Open to any child or adult interested in showing.
Ashley Fant of Ashley Fant Show Stables in Collierville, Tenn. is teaming up with West Tennessee Hunter Jumper Association to bring a new educational series to the 2023 rated show season. These educational series will take place on Saturday and Sundays, starting at 6:30 am, before the show begins for the day. The goal for this new series is to help educate riders about horsemanship, horse shows, and horse industry careers.
Fant is planning speakers for the series which will include equine professionals from a variety of backgrounds including: Veterinary Medicine, Equine Insurance, and Licensed Show Officials such as Course Designers, Show Stewards, Judges, and even ways to get intercollegiate scholarships and riding on college equestrian teams.
“This is open to anyone wanting to learn about all opportunities available in the horse show industry. This can help riders learn about ways to pay for their show entries, and even a path to a future career. I think it is important to help educate riders on what it takes to put on a top rated show and how even braiding can help pay for someone’s show entry,” Fant said.
Fant is passionate about horse shows and wants to highlight ways anyone can participate and show at rated shows. “This series can open up opportunities for riders looking for ways to show. Many people work extremely hard and make sacrifices to get to the level of showing they want to be at. This is open to everyone willing to do the hard work and learn,” Fant said.
Rated shows have high standards and infrastructure. The judges alone are trained to select the top horses and riders. Having properly trained judges levels the playing field. The footing and course designs are prepared by trained professionals, which helps keep horses and riders safe and sound throughout competition.
Fant is hoping individuals and young riders who are either outside of the horse world or are currently in lesson programs will benefit from this new educational series. “We want to attract kids and adults who aren’t currently showing, or who are just getting started; really anyone who is interested in showing,” Fant explained.
By teaming up with WTHJA if a rider attends eight morning educational courses then he or she will earn a free entry into an Opportunity Class. “We want to introduce new people to the horse show industry and help connect them with potential careers,” Fant said.
Fant will be finalizing the courses and speakers for the 2023 show calendar soon. Updates will be shared through MSHR’s website and social media platforms.
