vandy]

Thanks for the description - I think the atmosphere you are describing might just entirely blow the mind of one of the horses we were thinking about bringing :lol: There is mention of night schooling schedules in the program - can you school over jumps in the show arena at night, or is schooling restricted to the Thursday warmup?

[FAW]

Its kinda a spooky place if your horse isn't grounded. As mentioned, lots of people and little kids running up and down the stands that will distract your horse. Pennents hanging from the lights that glitter, will get your horse's attention. The tunnel will upset some. Most H/j horses should be fine once they settle in after a day or two. Gaited horses will feed off of all I mention and really preform or be a basket case.