Arrive at the Show Arena on Time
If you do not arrive at the show arena on time, you may be eliminated from the show. You should be near the show arena before the ride ahead of you has completed.
There may be a warm-up ring steward (required for USEF/USDF shows; optional for schooling shows). Check-in with the steward when you arrive at the arena and listen for his/her guidance for getting you to the competition arena on-time. Although the warm-up ring steward is there to assist you, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to arrive at the competition arena on time.
Show rings sometimes run ahead of schedule and sometimes run behind schedule. The warm-up ring steward can advise you of the status. If the ring is running ahead of schedule, you may choose to ride a bit early; however, you may not be required to ride early. If the ring is running behind schedule (is running late), the warm-up ring steward will tell you when you are “on deck” (the next ride), after which you should immediately go to the competition arena.
Depending on the show’s layout and procedures, you may be allowed to enter the arena (inside the arena or on the perimeter of the arena) after the rider before you has made the final salute. If there is a competition ring steward (required for USEF/USDF shows, optional for schooling shows), he/she will let you know when you may enter the arena to start a circuit around it. This gives you the opportunity to familiarize your horse with the arena and ensures you are ready to start your test when indicated by the judge.
After the judge sounds a whistle/bell/horn, you have 45 seconds to enter the competition arena and start your test.
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