As winter breezes touch the Island, people are digging into trunks and closets for sweaters and coats. Animals, if they need a winter coat, have to grow it themselves. On Oct. 28 the Martha’s Vineyard Horse Council celebrates that special time of year when horses grow fuzzier with its annual Fall Fuzzy horse show at the Agricultural Fairgrounds in West Tisbury.

In more formal shows, the spectators would see horses with their coats closely clipped and their manes tightly braided, but this is the Martha’s Vineyard Fall Fuzzy and it’s all about fun and good horsemanship.

Show organizer Lisa Nivala said there’s a lot going on, and formal attire is not required. “All you need is a safety helmet, boots, and a horse.”

Warm-ups begin at 7:30 a.m., the show itself at 9 a.m. The leadline division, sponsored by Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank, is the chance for the youngest riders to take their turn around the show ring with a helpful adult leading their pony. Thanks to the bank’s sponsorship, there is no charge to participate in leadline classes. Leadline is restricted to age 12 and under.

“There will be some jumping, some short stirrups,” said Ms. Nivala. “Not any high fences, but there will be a timed jumper division. There’s also some gymkhana games, like Sit-a-Buck (where participants have a dollar bill tucked under their seat, and the one to keep it there longest while riding wins), Egg and Spoon, Izzy Dizzy. There’s also a trail class, thanks to the MV Community Horse Center. They have amazing trail class props that they’ve set up for us.”

The gymkhana games will be in the regular ring this year by the judge’s stand.

“It’s kind of a neat day to go to the fairgrounds,” Ms. Nivala continued, “because the winter farmer’s market will be in the Ag hall.”

Bowing to the upcoming holiday, the show will also have a costume class. Horses and riders will be dressed in their best Halloween creation.

“It’s fun,” said Ms. Nivala. “We want to make it the kind of event that, if someone’s on the fence about coming, if they aren’t used to showing or they have that horse or pony in the backyard, they’ll feel free to come and have fun with their horse.”

Judge Steve Lampson is traveling from Pompano, Fla. to award ribbons and judge the show.

“I love this show,” said Mr. Lampson. “The kids are just so great. They’re such good sports. They all root for each other.”

This will be the 14th time Mr. Lampson has judged the fall horse show on Martha’s Vineyard. He holds 14 judge’s cards, meaning he is certified to judge all types of riding. He judges Saddle Seat, Western, Hunt Seat, Equitation, Driving and also the Color Breeds and travels around the world for these competitions. He’s even been a judge in figure skating.

“I try to pass on to the kids to have fun,” he said. “When you go to a show, enjoy and learn. Every time you go in the ring, you’re learning. If you make a mistake, you can learn something. I tell them, whatever happens, happens, and don’t worry about the outcome.”

Show sponsors include Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank (MVSB), Cronig’s, Martha’s Vineyard Pottery, SBS the Grain Store, Patti Roads Health Coach, FIT Foam Insulation Technology and MV Color and Finish.