The show ring is often the next goal for riders after they master basic skills.  Our Academy Show Program helps riders get competition experience without the commitment of purchasing a horse.

 

Show season runs March through November.  No minimum number of shows required.   Most are in Indiana, and a few in surrounding states.  Riders compete in 2 or 3 classes per show.  Classes and horses are determined by the instructor.  Less experienced riders and those 10 and under typically compete in Walk-Trot.  More experienced riders show Walk-Trot-Canter. 

 

Costs range from $200 to $500, depending on distance and number of classes exhibited, plus entry fees.  (Entry fees are usually $5-$25 per class)   An SSH instructor coaches riders from the rail. 

 

Many of our Academy Show riders take lessons twice a week.  We find they progress about 3 times faster than the students who ride just once a week.  To the greatest extent possible, we group Academy Show riders together for lessons.  This lets us push them a little harder, and also allows them to form friendships with other show riders that just grow over time. 

 

The Academy Show program can also be the stepping stone to Class A, Regional and National level competition.  Kellie and Dalton operate this aspect of Select Show Horses, and 60-70 horses compete at this level each show season.  This next step usually follows a year or two of Academy competition.  But, we also have many riders whose goal is to continue competing at the Academy level, and improving their skills each year.  An Elite Academy program helps these riders meet their goals, and tryouts determine participation. 

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