Managing a Horse Show

Any event takes time and work to manage. Getting dates, times and places ready for any event can always present its own challenges. On top of that, think about a horse show and all of the preparation that must take place.

Carmen Lay, a show manager of Smyrna, Tennessee, understands the commitment and dedication it takes to run a horse show.

“I grew up with a horse, but did not pursue showing horses as it was not as popular in Tennessee,” Lay said.

When she got older, Lay decided to move away from home and eventually got married, she added. Lay later had a daughter who wanted to get involved with horses in 2006, she said.

“By 2008 there was a show secretary position available and I decided to take it as it would give me an opportunity to travel and spend time with my daughter at the horse shows,” Lay said.

Lay first got involved with the American Paint Horse Association and managing their shows and events, she said.

“I started out with APHA, and I learned about Pinto, there was just not a lot of Pinto shows happening in Tennessee,” Lay said.

The APHA club in Tennessee split, so she went to a Pinto charter and got more involved there, Lay explained.

“I eventually got involved with a Pinto charter and got certified to be a show secretary for PtHA, AQHA and the Appaloosa Club”, she said.

An important aspect of being a show secretary is being able to find dates and facilities that do not conflict with other horse shows, Lay said.

“It depends on where you live but in Tennessee, there are not as many horse shows so Paint and Pinto shows have to watch out for each other’s events,” Lay said.

Part of her job is hiring the horse show staff, including the ring stewards and judges, Lay said.

Lay looks to hire all of the show staff, and she has also traveled all around being a show manager, she said.

“I have traveled a lot as a show secretary and worked for horse shows all across the southeast part of the United States,” Lay said.

Her favorite part of her job is getting to meet new people and interacting with the exhibitors, Lay said.

“I have a background in customer service and it is helpful that I can carry those skills over to being a show secretary because at the end of the day the exhibitors are customers,” Lay said.

Lay has enjoyed being a show manager for Pinto over the years as she has developed a positive relationship with the staff, she said.

“Pinto is easy to work for,” Lay said. “I can call someone and talk to someone easily and get answers at a fast turnaround.”