Preparing For Your Next Horse Show
Need help planning your show barn setup for an upcoming show? We share in your excitement and want to help you create your ideal layout for stall drapes, tack trunk covers, stall front bags, all in matching colors.
There are a few things to consider when planning, so we’ve made a list to help.
- What are your goals for planning your show barn setup?
- Will your barn setup be indoors, outdoors, or a combination?
- What is the configuration of the barn area you will be decorating? Examples: single stall, two aisle stalls (one horse stall, one private tack area), outdoor corner stall, full show barn, exterior entertainment area or signage, etc.
- Will you be traveling frequently to horse shows at different venues?
- Do you want multiple banners for different shows? Example, trainer’s name on one banner, your barn name on another, name of a winning horse on another banner, etc.
Our Clientele
Many of our clients are individual riders who show their horses frequently at a variety of barns. They need flexible equestrian decorations such as drapes that can fit various size stalls and configurations. Individual riders and trainers typically occupy a single stall indoors, or rent two side by side (tack stall, horse stall). Being inside means a savings in your investment because you can choose Cordura Nylon, since it is not going to be exposed to the sun.
Some exhibitors who require larger show barn space also need or prefer an outdoor presence to market their businesses. These clients need a distinctive color scheme or design to help their future clientele find their location in the show barns. Outdoor decorations need to be made out of fade-resistant Sunbrella fabric. Sunbrella has a proprietary way of manufacturing its materials so fading is deterred over the years, keeping colors brighter longer.
Meeting Your Goals
What are your goals for planning your show barn setup? Is your main purpose to market your business to your clientele? If so, you want professional and distinctive designs to create the perfect image. They need to be able to find your location easily, feel comfortable in your environment while you entertain them and give a sales pitch, and notice the high quality services and horses that you offer for sale.
Or do you simply want privacy to store your tack, change clothes, and relax between events? Shows are stressful and you’ll need a place to call your own for awhile. If so, you may want privacy drapes for your tack stall, or to be able to close the door drapes. We can do full zippered doors, or tiebacks for when you want the doors open to access grooming equipment.
Frequency of Travel
Will you be traveling frequently to horse shows at different venues? If so, you should start planning your show barn setup to include transportation bags for your draperies. We can custom make drapery bags with your embroidered name to help you easily identify your equipment.
Do you want multiple banners for different shows? Changing trainers or horses for a particular show? We suggest a set of banners or valances that you can change out depending on your needs. Everything will match your drapes. Since the banners and valances hang in front of the stall drapes and are not attached permanently to them, it’s easy to switch them. Our clients typically like horse name banners and valances that attach to their drapes with Velcro.
Location – Indoors or Outdoors – Planning Your Show Barn Setup
Will your barn setup be indoors, outdoors, or a combination? This determines what type of fabric to order. Cordura Nylon is great for indoors; We highly recommend Sunbrella fabric for outdoors. Most colors match exactly between the two brands, so you can order a combination. Outdoor setups typically include a gazebo/tent/awning area with guest seating, display table, dining table, chairs, benches, large name banner(s), valances, tent drapes with tiebacks, ribbon displays, and floral landscaping which includes a prominent name banner on wooden or metal posts.
Configuration
What is the configuration of the barn area you will be decorating? The following are typical:
Horse Stall
Items to decorate a horse stall include 1/2 length stall front name banners (typically 4′ high x 4-6′ wide), valances along the top of the stall but that allow air circulation for your horse between them and the stall front name banner, stall guards with each horse’s name, stall front blanket bags that can either attach onto the railing or blanket bars, and tack trunks with your name and custom logo embroidered on them.
Tack Stall
Items to decorate a tack stall include full length drapes (typically 7’4″ long), door drapes that can zip closed or that have tiebacks, privacy inner drape with your custom logo, custom tack trunk covers, personalized director’s chairs, display tables for literature or trophies, ribbon displays, overhead valances with your custom logo, trainer’s name, your barn name, or design, and a full length or portrait style name banner to hang in front of your stall drapes.
Aisle vs. Corner Stalls
Be prepared for a variety of situations by planning your show barn setup to include drapes for an aisle stall with a 10′ front and a corner stall with two 10′ sections (front and side). Since corner stalls are outdoors, you might want to choose Sunbrella fabric, as previously mentioned. Please remember that stall fronts can vary from 8-12′ depending on the venue. If you show frequently at different locations, we recommend you opt for the longest length drape of 12′, and then use Velcro to take up the excess length. You can also choose reinforced top and side hems to fold the excess length around a wooden stall side.
Occupying the Full Show Barn
Larger farms and ranches fill an entire show barn or more. Prominent names and designs command attention and attract guests to your location. We can create custom appliqued logos in large sizes, so they can be seen from a distance. We can also make large hanging name banners which can be suspended by ropes for a tall setup outdoors, or above the main barn aisle indoors. Large continuous drapes can be made in sections which overlap with Velcro on each side. Most customers with large setups like drapes or banners that cover wooden frames. The panels are stretched slightly to create a firm, taut, professional look.
Filling a full show barn with matching tack trunk covers in front of each stall looks prestigious. Create that winning, uniform look with matching stall front blanket bags and personalized horse name stall guards, all with your custom logo and in your barn colors.
Outdoor Draping & Decorations
A whole design catalog could be filled with ideas for outdoor show barn decorations. Suffice to say, the sky’s the limit. Let us know what your dreams are when planning your show barn setup. Together, we can design a beautiful show setting.