How to Run an Equestrian Event in Colorado

Running an equestrian event in Colorado? Here's how to plan it, pick a format and run it on Colorado Under Par, start to finish.

What it looks like

Equestrian events in Colorado are horse shows, rodeos and trail rides held mostly spring through fall at arenas, fairgrounds and ranches, for youth and adult riders.

Formats

Hunter / Jumper

Riders take their horses over a course of fences.

Dressage

Riders perform a set test of movements in an arena, and judges score each movement on accuracy and harmony.

Eventing

Horse and rider complete dressage, cross-country jumping and show jumping.

Gymkhana

Riders compete in timed games like pole bending and keyhole, often for youth.

Barrel Racing

Riders run a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels for the fastest time.

Trail / Endurance

Riders complete a marked trail or long course, judged on obstacles or timed with vet checks for horse health.

Ride a Buck Class

Riders hold a dollar bill under each knee at a walk or trot, and the last rider holding theirs wins. A classic crowd favorite.

Pledge per Clear Round

Riders collect pledges from family and friends for every clear round they ride. The top fundraiser gets a ribbon and a shout-out at awards.

Champion Sash Photo

Winners receive a sash for their horse and pose for a photo. It is the moment riders frame and keep for years.

Build it

In the Organizer Dashboard, click Create event and pick equestrian and your format. Every tab, word and Start here guide then follows your sport.

Registration

Choose your team size and divisions, like open, amateur and junior. In Registration, ask what you need from each entrant, like horse name and classes you are entering.

Results

Open Scores and results. Your sport starts set up with rounds and judges per round. Send each judge their phone link, no login needed. With three or more judges you can drop the high and low score. Tick Post results to show places by level.

Event day

Riders check in, unload and warm up horses, compete in their classes in order, then results are posted and ribbons awarded.

Fun ideas

Make it memorable. Three ideas people love. Ride a Buck Class. Riders hold a dollar bill under each knee at a walk or trot, and the last rider holding theirs wins. A classic crowd favorite. Pledge per Clear Round. Riders collect pledges from family and friends for every clear round they ride. The top fundraiser gets a ribbon and a shout-out at awards. Champion Sash Photo. Winners receive a sash for their horse and pose for a photo. It is the moment riders frame and keep for years.

Tip

One tip for first-timers: confirm health paperwork rules and have a vet and farrier on call, as horse welfare comes first. Building is free, then 1% per paid order plus card processing, paid to your own Stripe account. Stuck? Ask Caddie or search Need help in your dashboard. Start at coloradounderpar.com/sell-tickets.