Coastal Hunter Circuit shares how modern show technology is reshaping the day-to-day reality of running hunter/jumper competitions.

Recently, Lindsay from Horse Spot sat down with show secretary Daryle-Lynn Roberts of the Coastal Hunter Circuit to discuss how technology has transformed the show office experience.

For decades, the Coastal Hunter Circuit has been a fixture of the Lowcountry equestrian community. Established in the early-to-mid 1980s, the circuit provides accessible hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from lesson students to IEA and IHSA competitors.

Today, the circuit welcomes 60–80 entries per show and continues to host two rings, adapting its schedule based on participation. While the heart of the shows remains rooted in tradition, the work behind the scenes has evolved significantly.

From Competitor to Show Secretary

After competing on the circuit in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Daryle-Lynn returned in 2020 as a rider and assistant trainer. A leg injury in late 2022 prompted her transition into the show office.

Before adopting Horse Spot, the administrative workload was familiar to many show offices nationwide: emailed entry forms, manual data entry, communication across inboxes and social media, and primarily cash or check payments.

"We weren’t necessarily looking for anything new, but we knew there had to be a more efficient option."

A More Connected Show Day

After discovering Horse Spot in 2025, the shift was immediate.

“The biggest change has been rider and family involvement — being able to follow along and track the schedule and results in real time.”

With the ring scheduler and mobile access to class lists and results, families can better manage busy weekends.

“We have families with multiple kids in multiple sports. Being able to follow along and know when they need to be at the ring has been huge.”

The platform has also improved collaboration among staff and volunteers.

“We’re no longer limited to one computer. Our announcer can input results, and I can make scratches or schedule adjustments from my phone if I step out to the ring.”

A Faster, Smoother Show Office

The most meaningful impact has been on efficiency.

“Checkout is much quicker, and having division champions calculated automatically helps tremendously. If someone misses an announcement, they can simply check the results online, which keeps everyone connected and prevents unnecessary traffic in the office.”

Mobile access has reduced interruptions and streamlined communication across the show grounds.

“Our volunteers at in-gate and announcing have noticed a difference, and parents have commented on how much easier checkout is.”

Technology Built for Horse Shows

For Daryle-Lynn, the value lies in having technology designed specifically for the equestrian community.

“Horse Spot understands the importance of not having to hunt down information or backtrack to get from A to B. It’s efficient and helps things flow.”

She also appreciates the ability to reduce paper use and offer features like digital ribbons, which riders enjoy sharing online.

Lastly, Daryle-Lynn loves that she can get a helper in the show office to squeeze in a class. How many secretaries get to manage shows and ride in them?

A Better Horse Show Experience

Ultimately, progress comes down to one word: efficiency.

“No one likes to sit around and wait all day. Keeping things flowing helps both people and horses have a better overall experience.”

After multiple seasons using Horse Spot, her conclusion is simple:

“It’s a lifesaver. It simplifies the overall experience for show staff, exhibitors, and families.”

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