A question for all Welsh D experts

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LindaS

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I've got a 3 year old (this year, born 24.4.2004) Welsh D gelding. I think he is very nice and there is not much wrong with him. I took him to three spring shows for in-hand classes, 5 classes in total, 3 different judges and he didn't even get placed. he was well prepared, behaved perfectly, stood for the judge and trotted up nicely when asked.
The others were nice as well but I wouldn't say they were all better than my pony.
I would be grateful for some honest opinions, if there is anything obvious wrong with him. I've got some good photos but haven't yet worked out how to load them up.
If some of you would like to help me, let me know (PM or email) and I'll send you the photos and some more info.
Thanks in advance

Linda
 
Hi I'll upload them for you- I'm a fellow section D owner!
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I wouldn't be too disheartened - showing is very arbitrary, especially at local level. I had better not say too much, but showing is essentially a beauty pageant, maybe your boy will do better when he is able to demonstrate his ridden skills.
 
Should have also said what sooty has just said! It is all very much down to the judges opinion on what they like. I was once told by a friend and judge that my section D would never make it in showing as he's 'not got the confirmation for it' and he's 'nothing special' but I never let it stop me- I go out and enjoy the day out and sometimes we do get placed (he's been known to beat some one who wins everything before) so he must please some people. One man's trash is another man's treasure!
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You can PM me photos if you like - not that I'd describe myself as a D expert mind!
Some reasons that I see decent animals down the line are;-
1. immaturity/lack of condition
2. Was he up against colts - an entire always has an advantage over a gelding
3. Movement is v.important for Ds - is he a 'flashy' mover? If his action is good are you running him correctly - i.e almost flat out - I see a lot of newcomers to D showing running their animals too slowly and not getting the best out of them.
4. Colour and markings are also important for Ds - though not moreso than conformation.
5. Has he got the 'look at me' attitude - a succsesful in hand D youngster tends not to be calm, quiet and perfectly behaved - he should have manners but still look very bullish and presency.
Just a few things to think about.
Some judges will be happy to explain why you were down the line if you ask them after the class and not in an aggressive manner.
 
If it was at local level, I can only imagine you were in with older stock and he looked young in comparison.

As also said, you have to run them out to get their full movement. I was placed 2nd at all the county shows I did, then last year was ill but still competed, ran out, but no where near as well as I could do and was ill in the ring.

Needless to say, we weren't placed as she just wasn't able to show off like she can do!!

If you want to PM me some pics I can have a look, but some D's when they run out definatly have a look at me quality about them!!
 
Well, I know nothing about showing so probably shouldn't take part in this post but he's gorgeous! What a lovely face.
And happy birthday to him for tomorrow.
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He's a nice type - how is he bred?

Ok, a few honest observations for you (as you asked)...

He lacks top line and has a poor back end and no 2nd thigh. These little cobs are power houses and your little man doesn't scream power at the moment. He has a good front but the back end doesn't match yet. This won't really change until he starts to do some work although there are little things you can do to disguise it.

Turnout wise, his mane is quite untidy and his tail is too long and has been 'banged'. He really should have his tail 'switched' just below his hocks. This will help to make his backend look bigger too. His mane could be levelled off a bit just to keep it neat.

He's a nice sort and I'm sure you will have a lot of fun with him.
 
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