Top Ten Foods to Eat at Shows

I recently did a survey of competitive riders, grooms, and horse husbands. Most of my subjects are affiliated with Dressage but there were also representatives from Eventing and Hunter /Jumper. They ranged from lower level competitors up to International competitors. And, of course I also surveyed the grooms and the horse husbands who are not competing but are important assistants at shows! I surveyed 25 people and asked them to tell me their favourite foods that they bring from home and foods that they buy at the shows catering or café. Here are the Top Ten in both categories.

Made at home

1. Peanut butter and  jam or honey sandwich
2. Crackers and cheese
3. Fruit
4. Dates
5. Nuts
6. Egg salad sandwich
7. Tuna salad sandwich
8. Turkey sandwich
9. Ham and cheese sandwich
10. Protein bars

Bought at show catering café

1. French fries and gravy or poutine ( a French Canadian delicacy of French fries, gravy and melted curd cheese. Don’t scoff! If it is well made it is delicious but best after you have ridden!)
2. Burgers
3. Breakfast (sausage, bacon, eggs and home fries)
4. Egg on a bun or sausage on a bun
5. Wraps
6. Pasta salads
7. Stir fry (if available)
8. Smoothies
9. Fruit
10. Potato crisps/ Cheezies/ Tortilla chips etc.

I also got a consensus about what to drink. Water was in first place and then sports drinks.( Apparently there is a thermos made by S’Well that will keep your drinks cool for 12 hours even in the heat ).  I also found I am not the only person who likes the re-hydrating capabilities of Chocolate Milk. One person I surveyed is a sport psychologist and recommends it to all of the young athletes she works with.

Another interesting idea came from a person who ran a hunter jumper competition barn for young riders .She would open a running tab at the café so that all the kids would be able to get something to eat and not be going hungry because they had forgotten their money at the stall or at home. Empty stomachs don’t do well in the competition ring in any discipline. I thought this was a terrific idea.

Finally I should add that the international level competitors were very clear that they would not be eating anything spicy or heavy (i.e. fries and gravy) before they rode but would tuck in after they had finished competing for the day. Not ONE person at any level of competition mentioned the word diet.

So there you have it! Do let me know if you have any favourites that did not make it onto the list.