HGG Community Forums

Definitely talk to the show coordinator! Most of the time they will allow someone who signs to be on the rial or in the ring to help communicate.

Definitely talk to the people running the show (maybe also the people running the gate so they know how to alert you to your turn so they’re not just yelling your number)

I sit on the board of directors for my local club show and while we haven’t had any deaf riders needing extra help we have had several riders with other medical issues (epilepsy, lack of balance and memory from brain tumours etc.) that we’ve worked with so that everyone was able to have the best show day possible even if that meant having one of their people in the ring directing them (during individual classes more so than the group classes)

You may also inquire about which person will be signalling the announcer and what signs they will be using for each gait (some just hold up fingers. Others prefer hand motions or signs) and try to keep an eye on them through the class.

As for the other riders I just try to be as aware as I can but more important try to stay close along the wall so riders from behind can only pass to the inside not squeeze through between the fence (unless the ring is messy near the fence line) and do a shoulder check before moving towards the inside to pass any slower riders in front of you.

My horse was somewhat terrorized by a pony when he was a baby and he’s never forgot it so does not like getting too crowded. Without being super obvious about it I try to scan the whole ring when we’re going around corners to figure out where the other horses are and if there’s a pack coming up behind that I may need to do some defensive riding to keep him calm and if there’s a more open area I should be steering towards.

Just a side note as other people seem to have covered a lot of suggestions, I had a deaf horse that used to anticipate what gait we were supposed to be doing, but obviously he could never hear the announcer, it was funny, he just started copying the other horses!

I don't think anyone will mind you getting assistance, I mean most trainers are on the side of the rail shouting suggestions across the arena anyways. You have more of a valid reason!