If you’re any kind of horse show enthusiast, it’s likely that your next big show has already been given top priority, circled on your calendar in neon highlighter. Consider giving these dates a chance, too: February 10-16, 2014 is Random Acts of Kindness Week.
Although seasoned competitors might sometimes forget, the intimidation factor can still reign strong for anyone at a horse show. Whether it’s your first show, biggest show, or 1,000th show, it can be an overwhelming experience—even more so when you’re nervous, frustrated, or new to the scene. As the economy—and horse show industry—both work to recover, there’s no spreadsheet to calculate what extra kindness could generate at your next horse show, but it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Try one (or all!) of these 14 random acts of kindness tailored specifically for horse shows. Make it a personal goal, or coordinate with your show team and spread the right message.
1. Offer to band or braid a mane. If you’re a master of the spray bottle, yarn and gel, offer to band or braid someone’s horse. You’ll save them time and it costs nothing but some extra effort.
2. Wake up early to clean stalls. Whether it’s one stall or 10, it’s a pleasant surprise. Leave a “stall fairy” note so that owners know someone’s been in the stall, and be sure to only enter stalls with permission. The added perk? Although you’ll need to wake up early to pull off the surprise, you’ll get the prime longeing spot in the arena and the first cup of coffee.
3. Leave an anonymous note. Write a short note of encouragement, and leave it somewhere sure to surprise: on a stall front, in their groom bag or taped to their garment bag. Consider leaving other confidence-boosting sticky notes on the mirrors in the restroom, truck doors, muck buckets, arena signs, hat cans, posted patterns…the places are endless, and the cost is zero.
4. Bring a goody bag to share. Pack extra snacks, candies, horse or dog treats into plastic baggies, then randomly distribute them across the show grounds. Your simple gesture will brighten someone’s stressed day.
5. Give event tickets. From the elusive Congress Freestyle Reining tickets to raffle tickets supporting a local association, purchase an extra ticket or two and randomly give it to another spectator. Bonus challenge: give it anonymously, through the mail or taped to a stall front.
6. Relieve the gate person. Offer to give the gateman a couple hours off his feet. If you’re finished showing for the day, or have a couple hours to spare, talk to show management to see if there’s a selfless volunteer who could use a break to regroup. You’ll get a chance to chat with new exhibitors you might not know, and share a smile before a nervous youth tackles their pattern.
7. Donate old tack and equipment. Comb through your trailer for a spare bridle, brush, bucket or shirt that you no longer use, and set it out at the next show with a sign: Free to Good Home. You’ll make someone’s day and have more space in the tack room. Back at home, consider donating unwanted horse magazines, clothing, or tack to the local 4-H group. Call your county extension agent to locate a needy group.
8. Bring breakfast to the show staff. A quick Google search can scout out the nearest donut shop, and for less than $10, you can leave a tasty treat for show management or fellow exhibitors. In the summer, pick up an extra flat of bottled waters at the grocery store to pass out a cold drink to strangers in the make-up pen.
9. Write your support group a thank-you note. Whether you choose to sign it or stay anonymous, a simple handwritten thank-you note goes a long way toward brightening a show day. Your trainer longed your horse, rolled down your chaps and walked you through a pattern today, then helped four other clients. A quick letter of gratitude is reinvigorating. Bonus challenge: Write a thank-you note to one of the show’s sponsors. They’ll be impressed an exhibitor took the time to say thanks, and more likely to donate again.
10. Leave change at the vending machine or concession stand. Tape a quick note to the window of the concession stand: “Here’s $3, enjoy free coffee from a stranger. Pay it forward and have a great day!”
11. Smile at 10 strangers. Sure, you love your horse, trainer and show friends. But in the heat of the moment, and the bustle of preparation, are you smiling? This is a quick challenge to check-off in the warm-up pen or show office. It costs nothing and takes no time, but has an instant impact.
12. “Adopt” a youth or amateur. With some quick detective work, identify a beginning youth or amateur who’s attending the show solo, or without a trainer or coach. Ask them to join your group’s pattern practice, or just give them a quick tip about the show grounds or schedule. You might meet a new friend or client, but more importantly, a new showman is more likely to return to the show pen if they felt welcomed. Can’t find an “adoptable” exhibitor? Consider asking the show manager for suggestions. Based on the stalling charts, they could help you find a Do-It-Yourselfer who might appreciate a kind welcome.
13. Load or unload someone’s trailer. Spend a couple minutes toting tack from the trailer to the stall—you’ll make the work quicker and easier.
14. Pay someone’s show tab. If you’re financially able, consider stopping by the show office to anonymously pay an exhibitor’s bill. Be sure to ask the show secretary to keep your secret. When the exhibitor stops in the office to close out their tab, they’ll be thrilled by the gesture. One day, they’ll pay it forward.
Why not spark a new trend at your next horse show? Take the GoHorseShow Random Acts of Kindness Challenge, and be sure to let us know how it goes!
Laura Stevens is an amateur AQHA competitor from Texas. An avid writer and rider, she blogs about life with her gelding, All The Above, at www.theroanypony.com.
