Nov 25, 2024

What's New with ShowConnect in November 2024?

Christina Gray of Gray Area Events has been a fantastic supporter of ShowConnect. USEA/Atalya Boytner photo

ShowConnect, the innovative event management system for equestrian events, has undergone significant enhancements over the past few months. The development team has been working tirelessly to improve user experience, streamline processes, and add new features that cater to the diverse needs of competitors, fans, and event organizers. Let's explore the latest updates that make ShowConnect an even more powerful tool for the equestrian community.

For Competitors and Fans:

The ShowConnect team has focused on making the platform more user-friendly and informative for both competitors and spectators. Here are some of the key improvements:

  • Enhanced Public Scoring Display: Competitors can now see real-time updates for all their tracked fields without refreshing the browser. We've added color-coding to make information easier to read and separated phase scores for a clearer view of competition progress. A new "locked headers" feature keeps result headings visible as you scroll through results. Plus, the new scoring search lets you filter results by division and easily find specific competitors or pinnies, with the search results clearly highlighted.
  • Improved Entry Lists: The public entry list now features simplified filter labels and clickable entry details, allowing users to access information about riders and horses more easily.
  • Expanded Event Information: Additional details such as dressage judge names and locations, optimum times, and time limits for various phases are now readily available, providing a more complete picture of each event.
  • Mobile-Friendly Updates: The mobile version of ShowConnect has been optimized for better readability and navigation, ensuring that users can stay updated on-the-go.

For Event Organizers and Managers:

Event organizers will find a host of new tools and improvements designed to make event management more efficient and accurate:

  • Flexible Event Setup: New options for setting up various event types, including FEI divisions and Classic Three-Day Events, provide more versatility in event organization.
  • Advanced Scoring Capabilities: Scoring support for FEI & Classic Three-Day Events with expanding support for multiple judge scoring, endurance phase details for Classic Series divisions, and improved calculation of time and jump penalties across all disciplines.
  • Enhanced Entry Management: The "Manage Entries" page is now faster and more efficient. It includes new filters and sorting options, making it easier to find what you need. You can also quickly verify entry requirements like signatures for a smoother management process.
  • Improved Reporting: New report types have been added, including FEI reports, passport labels, and enhanced financial reports. Existing reports have been refined for better clarity and usability.
  • Streamlined Inspections: A new vet check-in functionality and improved inspection tracking for FEI and Classic Three-Day Events have been implemented, allowing for better management of horse welfare throughout competitions.

System-Wide Enhancements:

In addition to user-facing improvements, ShowConnect has undergone significant behind-the-scenes upgrades:

  • Performance Optimization: The system has been fine-tuned for faster loading times and improved overall performance, especially in the scoring module.
  • Bug Fixes: Numerous bugs have been addressed, including issues with invoicing, stabling assignments, and various calculation errors in scoring.
  • Data Accuracy: Improvements in data handling and validation ensure more accurate information across all aspects of event management.

These updates represent ShowConnect's commitment to providing a comprehensive, user-friendly platform for the equestrian community. By continually refining and expanding its features, ShowConnect aims to enhance the experience of organizing, competing in, and following equestrian events.

For more information about ShowConnect and to explore its features, visit ShowConnect.org. Whether you're an event organizer, competitor, or fan, ShowConnect is dedicated to making your equestrian experience smoother and more enjoyable.

About ShowConnect

ShowConnect has been designed with the future in mind. The system provides the critical features event organizers need to register, schedule, and score an event, but also provides many additional features to all sized events that would not be cost-effective by any other means. It’s designed to allow the flow of information, and in the future, transactions securely in real-time to and from the people and organizations who interact with your event.

ShowConnect facilitates the management of event entries by accepting manual entries and imports from Xentry, the USEA’s online entry system. Additionally, import options into ShowConnect are set to expand, enhancing its flexibility and ease of use.

ShowConnect provides one location with everything needed to run an event, state-of-the-art technology, enhanced scoring systems, real-time updates, easy accessibility, and support for organizers and secretaries when you need it most. Click here to learn more about ShowConnect.

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“Happy Horse Equals Happy Judge”: Ask An Expert with Dressage Judge Peter Gray, Brought to You by Ride iQ

Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.

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