We have something for everyone! While we do not require our students to compete, we do encourage it because it helps riders to progress, set goals, and build confidence.
Our attitude about showing: Horse showing should be fun! We create a low pressure, fun environment for our riders to compete. Horse showing should never be looked at as the “end all, be all” of riding horses, but should be looked at as one rung on a long ladder of education. It is a chance to get someone else’s (the judges’s) opinion on your riding at that point in your riding career. Horse showing is a chance to show off your hard work with your horse. It is not just about progressing. It is a chance to build a relationship with your horse and build on your education.
How to get involved: Duzan Riding Academy hosts an annual horse show meeting in March of each year where we hand out informational packets on showing. You do not need to attend if you are only interested in our Schooling Shows offered at our facility. We also offer a Horse Show Clinic every spring to give riders new to showing the opportunity to learn more and get comfortable.
We offer four different types of competition.
Schooling Shows
Duzan Riding Academy hosts 4-5 “barn” shows per year. These are shows hosted at Duzan Riding Academy, only for riders who are in lessons and/or board their horse at Duzan Riding Academy. They are lightly competitive, have a real judge, and are run very similarly to “real” shows. These shows are comparatively inexpensive, and even include some fun game type classes.
Equestrian Team
Riders in grades 6-12 are invited to be members of the team. Our team typically has 15-25 riders that compete during the school year on the team. Showing with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is a great way to add that “team” aspect to horseback riding. The girls become very close and are super supportive of each other. You don’t even have to own a horse! Show up in just your showing attire. We visit various barns that host shows, and you ride the horses that they provide. What a great way to advance your horsemanship and riding skills. Riders who wish to be a member of the team must have a minimum of one year of riding experience. This is the most inexpensive way to get to compete on a national level. Visit Interscholastic Equestrian Association for more information.
Horse Showing Off the Farm
Various barns and facilities host Ohio Hunter Jumper Association (OHJA) horse shows. These shows require you to bring a horse (you can rent one of ours if you do not have your own). Riders compete in a “division”, or a collection of five classes that are separated from others based on the rider’s or horse’s level of experience. These shows are typically located in the state of Ohio, and can be as close as 10-20 minutes from our facility. Riders are expected to help care for their horse for the weekend, which makes it a lot of fun! Visit Ohio Hunter Jumper Association for more information.
United States Equestrian Federation Rated Shows
We participate AA, A, and B shows rated by the United States Equestrian Federation and the United States Hunter Jumper Association. We typically participate in A or B shows, but occasionally will attend a AA shows if we have students trying to qualify for something. These shows will be more expensive to attend, and are for the serious competitor. They may require additional services, more advanced grooming, or braiding of the horse’s mane and tail. Visit United States Equestrian Federation and United States Hunter Jumper Association for more information.