What happens at a horse show depends on the specific discipline:
Dressage:
* Rider and horse perform a pre-determined series of movements like walk, trot, canter, collected gaits, and more complex movements.
* Judges score the horse and rider on their accuracy, precision, and artistry.
* Higher scores win.
Jumping:
* Rider and horse navigate a course of obstacles called fences.
* Horses must jump the fences without knocking them down.
* Faster times and fewer faults (knocked-down fences) win.
* Different jumping classes exist: show jumping, hunter classes, equitation classes, etc., each with different rules and styles.
Western Disciplines:
* Variety of events: reining, cutting, barrel racing, pole bending, and more.
* Each event involves a specific set of skills and maneuvers.
* Judges score the horse and rider on their ability to perform the maneuvers.
* Higher scores win.
General Horse Show Events:
* Horse and rider often perform in a designated arena or ring.
* Horse and rider are judged based on their appearance, performance, and obedience.
* Judges score the horse and rider on various criteria depending on the discipline.
* Awards and prizes are given to the winning horse and rider.
In addition to specific events, other common aspects of horse shows include:
* Warm-up area: Riders prepare their horses for the show ring.
* Grooming and tacking: Riders make sure their horses are clean and properly fitted with tack (saddle, bridle, etc.).
* Spectators: People watch the events and cheer on their favorite riders.
* Vendors: Businesses sell horse-related products and services.
If you could specify the discipline of horse show you are interested in, I could provide more detailed information about what happens at the show.