About
Virtual Equine Events (VEE) is a web-based platform designed to make competitive equestrian sport accessible to riders everywhere. Instead of hauling horses to crowded showgrounds, participants simply film their ride at home and upload the video to compete in scheduled virtual shows. VEE supports more than a dozen disciplines — including Dressage, Western Dressage, Equitation, Hunters, Ranch Riding, Reining, Trail, Showmanship In Hand, Western Horsemanship, Western Riding, Lead Line, and specialty warm-up classes for Mustangs and OTTBs (Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds). Entry fees are affordable at $18–$22 per class, making competitive showing accessible to riders on tighter budgets or in regions where in-person shows are rare. After submission, riders receive thoughtful, motivating written feedback from rotating, qualified judges — ensuring fairness and variety. Shows run on a regular schedule with clearly posted entry deadlines, and a public scoreboard lets participants track results. VEE is ideal for riders building confidence, stallion owners with venue restrictions, rural equestrians with limited local show circuits, busy riders who need scheduling flexibility, and parents looking for a low-pressure competition environment for young riders. The platform is user-friendly, requiring no special technical skills — just a camera or smartphone and a passion for horses.
Key Features
- Multi-Discipline Virtual Shows: Supports 10+ divisions including Dressage, Reining, Trail, Western Horsemanship, Equitation, Hunters, Ranch Riding, Showmanship, and specialty warm-up classes for Mustangs and OTTBs.
- Video Submission Format: Riders film their performance at home and upload the video, eliminating the need for travel, hauling, or on-site scheduling.
- Professional Judge Feedback: Each entry is reviewed by a rotating panel of qualified judges who provide written, constructive, and motivating feedback on the ride.
- Public Scoreboard: A live scoreboard allows competitors to view standings and results after each show concludes.
- Affordable Per-Class Pricing: Entries start at $18–$22 per class, keeping competitive showing accessible for riders at all budget levels.
Use Cases
- A rural equestrian with no local show circuit uses VEE to stay competitive and receive professional judge feedback year-round.
- A parent of a young rider enters their child in the Lead Line division to build confidence in a low-pressure, at-home competition environment.
- A stallion owner who cannot compete at traditional venues uses VEE to showcase and benchmark their horse's training progress.
- A busy professional rider enters weekend virtual shows on a flexible schedule without needing to take time off work for travel and hauling.
- A trainer uses VEE show entries as structured goals and motivational milestones for students between in-person competitions.
Pros
- Eliminates Show-Day Logistics: No hauling, no early mornings at crowded showgrounds — riders compete on their own schedule from their home arena.
- Rotating, Fair Judging: VEE uses different judges across shows to ensure unbiased, fresh perspectives and consistent quality of feedback.
- Inclusive for All Riders: Accommodates stallion owners, rural riders, riders building confidence, and busy families who can't commit to traditional show schedules.
- Expert Written Feedback: Riders receive detailed, motivating judge comments that help them improve their skills beyond just receiving a ribbon.
Cons
- Paid Per Entry: There is no free tier — each class entry costs $18–$22, which can add up for riders entering multiple divisions per show.
- No Live Competitive Experience: The virtual format cannot replicate the atmosphere, spontaneity, or social environment of an in-person horse show.
- Self-Filmed Video Quality Varies: Competitors are responsible for capturing their own footage, which may affect the clarity of the submission depending on equipment and setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enter a Virtual Equine Events show?
You select your desired division(s), complete the online entry form, pay the per-class fee, film your ride at your own facility, and upload your video before the posted submission deadline.
What disciplines are available to compete in?
VEE offers over 10 divisions including Dressage, Western Dressage, Equitation, Hunters, Lead Line, Ranch Riding, Reining, Showmanship In Hand, Trail, Western Horsemanship, Western Riding, and warm-up classes for Mustangs and OTTBs.
How much does it cost to enter?
Most class entries are $22 each. Specialty warm-up classes such as the Mustang Warm-Up and OTTB Warm-Up are $18. There is no subscription or membership fee.
Will I receive feedback on my ride?
Yes. Every submitted entry is reviewed by a qualified judge who provides written feedback. Judges rotate across shows to maintain fairness and variety.
Can stallions participate in Virtual Equine Events?
Yes. Because the show is virtual and conducted at the rider's own facility, there are no venue restrictions on stallions — making VEE especially valuable for stallion owners who face limitations at in-person shows.
