A Horse show is a judged exhibition of horses and ponies. Many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines hold competitions worldwide, from local to the international levels. Most horse shows run from one to three days, sometimes longer for major, all-breed events or national and international championships in a given discipline or breed. Most shows consist of a series of different performances, called classes, wherein a group of horses with similar training or characteristics compete against one another for awards and, often, prize money.
There are ten international disciplines run under rules established by the Fédération équestre internationale (FEI):
- Combined driving
- Dressage
- Endurance riding
- Eventing
- Horseball
- Paraequestrianism (Paralympic equestrian sport for athletes with disabilities)
- Reining
- Show jumping
- Tent pegging
- Vaulting
The rules of the FEI govern competitions open to riders from all nations, including the Olympic games and the World Equestrian Games.
At the other end of the competition spectrum, Pony Club is an international movement that teaches young people riding skills suitable for eventing and other English riding competition. To help develop positive experience and good sportsmanship, Pony Clubs also sponsor horse shows open only to young people under the age of 18 and their horses. Various nations also have their own programs for developing young equestrians, such as the 4-H program in the United States.
