Check out our 2024 year
A wonderful year, spectacular horses!
Congrats Team!
Coming back first in the jog
Baby green graduate, owned by PHS
Rue’s debut owned by Donna T.
Sindri showing Chrome, owned by PHS, at VPS
2025 Show Schedule
Feb
23
Valley Park Stables Award Dinner
The Shop, DSM. 901 Cherry St. Des Moines, IA
Mar
8
Midwest Hunter Jumper Association Award Dinner
Machine Shed, Davenport, Iowa
April
26-27
Valley Park Schooling Show 1
Valley Park Stables, Des Moines, IA
MAY
17-18
Valley Park Schooling Show 2
Valley Park Stables, Des Moines, IA
June
28-29
Valley Park Schooling Show 3
Valley Park Stables, Des Moines, IA
July
19-20
Maffitt Lake Fantasy Horse Show 1 *TENTATIVE*
Maffitt Lake Equestrian Center, Des Moines, IA
Jul-AUG
30-3
Two Rivers Summer Festival A Show
Maffitt Lake Equestrian Center, Des Moines, IA
Aug
9-10
Valley Park Schooling Show 4 Derby Day
Valley Park Stables, Des Moines, IA
Aug
23-24
Maffitt Lake Fantasy Horse Show 2 *TENTATIVE*
Maffitt Lake Equestrian Center, Des Moines, IA
Sept
13-14
Valley Park Schooling Show 5
Valley Park Stables, Des Moines, IA
Sept
17-18
Maffitt Lake Fantasy Horse Show 3 *TENTATIVE*
Maffitt Lake Equestrian Center, Des Moines, IA
Oct
11-12
Valley Park Schooling Show *RAIN DATE*
Valley Park Stables, Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Join our show team with no tryouts or extra fees!
Horse showing is more than just riding: It’s about building confidence, learning sportsmanship, and experiencing the joy of competition. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, you’ll learn to ride with grace, handle challenges with poise, and celebrate both victories and setbacks.
Ready to shine?
Simply commit to regular lessons to ensure you’re prepared for the exciting world of horse shows!”
What level do I/my child need to be riding at to show?
If you/your student can safely walk/trot then you are ready to show! Schooling shows offer a safe, supportive, yet competitive environment to grow as a rider & show off your skills!
What do I need to bring to a show? What should I/my kid wear in the ring?
We recommend you bring plenty of snacks, water, sportsdrinks, sunscreen, & their regular riding attire (riding pants/tights/leggings, helmet, boots, crop/spurs if they have them). Additionally, we recommend an extra change of clothes for washing the horses & comfy clothes for hanging around the show grounds between classes.
Show specific attire include: tan/olive/beige riding breeches*, jodhpur straps* if >12 yrs old, white collared shirt (can be a polo), belt, dark colored gloves, & show jacket*.
*We have a small number of these items available to be borrowed for the show season. Pre-arrange with me via text at 319-383-2319 to secure your kids size.
Below is a girl in proper attire for a horse show.
What can I expect a typical weekend schooling show to look like?
Our weekend schooling shows typically involve a 3-day commitment.
- Friday: Students assist with loading horses and equipment at Pine Hollows Stables if class/work schedules permit. We then transport to the show venue (Valley Park Stables, HunterMark Farms, or Maffit Equestrian Center). After a brief rest, an evening schooling session takes place. Students are typically ready to go home around 7:30.
- Saturday: Students arrive early (6:30-7:30 AM) for a second schooling session. The show begins around 8-9 AM with classes staggered by skill level (beginners first, followed by intermediate at ~10 AM, then advanced at ~2 PM). After their classes, students assist with horse care and tack cleaning.
- Sunday: Students arrive at showtime unless they have an early class (arrive 1 hour prior). The show format is similar to Saturday. After the show, we transport horses and equipment back to PHS, with student assistance in unloading.
Parents & family are welcome to watch; there are no admission fees. Students are encouraged to stay & watch following the end of their show day to cheer on the rest of their team. Parents may leave older students under the supervision of Winter and Sindri Mohr during the show IF pre-arranged with Winter. One-day show participation is possible, but the $50 per day fee for horse care (Fri-Sun) still applies.
What horse will I ride in the show? Do I need to own/lease a horse to show?
If you ride your own horse/lease horse then that is the horse that you will show. If you horse goes lame/gets hurt we can arrange a school master for you to take to the show in lieu of your horse.
It is not required to own or lease a horse to show. If you ride a school master in your regular riding lessons then you will show that particular horse. For example, student typically rides Prim & Splash during lessons then the student will show either Prim or Splash depending on horse availability and student preference.
Our schoolmasters are not to jump over 2’3” at this time to protect their longevity. If you are interested in jumping higher at shows, reach me via the email button below or via text at 319-383-2319 to arrange a lease or share a lease horse.
What are the costs of showing at a schooling show?
Fees you can expect are the following:
- Training/Schooling: A lesson fee per day, 3 lessons for the whole weekend
- Hauling: (subject to fuel price fluctuations)
- Des Moines Area: $50-$75
- Davenport: $150-$175
- Stabling/Stall Fees: $45-$65/weekend
- Office Fees: $15-$25/weekend
- Classes:
- Typically $12-15 per class
- Students can expect to enter 4-8 classes per day depending on preference and horse sharing arrangements
Additional fees not directly related to the horse show may include: hotels if we travel, membership fees (yearly), & food/drink costs if you decide to eat out.
If you split a horse with another student, costs of hauling & stabling are divided in half. If you are interested in splitting a horse, let Winter know prior to the show.
What is a rated horse show? How can I compete in one?
A and B-rated horse shows represent a significant step up in competition. B shows attract more experienced riders and often feature higher prize money. They are part of a national circuit, allowing riders to accumulate points towards year-end awards.
A-rated shows are the pinnacle of competition, attracting top riders and horses from across the country. These prestigious events feature the highest level of competition, with strict adherence to USEF rules and judging standards. Success at A-rated shows is highly regarded within the equestrian community and can significantly enhance a rider’s and horse’s reputation.
While typically a week long during the summer/fall and introducing additional expenses like USEF membership fees and higher class/stall fees, these shows offer an amazing experience that truly challenges and inspires.
USEF offers an outreach program providing entry-level participation and year-end award opportunities to burgeoning riders, making the A & B shows experience more accessible.
Contact me today to discuss if you/your child is ready to explore this thrilling next step in your equestrian journey.