RWTB Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to have my own horse to apply to Ride With The Best?
A: No, however, you must have access to a horse that you ride regularly whom you are able to bring with you to Equine Affaire.

Q: Is there an age limit to participate in Ride With The Best?
A: Equine Affaire asks that riders be at least twelve years of age.

Q: Do you receive a lot of applications?
A: Not nearly as many as you might think. Popular presenters might receive 30 applications. Do not decide not to apply because you think you don't have a chance. You have just as much chance as the other applicants!

Q: Is there a limit to how many clinics I may sign up for?
A: No. You may apply to as many as you wish. Applicants regularly participate in more than one clinic.

Q: How long should my video be?
A: Generally speaking, shorter is better. If you have a recent video from a show or competition, that is usually ideal. If you need to make a video, show your horse moving at all gaits, and if you are applying for a jumping clinic, you don't need to spend time showing work on the flat. If you are having a specific problem with your horse (rearing, bucking, etc.), make sure you get that behavior on video.

Q: Who should my check be made out to?
A: Please make checks payable to Equine Affaire, Inc.

Q: When do you cash my check?
A: Application checks are not cashed until the presenters have made their selections and the riders have confirmed their participation. Cashed checks are non-refundable. Checks for applicants not selected will be voided and returned.

Q: What does my fee include?
A: Unless otherwise noted in the Ride With The Best summary, clinic fees include 24-hours of stabling for the horse and a single-day admission for the horse owner or rider.

Q: If I am applying for more than one clinic do I need to submit more than one check?
A: Yes. You must submit one check for each clinic you are applying for.

Q: Will I get my video back?
A: Equine Affaire works diligently to return all applicant videos. As we forward the videos directly to presenters, Equine Affaire relinquishes control of them. There have only been two instances when videos have not been returned. For this reason, please do not submit a video you cherish and must have back in the event it is not returned to Equine Affaire.

Q: Can I send a DVD?
A: Yes, however we cannot guarantee that the presenter has that technology available to watch your video footage.

Q: If I am applying for more than one clinic do I need to submit more than one video?
A: Most likely, yes. You must submit one video per presenter you are applying for. Applications are forwarded directly to presenters and obviously one tape cannot be sent to two people.

Q: If I am accepted, can I arrive at the barn after it closes or opens?
A: Yes. Equine Affaire asks that you mark "LATE ARRIVAL" on your stabling reservation. The barn manager will post your stall assignment on the Barn Office door, and you will be required to check in at the Barn Office when it opens the following morning.

Q: If I am accepted, do I get a tack stall?
A: Clinic participants do not receive a tack stall. You may, however, purchase an additional stall for this purpose if stabling is available at the venue.

Q: If I am accepted, what if I want to stay at the event beyond my complimentary 24 hours of stabling?
A: You may purchase additional nights of stabling by indicating such on your Stall Reservation form pending the availability of stalls at the venue.

Q: If I am accepted, will I be able to school in my clinic arena?
A: This depends on the arena your clinic is scheduled in, but generally no. Each venue has an outdoor schooling arena for horse owners to use. The Coliseum in Ohio and Massachusetts are available on a limited basis in the early morning and late at night for indoor schooling. Schooling times will be posted in the barn office for your review. All other arenas are closed to schooling.