Before you even think about going to a
show, make sure that you have practised your in-hand show at home so that
your horse or pony knows what he will be expected to do. The in hand class
starts with all the competitors walking around the ring, then each will be
requested to trot along one side of the ring so that the judge can see the
animal move. Once the animals are lined up each will be asked to do an
individual display which usually involves walking away from the judge, then
trotting back towards the judge in a straight line and round the back of the
line-up into line. Make sure that your horse or pony leads correctly; it
doesn’t look good if you are dragging him along, or if he is dragging you!
Aim for a nice bouncy rhythm, practise keeping the same speed, don’t
continually speed up and slow down, this spoils the look of the horses
movement. During your in-hand schooling make sure that you can turn your
horse or pony easily in hand both at walk and trot. Top Tip; Get a friend to
watch you and tell you when the pace looks good. The stand up for the
judge is important. Practise standing your horse to show him off at his
best, front legs together, hind legs with one limb slightly behind the
other. Keep his attention, he’ll need to look interested with his ears
pricked, nothing looks worse than a pony standing in the ring with his nose
poked out and ears flat back! Top tip; Make sure that you have something in
your pocket for getting his attention, a rustly piece of paper works well.
Well before the show make sure that you have a nice quality in hand bridle
that fits correctly. This needs to be clean and supple and usually has a
leather lead rope. Top Tip; If you a showing a native pony check out the
societies rules, for example it is usual to show Welsh Section A C and D
fillies in a white webbing halter. Your own attire should be neat and
tidy. Wear either a hard hat or trilby, tie up long hair. A shirt tie and
jacket with trousers and good shoes that you can run in are suitable for in
hand classes. Top Tip; If you are showing a horse with dark legs try to
avoid wearing dark trousers at this makes it difficult for the judge to see
the horses movement. When you and your horse are ready, plan your shows
carefully, make sure that schedules are obtained and entries sent in good
time. Classes are usually divided into adult and young stock. There are
often in-hand classes for native ponies, and a variety of other types of
animals. Top Tip; Read the schedule thoroughly and make sure that you enter
the correct class for your animal. The day before the show your horse or
pony will need to be prepared. The best way to get him looking his best is
to bath him with a good quality shampoo, use mane and tail gloss on his
mane, tail and coat. A fleece rug with wicking properties is ideal as an
under a rug to dry him off, and we always use a hood as this keeps our
horses clean and keeps manes laid on the correct side and free from shavings
or straw. When tails are nearly dry plait them up overnight, this will give
the tail a full look when brushed out the next day. Top Tip; We always use
Elegance Shampoo and Elegance Coat Gloss & Detangler, it gives a great shine
and our ponies always look immaculate. Trimming and clipping can be done
at the same time as bathing or a few days earlier. Correct trimming can
enhance good points and will make your horse look tidy and well presented.
Top tip; when showing natives make sure that you check out each of the breed
society rules on trimming. On the day of the show make sure that you
arrive in plenty of time. Take your horse or pony for a walk around then
brush out his mane and tail, give him a brush over and apply coat gloss if
needed. Before you go into the ring oil feet and apply a bit of baby oil
around the eyes and muzzle, get a friend to give you a last minute brush
over just before you go into the ring. Top tip: Always use thin black
elastic for your number, string or raffia looks scruffy and amateurish.
Once in the ring showmanship is important, you want the judge to see you so
make sure that you keep a good distance between you and the other animals in
the ring. Keep an eye on the judge so that you don’t miss your call in.
Watch how other competitors do their show and make sure that you listen to
the judge or stewards instructions. Concentrate on keeping your horses
attention and make sure that whenever you are standing still that he is
standing correctly. Top tip; During the class, look confident, stand up
straight and don’t hurry your show, keep your eye on the judge whilst in the
line up so that you can make sure that if he/she is looking in your
direction that you and your horse are alert and well presented. Good luck!
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