Show Hall Etiquette
This is a very important but often not discussed topic. Show Hall Etiquette tends to consist of a bunch of "no brainer" rules but they are very important none-the-less.
Sometimes people get so busy during a show that they forget the basic points of Etiquette covered here. Always make time for these guidelines! Don't be a fuddy duddy ;)
This section will be short and to the point. So, hooray for that!
Sometimes people get so busy during a show that they forget the basic points of Etiquette covered here. Always make time for these guidelines! Don't be a fuddy duddy ;)
This section will be short and to the point. So, hooray for that!
Important Show Hall Etiquette Points
- No Running - While No Running is ALWAYS a rule at model horse shows I see it happen all the time. Many other spectators and participants aren't expecting someone to come running past them and it could have a disastrous end if someone trips or if someone bumps carelessly into a table.
- Move Carefully around the Exhibitor Tables - I treat the other tables in the show hall like "hot lava" -- I don't touch them, I am careful to leave a wide birth when I pass them. Some people have some VERY tippy horses set up on their tables and even the slightest nudge could send a couple hundred dollars worth of horses tumbling.
- Keep Storage Totes under your Table - When you find yourself away from a "wall" seat, you have to store your totes under your table. Keeping them elsewhere can lead to congestion and tripping hazards. I recommend getting a wall seat if you have over 100 horses to show so you can stack them NEATLY along the wall.
- No Pets - Even if a show hall allows them, just assume that pets are not allowed. Make sure you double and triple check before bringing a pet, and I would advise that your pet remain crated for much of the show if you do decide to bring it.
- No Yelling or Shouting - Now, of course there's a difference between speaking up if the judge makes a final call and you're not ready yet-- and you yelling to your friend from across the hall. The show hall isn't like a lunch room at an Elementary School. So, if you need to get your friends attention or express delight at winning a class, show some sense of restraint and/or dignity! :)
- NEVER PICK UP A HORSE THAT ISN'T YOURS - Now, I've never known someone to do this... even at my first show when I knew NOTHING of showing I knew better than to touch something that wasn't mine! But never, ever pick up a model that isn't yours. I look with my hands behind my back. Sometimes the model's owner will allow you to pick up the model. But either ask them or wait until they volunteer it before touching a model.
- Ask or Check before bringing in Food or Drinks - Some show halls allow you to bring in outside food, such as McDonalds or Burger King. Other shows allow only PRE-PACKAGED food, such as Lunchables. Some don't allow any outside food or drink. Including coffee and water (yes, WATER!) So, make sure you check the rules on outside food and drink before bringing any.
- Ask or Check before Selling Models at your Table - Some shows allow you to sell at your table... while others require any sale objects be placed at a specific part of the hall. Show Hosts are often welcoming of these types of questions if the information isn't already listed on their show website. Always check before asking!
All this information is specific to the SHOW HALL and GENERAL CONDUCT ONLY!! For more complete information on show etiquette please make sure to check the Class Etiquette page!