The Complete Guide to Custom Horse Show Awards & Prizes
When the final class wraps up and the ribbons have been presented, what do competitors take home that reminds them of your event?
For many riders, it's the championship award.
Whether it's a beautifully engraved trophy, a custom pillow, a premium embroidered prize blanket, or a thoughtfully designed sponsor gift, quality awards leave a lasting impression and help define the reputation of your horse show.
If you're planning awards for an upcoming equestrian event, this guide will help you choose prizes that celebrate achievement, strengthen your event's brand, and provide lasting value for exhibitors.
Why Horse Show Awards Matter
Awards do more than recognize winners—they become part of your event's identity. A well-designed award program can:
- Increase the perceived prestige of your competition
- Create memorable experiences for exhibitors
- Showcase sponsors in a meaningful way
- Encourage competitors to return year after year
- Generate social media exposure as riders share their accomplishments
- Reflect the professionalism of your organization
Many riders keep championship awards for years, making them a lasting reminder of your event long after the show season ends.
Start Planning Early
Every horse show has different timelines, but beginning the planning process early gives you the greatest flexibility when selecting custom awards.
Planning ahead allows for:
- A wider selection of products and materials
- More customization options
- Time to finalize sponsor logos and artwork
- Careful review of proofs before production
- Stress-free delivery before your event
General Planning Timeline
6–8 months before
Begin discussing award concepts, sponsorship opportunities, and your budget.
4–6 months before
Finalize products, quantities, logos, artwork, and customization details.
8–10 weeks before
Approve final proofs and production specifications.
4–6 weeks before
Production, quality control, and finishing.
2–3 weeks before
Awards arrive well before your event.
Working with a shorter timeline? While early planning offers the greatest flexibility, we understand that schedules change. If you need additional awards or are planning closer to your event date, we'll always do our best to accommodate your timeline whenever possible.
How to Choose Horse Show Awards Riders Actually Want
Today's exhibitors appreciate awards that are both meaningful and practical. While traditional trophies remain popular, many horse shows are incorporating premium products competitors can continue using throughout the season.
Engraved Championship Awards
Perfect for:
- Grand Champions
- Reserve Champions
- Overall Champions
- High Point Awards
- Special Achievement Awards
Available in:
- Crystal
- Glass
- Slate
- Wood
- Acrylic
- Metal
Each piece can be customized with your event logo, sponsor branding, division name, class information, and year.
Photo courtesy of Angelstone Events.
Prize Blankets
Custom embroidered and sublimated prize blankets remain among the most recognizable awards in equestrian sport.
Ideal for:
- Grand Prix
- Derby Champions
- Medal Finals
- Hunter Championships
- Jumper Championships
- Circuit Awards
Customization options include:
- Premium embroidery
- Event branding
- Sponsor logos
- Custom colours
- Leather closures
- Personalized artwork
Practical Exhibitor Prizes
Many competitors appreciate awards they can continue using every weekend.
Popular choices include:
- Saddle pads
- Duffle bags
- Apparel
- Tumblers
- Cooler bags
- Coolerettes
- Stable accessories
- Engraved keepsakes
These products continue promoting your event every time they're used at future competitions.
Don't Forget Your Sponsors
Sponsors are an essential part of every successful horse show, and awards provide an excellent opportunity to recognize their support while adding value to sponsorship packages.
Popular sponsor recognition ideas include:
- Sponsor logos engraved on awards
- Branded prize blankets
- Custom sponsor gifts
- VIP gifts
- Volunteer appreciation gifts
- Presentation boxes with sponsor branding
Thoughtful sponsor recognition strengthens relationships and encourages future partnerships.
Tips for Planning Horse Show Awards
Avoid these common challenges when planning your awards:
Waiting Too Long
The closer you get to your event, the fewer customization options may be available.
Ordering Too Few Awards
Classes often change throughout the season. Setting aside a small contingency budget for additional prizes can help eliminate last-minute stress.
Forgetting Sponsor Branding
Collect sponsor logos and artwork early to avoid unnecessary production delays.
Choosing Awards That Don't Match Your Event
Your awards should reflect the quality and professionalism of your competition. A premier horse show deserves awards that feel equally premium.
What Information You'll Need Before Ordering
Having the following information ready will help make the design process much smoother:
- Horse show name
- Event dates
- Class list
- Championship divisions
- Estimated quantities
- Budget
- Sponsor logos
- Event logo
- Delivery deadline
Can You Order Last-Minute Horse Show Awards?
While planning ahead is always recommended, horse shows evolve. Additional classes, new sponsors, replacement awards, and schedule changes happen more often than most people realize.
Depending on your timeline and product selection, many last-minute requests can still be accommodated.
If you need:
- Additional championship awards
- Replacement trophies
- Extra prize blankets
- Sponsor gifts
- New division awards
- Rush engraving or embroidery
it's always worth reaching out as soon as possible to discuss available options.
Choosing the Right Award Partner
When selecting an award supplier, look beyond price alone. Ask questions such as:
- Do they understand the equestrian industry?
- Can they customize products to match our branding?
- Is production handled in-house or outsourced?
- Can they accommodate changes if needed?
- Will they communicate throughout the process?
- Do they offer both awards and exhibitor merchandise?
Working with an experienced partner helps ensure your event runs smoothly from planning through presentation.
Why Custom Awards Make a Difference
A championship award represents months—and sometimes years—of dedication from riders, trainers, owners, and grooms.
Choosing awards that reflect the significance of those accomplishments creates an experience competitors will remember long after the final ribbon has been presented.
Whether you're organizing a local schooling show, an A-rated competition, or an international event, investing in quality awards is an investment in your event's reputation.
Plan Your Next Horse Show Awards with Ride Every Stride
At Ride Every Stride Inc., we work with horse shows, equestrian organizations, sponsors, and barns across North America to create premium custom awards, championship prizes, embroidered prize blankets, sponsor gifts, apparel, and exhibitor merchandise.
From initial concepts to final delivery, our team is committed to helping you create an award program that reflects the professionalism and prestige of your event. Whether you're planning months in advance or need assistance with last-minute additions, we're here to help whenever possible.
Ready to start planning your next horse show? Contact Ride Every Stride today to discuss your custom award program.