I have noticed more and more that there is a severe lack of show etiquette happening in todays shows (especially at indoor shows). I just got back from an indoor show that was more zoo than show. Kids were running around in the barn and arenas causing one bad fall and several serious "spooks". Now, I understand that "kids will be kids" and maybe some of these kids aren't used to being around horses (I seriously doubt this) but it killed me that I saw trainers who literally did nothing to stop their own students from disrupting the show. I have had a kid literally run into the back of my horse while on a bike (luckily my 4 yr old greeny was feeling generous that day and did not knock the lights out of the kid- he just froze with a terrified look in his face). I have also had to stop several games of tag and what seemed to be "swordplay" with whips (onetime there was even an adult participating).

Then there is just plain rude, inconsiderate and self cetered behaviour like after they finish using a warmup fence they stand in front of it so no one else can use it or they stop for coaching comments while in the chute/ingate, or park a pony on the track of the warmup ring where their critter can kick a horse trying to get warmed up.

So what has happened to horse show etiquette? I am not saying there shouldn't be fun at horse shows but have some of the basic rules gone down the drain such as "don't run around horses"? I am very disappointed in the trainers/adults that have enabled this behavior- anyone else seeing this happen more and more at horse shows?

I agree that most of the "younger" generation that is riding and "most" (not all) of their parents are not versed in the horse do's and don'ts. What I have seen is a lot of the parents of the younger generation that is riding now doesn't have any horse experience, or its very limited. (There are exceptions to this where the parents are very knowledgeable and do set good examples.) Should shows be fun for the kids, yes. Should they be playing tag, sword fighting with wips, and being inconsiderate to others - no. I was fortunate enough where my dad has quite a bit of common "horse sense" and he taught me what he knew. (Having a couple cousins and a neighbor that had horses also helped a lot.) Now I have two horses of my own and I don't tollerate that type of behavior around them. I have been stepped on, kicked, bitten, thrown, almost mowed down, by horses where there were kids around that didn't understand the meaning of "walk". My daughter has learned these basic but necessary rules to be around, and handle, my two horses. (she has also been told to go outside the barn when she didn't wish to listen.)

The sad part about all of this happening at the shows is most people, not all, would consider it the horse's fault if a kid got kicked (due to them running) This is not right, but the way many people see it. I would love to see the simple, basic, rules of safety and "how to act at a show" put in to play. But if no one says any thing to nip the unsafe behavior in the bud it will continue. Usually, not always, some one gets hurt before any attention is given to these actions, where a few ground rules could have prevented any injuries.

Quote: "I am very disappointed in the trainers/adults that have enabled this behavior- anyone else seeing this happen more and more at horse shows?"

Well ladies, been to a store lately? Kids running down the aisles, pulling stuff of the shelves, while mom - sometimes obviously grandma - (usually on a cell phone) does not care.

Or, wating in line at the cash register while the woman in front of me empties her full cart with one hand - cell in the other?

Yes, self-centered and inconsidered.

As far as shows go - state / post rules AND enforce them. I had the pleasure of being barn manager for a CDE for several years. Everybody pulling in got a copy of the barn rules. And every now and then I had to give people the choice to comply or leave. No discussion about it, just a simple choice.

For years I had a guest ranch. The rules were posted in every cabin and the cook shed. Never had a problem - and never had a complaint about it.

And there is one more thing: If you see something unruly and potentially dangerous - step in and stop it. But that is just my way.

GC

Well, I am really only beginning my showing "career" but I do agree with you. I was SHOCKED when I got to my first big show and there were kids and dogs running loose everywhere, screaming, throwing things. The last show I was at, (won't mention names,lol) the son of one of the women I was there with got yelled at over the loud speaker DURING a class because he was jumping up and down on the stands and spooking the horses. My boy is relatively unflappable(unless you have a measuring stick,lol) but this just adds to show nerves for the horses, especially the greenies, and its danged annoying for the people,lol.

I am agreed with your concerns....I have noticed too more and more that there is a severe lack of show etiquette happening in todays shows! So i just prefer to visit the horse classified website to trade my horse!

Sierously?? That was like the lamest shamless plug ever...