13 Tips for Surviving the Silver Dollar Circuit in Las Vegas

Silver Dollar Circuit isn’t just a horse show, it’s an experience. Starting this week, AQHA exhibitors descend upon the South Point Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Because the venue contains barns, arena, restaurants, hotel rooms and entertainment under one roof, it is possible to never leave the building once you arrive. It’s a horse show venue unlike any other. Last year, South Point replaced a covered arena (that a lot of horses found spooky) with two new fully enclosed arenas. It was finished last year before the AQHA Novice West Championships and received rave reviews. Word on the street is that these new additions to the show facility have made it the premiere facility of the West Coast and even more exhibitors are expected this year.

To help you navigate your way through the show, we’ve put together the top 13 tips for surviving this one-of-a-kind show!

1. If you’re hauling horses, you can check into the hotel at the show office. You can even have the bell men help you get your bags from your trailer to your room. How cool is that? It is a huge help and appreciated luxury after the long haul to the show.
2. Make sure you get a coupon book when you check in. It contains all sorts of savings. Free drink at the bar? Yes, please. Free desserts at some of the restaurants? Absolutely!
3. Need to work off the free drink and dessert so you can fit into your chaps? The fitness center is located near the spa. The main door is usually locked, but if you walk into the spa entrance and take an immediate right, the door is generally open. You’ll frequently find other show exhibitors working out.
4. Make reservations for the restaurants when you can. They can get crowded on weekends. Reservations allow you to skip the wait and get in and out of the restaurant quickly while giving you a break from the coffee shop and buffet. Reservations can be made through the South Point’s website under the dining page.
5. It is possible to catch up on work while at the Silver Dollar without missing out on the show. You can watch the horse show from the TV in your hotel room so you can watch your friends and keep up on what class they are on while you work. If you want to be even closer to the action, the arena bar has tables that overlook the arena that are perfect for setting up with your laptop.
6. Get out of the hotel and visit the strip at some point during your stay. It can be hard to leave the horse show, but a visit to the strip allows time to relax away from the show, eat at some amazing restaurants, see the Vegas sites and you can tell your friends and family back home that you saw the strip. Because, they will ask.
7. It’s easy to forget that not everyone staying at the hotel is there for the horse show. The show venue provides exhibitors with a unique opportunity to be ambassadors for our sport. Be courteous to people who are interested in our activities and take a moment to explain what the show is about.
8. For a quick meal that you can take to the barn or back up to your room, visit the Del Mar Deli. The sandwiches are huge, so grab a friend and split one.
9. When you get tired of spending money eating out, buy a 75¢ hotdog complete with kraut, relish and onions from the hot dog cart located near the sports book. The cart is open during the afternoon. Just look for the line of people!
10. Although you are in the City that Never Sleeps, be sure to make time to get some sleep. With all the casino action and activities available, it can be tempting to stay up late, but combining late nights with early morning classes can be a recipe for exhaustion.
11. If the tables keep you up too late and the early morning leaves you dragging, hit up the Seattle’s Best coffee shop located near the entrance. Coffee aficionado, Larisa Affeldt, suggests a large non-fat Café Au Lait made with blonde roast coffee, an extra espresso shot, two pumps white mocha and whip cream topped with white chocolate shavings. Don’t forget the white chocolate shavings. They are a must!
12. Make sure you understand the schedule. To ensure that the show doesn’t run too late and allow exhibitors time to see the Vegas sites, the schedule is different than typical split combined schedules. The show starts with all the open classes on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday, all halter and showmanship classes are run. With the remaining youth and amateur classes showing on Friday through Sunday.
13. Remember to have fun and enjoy the ride. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…except for the points, prizes and experiences. Those you get to keep!

Thanks to Amateur Competitor Hilary Reinhard for these fabulous tips and watch for more coverage of the show on GoHorseShow.com.

Photos © South Point Arena