A Spectator's Guide to Preparing for an Equestrian Competition: 7 Tips

There's nothing quite as exciting and entertaining as spending a warm, breezy, spring afternoon at an equestrian competition. The sounds, sights, and yes, smells of your first horse show are memories you won't soon forget. But if you've never been you might be nervous that you'll park in the wrong spot, get stuck on the wrong side of the barn, or generally not have a fun time.

If that sounds like you, then you're in the right spot. We've got the top tips you'll need to ensure a successful spectating experience at your first equestrian event.

It doesn't matter if you have dreams of competing in an equestrian event yourself or simply love the thrill of watching, attending an equestrian competition is a a show to behold. Follow the tips below so you can have fun while also learning and get the most out of your experience.

A large crowd of people are sitting in a stadium

1. Ensure the Correct Time to Arrive and Where to Go

The horse show grounds can be a large and intimidating area if you've never been before. Be sure to take the time to visit the website of the event before you go so you know the best places to park, and check out the map of the event so you know where to enter, and where you're going to be watching from.

If you're attending a multi-day event this research will become more beneficial as the days progress. Pay attention to where others park or even upgrade your experience with preferred parking passes.

2. Understand the Attire

Attending a horse show can turn into a fashion show as much as it is a sports competition. Before you attend your first, or next, horse show be sure to look into the predicted weather, the protection from the elements as well as what others wore to last year's event.

Take the time to check out the website for the event you're attending to peruse the pictures from previous events. This will give you the insight you need to ensure you're properly dressed and won't get too cold or too hot.

April in Kentucky brings about an unpredictability in weather so come prepared for anything! Consider dressing in layers which will allow you to adjust accordingly to any weather changes. With the right attire, you'll fit right in and feel your best.

3. Hydrate and Eat Well

Another tip to ensure you have the best experience is to stay hydrated and fed. At the Kentucky Three-Day Event, fill up on delicious snacks and meals from our many food and dining options.

Some of the grounds around a horse event can be quite sprawling. You'll find yourself walking more than your normal routine which can become dehydrating and fatiguing.

Additionally, even on a gray overcast day, you can become dehydrated after a long day of walking, standing, and watching the horses. So, be sure to bring your favorite water bottle along with some small snacks.

4. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

This is especially true if you get the chance to check out the competition arena or Cross-Country Course up close and personal. Horses are spirited and easily startled. As you explore, you must remember the horses have the right of way. Their riders are working with them, but they're also focused on the competition.

Keep your head on a swivel and stay aware of your surroundings so you don’t end up missing any of the happenings around you. And if you're bringing your dog with you, remember that dogs must remain on their leash at all times, without exception.

5. Check Out all the Event Has to Offer

As you're wandering the grounds of the equestrian competition, take some time to check out the warm-up arenas. You can watch the horses and riders get ready to compete.

Observe how riders and horses prepare for the event and pay close attention to their tight level of communication. You can find out much about the rider and horse duo by observing them in the quieter moments before the competition accompanied by how they work together in the thrill of the moment.

6. Listen While You Spectate

People watching is fun at horse shows, but so is listening to various conversations surrounding you. Listen to the owners, trainers, and even riders themselves. You're bound to leave with a wealth of knowledge from listening as much as you watch.

This tip is especially important for any spectators who dream of competing in an equestrian competition someday. You might not be able to afford to hire a top coach for an afternoon riding session. But you can stand close to the rails of the practice arena near the coaches as they encourage and instruct their riders before the big event.

From spectator dressage to show jumping and cross-country, if you listen as much as you watch then you're sure to enjoy your next equestrian event.

7. Don't Forget Your Camera

If you don't want to lug around an entire camera throughout the day, you can use your phone camera as well. But taking pictures will ensure that you can remember even the smallest of details for months to come.

Take pictures of your favorite jumps so you can remember them when you get home or set them as a goal if you’re a rider yourself. Capture the strides and postures of the horses and riders throughout the day and in each event respectively.

If you're considering upgrading your gear, you might also consider snapping a few photos of various saddles, boots, or other assorted tack gear that attract your attention. You'll be glad to look back and remember what you liked once you get home and start dreaming about investing in new tack gear.

Successfully Spectate an Equestrian Competition With These Top Tips

With the right preparation, spectating an equestrian competition can be both successful and fun. Be sure to bookmark this article so you can return before your next horse show.

If you're interested in attending a dynamic and engaging, multi-day equestrian event then there's still time to get Early Bird pricing to the 2026 Kentucky Three-Day Event!

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Athlete Spotlight: Elisa Wallace

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There are riders whose stories unfold quietly over time, and then there are riders whose journeys feel woven into the rhythm of the sport itself. Elisa Wallace falls into the latter category. A 5* event rider, trainer, and educator, Wallace has built a career defined by curiosity, commitment, and a deep belief in the horses she brings along. Long before she ever cantered out of the start box herself, Wallace experienced the Kentucky Three-Day Event as a spectator. Like many young riders, she watched from the sidelines, taking in the scale of the competition and the electricity that comes with a week where the entire eventing world seems to gather in one place. After spending time in several disciplines as a junior rider, she found her way back to eventing with a focus on understanding the process as much as the outcome. Over time, that approach became central to her program, with an emphasis on developing horses thoughtfully and building confidence step by step. In 2015, Wallace and Simply Priceless, affectionately known as Johnny around the barn, stepped up to the 4* level, now known as the 5* level, for the first time at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. It was a milestone moment, not because it marked an arrival, but because it marked a beginning. The pair returned to Kentucky two additional times between 2016 and 2018, gaining experience with each start and earning a loyal following of fans drawn to their bold cross country style and clear partnership. Propelling themselves onto the international stage, the pair were named alternates for the United States Olympic Three-Day Eventing Team for the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. That same year, Wallace and Johnny went on to compete at the Burghley Horse Trials, followed by the Badminton Horse Trials in 2017, with both events contested as 4* competitions at the time. From Kentucky to Burghley to Badminton, the partnership proved it belonged among the sport’s elite, showing grit, durability, and the ability to meet the demands of championship level eventing. As the years have passed, the Kentucky Three-Day has remained one of many familiar checkpoints along Wallace’s path. Returning with Renkum Corsair, Lissavorra Quality, Let It Be Lee, and Riot Gear, she has taken on the CCI4* and CCI5* levels, using the event as an opportunity to test progress and celebrate growth. Away from the competition arena, Wallace has become widely known for her work with American Mustangs and Off the Track Thoroughbreds; from championship wins to high profile retraining projects, she has helped shift perceptions around what these horses can achieve. In 2012, she earned her first Extreme Mustang Makeover win with Fledge, launching a chapter that would include multiple Mustang projects and titles. In 2018, Wallace claimed the America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred title with Reloaded at the Retired Racehorse Project, held at the Kentucky Horse Park. She has even brought fan favorite Mustangs Fledge and Rune to the Chewy Demonstration Arena at the Kentucky Three-Day, showcasing their freestyle and liberty training while offering a glimpse into the depth of partnership beyond competition. Education and storytelling remain central to her work. Through clinics, digital content, and an open look into her training program, Wallace shares the reality of producing horses over time, celebrating small wins alongside major milestones and reminding audiences that progress is rarely linear. Whether galloping across the Kentucky Horse Park or cheering on fellow competitors, Elisa Wallace embodies what makes the sport so compelling: dedication, partnership, and the understanding that the journey matters just as much as the destination.

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