June 11, 2025 
Listen up: I think it’s time we rethink how and where we horse show.
Recently, I took my daughter and her pony to compete in a local derby at a vineyard, and it was—no exaggeration—a revelation.
Let’s be honest, a glass of wine (or a few mimosas, no judgment) elevates horse showing on every level. Good vibes. Big laughs. Constant reminders not to take yourself too seriously. It wasn’t just a horse show: it was a social event, and I am here for it.
This kind of setting attracted people who normally wouldn’t opt to hang out at a horse show just for kicks. And instead of the tightly wound energy of a typical show, this one felt more like a gathering. Strangers chatted ringside. Trainers cheered—even when their riders totally forgot to trot the trot jump.
One trainer next to me smiled and shrugged: “We’re just here to have fun. We haven’t gotten off the property in weeks. This is our outing.” I fell in love with her immediately.
I also fell in love with the mimosas. As a horse show mom, I can confirm: OJ and champagne is a great way to kick off a long day waiting around in the sun. And a second mimosa? That’s for the nerves while your kid navigates a complicated derby course.
Instead of pacing and sweating and muttering to myself, I was relaxed. Vibing beside grapevines and making strategic runs to the wine tent.
And even though I wasn’t showing (haven’t attempted to zip my tall boots up in years) I caught myself thinking, I could really do this too.
Even just the cross-rail derby, nothing major. I could sip a drink, pop over a few tiny jumps, and have the time of my life while a lowkey crowd politely applauds in between sips. No one would care if I added or left out. They would be more interested in the floral versus citrus notes in their beverages.
But it wasn’t just the buzz at this show or the reasonable entry fees that hooked me. It was the ambiance. Wine-sipping competitors. Wine-sipping spectators. The prettiest venue. It felt welcoming, like a judgment-free zone. Few people cared about who took the high option. People were more interested in their rosé than ribbons.
Also, people were all so… nice.
And here’s the kicker: the non-horsey people actually showed up voluntarily. Not because they were guilted into watching a cousin ride a beloved pony, but because they wanted to be there.
Families with young kids, groups of friends in festive dresses and large hats, couples out for a Saturday with music and wine and something cool to post on Instagram. People were snapping photos of the horses and of themselves.
Competitors and spectators were engaging with one another. I overheard a lady gushing to her gaggle of friends: “I touched an actual horse. The rider let me take a picture with it.” How cool, right?
And get this! They sold tickets to the event. That’s right, tickets. And attendees got way more than uncomfortable bleachers and greasy food truck fries for their money.
There was live music, gourmet food trucks, and of course, alcohol. Face painting for the kids. Local vendors that weren’t just hawking overpriced saddle pads.
My point is, even if we can’t replicate the vineyard, we can replicate this vibe. We can attempt to make this sport less stuffy and more inviting. So why shouldn’t we be more strategic about drawing people to the sport we love so much?
Horse shows can be more family friendly. More spectator friendly.
Let’s offer bounce houses, lawn games, and crafts. Let’s sell gourmet tater tot poutine and craft beer. Let’s bring in people who don’t know a diagonal from a lead change, and let them enjoy the atmosphere and the horses anyway. And the bonus: With additional income streams, shows could be more affordable for competitors.
Yep, cheaper entry fees. If I didn’t have you at the unlimited wine, have I convinced you now?
Because here’s the hard truth: most horse shows are not drawing crowds. Even the big-name venues are mostly filled with horse people watching other horse people. Shows like Devon, mobbed with spectators, are an anomaly.
Mostly, horse shows are insular. Intimidating. Expensive. Elitist. Dare I say, boring?
But this? A derby at a vineyard? It was a step towards accessibility. It gave non-horse people a reason to show up and a way to enjoy it without having to know what an oxer is. It attracted riders with a desire to do a derby, but perhaps lacking the budget to jump one at a rated venue.
As an industry, I think we can think creatively and do better. We can think beyond holding horse shows at state fairs to draw crowds (though I’m all about the funnel cake). We can reimagine how we show and make space for more people to fall in love with horses. And space for people who want to horse show without declaring bankruptcy.
Because maybe the key to growing the sport isn’t just more ribbons… it’s a little more rosé and open-mindedness.
