Tips to getting started in horse and pony stuff!

• We recommend starting by attending to a few events to spectate first. Go to a professional rodeo or well-produced amateur rodeo in your area. This will give you an idea of what you’re striving for.

• Then go to something at the level of which you’ll be competing. Look for high school rodeos, youth rodeos, local fun shows, horse shows etc. You can search Facebook or Google. Call a local riding barn or someone you know who has horses. County fairs, 4H and FFA will have insight into horse related activities in the area. Your local extension office is a great resource as well.

• Become an investigator! Check out what means to be a competitor, parent, coach, supporter, etc.

• Show up early. During a production, many times the “behind the scenes” are pretty well locked down for competitors and personnel only, but if you get there early enough, you can find someone who looks like they know what they’re doing, tell them you’re new and want to get involved. They’ll be happy to show you around!

  • If you can’t get behind the chutes, do your best to get somewhere that you can watch what the competitors are doing.

    • Where are they going – paying their fees with the rodeo secretary, checking the draw, ground conditions, etc.

    • What are they doing to prepare – saddling their horses, watering, feeding, getting dressed, tacking up, talking, etc.

    • Check out the equipment they use, if you aren’t sure ask.

    • Use your camera to take pictures of things you don’t know about so you can ask someone later.

    • How are they talking to each other and the personnel?

    • If it’s a youth event, what are the parents doing?

• Talk to competitors and spectators and ask anyone who looks like they might know something the questions you have. The more questions you ask, the more you’ll learn, the better you’ll be prepared.