How to Run a Hobby Horse Event

Most hobby-horse events are run by a handful of volunteers. A clear plan matters more than a big budget.

Twelve weeks out

• Pick a date that avoids school holidays clashes and other local shows.
• Book a venue with a safe floor, toilets, parking and somewhere for parents to sit.
• Decide your format: dressage only, jumping only, or a combined day. If you plan a formal competition with results, see organising a hobby horse competition.
• Confirm insurance and any venue conditions in writing.

Eight weeks out

• Publish the schedule: classes, age groups, entry fees, timings and closing date.
• Open entries. Collect rider name, age group, class, and a contact for a parent or guardian where the rider is a child.
• List the event publicly so families outside your own club can find it.

Four weeks out

• Recruit volunteers: judge, scorer, collecting steward, arena party, entries desk, first aid.
• Order rosettes and any number bibs.
• Write the running order and share provisional times.

Week of the event

• Print score sheets, running orders and signage.
• Confirm every volunteer by message, with arrival times.
• Prepare a simple incident and first-aid procedure and make sure every volunteer knows who is in charge.

Safeguarding basics

Have a named person responsible for welfare. Ask permission before photographing children, and keep a clear policy on who may photograph and share images. Never publish a child's full details.

On the day

Set up an hour early. Brief volunteers together, once. Run classes in order, announce clearly, and keep a visible scoreboard. Build in a short break — everyone rides better after ten minutes and a drink.

Afterwards

Publish results promptly, thank volunteers publicly, and write down what you would change. Your second event will take half the effort of your first.