Dressage for Dads is my way to help myself and other dads learn about dressage, learn about horses, and learn about daughters (or sons). My pseudonym, DDD, stands for Dumb Dressage Dad, because that is exactly how I feel most of the time. And while I'm learning, I'm continually reminded how little I know and how much more there is to learn. So if you are also a DDD and care to take this journey with me, welcome aboard.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

The Dressage Show - Two for the Show

Part 2 - Two for the Show

Wow, who would have believed that signing up for a show would be such a headache...for so many reasons. The paperwork involved is insane and requires a full time secretary.

Every show releases their "prize list" which is the rules, regulations, and applications for their specific show. Some applications forms are 6 to 8 pages long to complete when you include the stabling forms. Multiple signatures and multiple association membership numbers are required from the rider, the coach, and the owner of the horse.

And don't forget to include copies of the Coggins test (for Equine Infectious Anemia), copies of the horse FEI passport (yes, an actual passport for the horse issued by the International Equestrian Federation! - or a Equine Canada or USEF passport - see helpful links) and copies of all association memberships for the rider, owner, and coach.

To make it even more interesting, we did one show in another country. This required a vet check within 10 days of import to ensure the horse appears healthy as well as dealing with various federal departments of agriculture and customs/immigration inspections.

Finally, when you're filling out the forms, don't forget to make hotel reservations. You need to do this early to ensure you get into a half-decent hotel. And trust me, this is important! We stayed in a real dump once and it made the show much less enjoyable.


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