The world of equestrian sports is steeped in tradition, but as we get closer to 2025, horse shows are embracing innovations that make the experience better for everyone involved. From advanced horse show management software to a renewed focus on exhibitor experience, today’s events are becoming more efficient, organized, and enjoyable thanks to the latest in technology and a fresh focus on the needs of the horse and rider. Here’s a look at what every horse show needs in 2025 to stay competitive in the ever-evolving equestrian industry.
1. Efficient Event Management Software
One of the biggest advancements horse shows can take advantage of is modern, cloud-based event management software. Instead of relying on cumbersome paper records or outdated systems, platforms like Pegasus bring the entire event process online, making it easier for organizers to manage entries, schedules, and communications from one intuitive dashboard.
Benefits for Horse Show Organizers
Event management systems streamline everything from horse show registration to results posting. Pegasus, for example, offers a centralized solution where organizers can handle everything digitally—from participant registration to real-time scheduling and results. This not only saves time but also ensures accurate record-keeping, minimizing errors and giving everyone a better overall experience.
Benefits for Riders and Trainers
For riders, modern event software means less time spent on paperwork and more time focusing on their performance. Riders can easily register, pay fees, and check schedules online, receiving real-time updates about ring times and results. This accessibility reduces the typical show-day stress and is a huge benefit for competitors who juggle multiple events or barns.
2. Prioritizing the Exhibitor Experience with Community-Centered Events
With the rise of prestigious, high-cost show circuits, many local shows have struggled to maintain their audience. In 2025, however, local horse shows can find new life by focusing on the exhibitor experience and fostering a sense of community. Creating events that are enjoyable, affordable, and accessible attracts competitors and supporters alike, offering a balance between quality competition and local camaraderie.
A Place for Everyone in the Horse Community
Local shows are a perfect venue for riders of all levels to participate without the stress and expense of larger circuits. Organizers who host these community-centered events have an opportunity to foster a more approachable environment, making the experience welcoming for everyone—from beginners to seasoned riders. Emphasizing inclusivity and celebrating riders of all backgrounds and abilities creates a positive experience that encourages continued participation and growth.
Building a Supportive Equestrian Community
Local events are also ideal for cultivating community spirit. By partnering with local businesses, involving the community, and creating spaces where spectators can gather, local shows become something people want to attend—not just to compete, but to connect. Platforms like Pegasus support this by offering tools for organizers to easily coordinate these events and bring people together. With strong community roots, these shows can draw regular participation, allowing organizers to build a loyal base of riders and fans.
3. Streamlined Financial Management and Payment Processing
Another essential for horse shows in 2025 is a secure and efficient payment processing system. With many participants and vendors, a cashless system is both convenient and secure. Digital payment solutions enable competitors to pay entry fees, vendors to accept payments, and organizers to handle payouts seamlessly.
Event management systems like Pegasus support multiple payment options, from credit cards to mobile wallets, ensuring a smooth financial process for both competitors and organizers. This not only simplifies event management but also minimizes financial discrepancies and reduces administrative workload.
4. Support from Governing Bodies for Fair, Safe, and Accessible Competitions
As horse shows modernize, equestrian governing bodies play a crucial role in making equestrian sports fairer, safer, and more appealing to a broader audience. In recent years, some rules and regulations have come under scrutiny for hindering the sport’s growth. For horse shows to thrive, there’s a growing call for rules that are sensible, focused on safety, and supportive of the entire equestrian community.
Safety and Accessibility for All Riders
Governing bodies have the power to implement safety regulations that make competitions safer for both riders and horses, without adding unnecessary restrictions. Rules focused on welfare, rather than limiting access, are essential for encouraging new participants and creating a fairer playing field. Clear, universally understood rules also help build trust in the sport, allowing more riders to compete confidently. The Pegasus AI Rulebook was built to get immediate answers to horse show questions – making it easy for everyone to stay on top of any rule changes.
Creating Fair and Inclusive Competitions
One of the greatest challenges in competitive equestrian sports is maintaining fairness across diverse levels and types of events. In 2025, governing bodies can support inclusivity by encouraging rule changes that are simpler and more adaptable to riders of all backgrounds. By prioritizing fair play over excessive complexity, horse shows can create an environment where riders feel welcome, and newcomers are encouraged to participate.
5. Real-Time Updates and Streamlined Communication with Push Notifications
Effective communication is key to a successful event, and in 2025, horse shows are embracing advanced tools for real-time updates across the board. Platforms like Pegasus offer robust push notification systems that keep organizers, vendors, riders, trainers, and sponsors informed with real-time alerts. Whether it’s a schedule change, an urgent weather update, or a ring delay, push notifications ensure all parties are on the same page instantly.
Bringing Everyone Together with Clear Communication
Organizers can streamline operations by sending targeted messages to specific groups, ensuring that vendors, sponsors, and riders only receive relevant updates. This reduces confusion and allows everyone to stay in sync, improving the overall event experience. Trainers and riders can stay updated on ring times and results, while vendors and sponsors can better manage their on-site schedules.
Seamless Coordination for a Better Show Day
With centralized communication, the Pegasus platform simplifies show-day coordination. Push notifications mean no more missed announcements or last-minute confusion; instead, all parties can count on receiving timely information exactly when they need it. This level of communication reduces stress for everyone involved, creating a more organized, enjoyable event from start to finish.
The Future is Now for Horse Shows
As technology reshapes the way we experience horse shows, organizers who adopt these tools can expect improved efficiency, increased participant satisfaction, and a more connected community. Platforms like Pegasus embody the future of equestrian event management by combining technology and community-building, bringing horse shows into a new era of convenience, safety, and enjoyment for all involved.
In 2025, the modern horse show is not just about tradition; it’s about embracing the innovations that elevate the experience for organizers, riders, and fans alike. Embracing these advancements is a win-win for the entire equestrian community—where horses and technology come together for the best show experience possible.
About Pegasus:
At Pegasus, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the equestrian world.
Founded in 2020, we’re a pioneering technology company dedicated to delivering exceptional innovation to the equestrian community. By streamlining automation, compliance and creating new revenue opportunities, we empower horse and rider, and ignite growth and prosperity in the industry.
Together, we’re shaping the future of horse sport, with accessibility, integrity, and enjoyment at the forefront of our vision.
To sign up to start using the Pegasus Event Management System, head to www.thepegasus.app or book a demo with the Pegasus team at the link here.
For more information, please contact:
Jen Tankel, Co-Founder
