How many shows do you show a year?
This year I have a barrel race every weekend. There are several that I know I will not be going to for different reasons but generally we show every weekend. This year for OBRA there are 14 show dates of which I plan on attending all but 3 or 4. All of these except for 3 fairs are full weekend shows generally Friday-Sunday but if not Saturday-Sunday. For NBHA there are 13 dates as of now and I will be attending which ever ones do not interfere with the OBRA schedule, although some of them are co-santioned as well.
How far apart do you break?
This year we had a winter break from November until middle of April, then show season begins again. We will have the occasional weekend off, but not many.
How long are they?
The occasional show is a one day but generally they are all weekend so 2 - 3 day shows.
How many classes do you show a day?
This depends on the show and how my horse is running and feeling at the time. Generally for a 2 day show say, Saturday and Sunday, we show in 1 Youth, 1 Open, 1 Poles, and the occasional added run per day. So that's about 6 runs for a 2 day show.
Are they spread out?
No, the associations try to fit in as many shows as there are weekends in the spring, summer, and fall months.
Back to back?
For most shows you get a decent rest between classes... but there is the occasional time when you run at the end of one class and the beginning of the next one.
If its a one day show or a two day show does it make a difference in what youll have them do?
For me and my current horse we have a pretty well known schedule. For a one day we will get there early, tie to trailer and allow to relax while I sign up, etc. Then we get saddled and warmed up and explore the pen and surrounding area for anything scary. We then begin our events and from there on I just make sure they remain hydrated and warmed up. Then we pack up and leave. For a 2-day or full weekend show we get there preferably the day before and set up and relax. Then we start the day same as before with warm-ups, etc.