Affiliated showing for dummies

He's lovely, and if I had him I would definitely do the RIHS Amateur qualifiers with SHBGB. There are two classes normally, lightweights and smalls together, and middleweights and heavyweights together. Two of each weight/size qualify from each class, so you don't have to win to qualify. In my experience, going well for the judge is the most important thing. There are no mark schemes; the two judges confer and decide together, and it invariably seems to be a case of the ride judge stating his/her preferences and the conformation judge validating that or helping to make a decision with reference to conformation.

Definitely a wider noseband and straight top boots as AdorableAlice says. You can get nosebands up to 2 inches in width from Fylde saddlery online. I also would change the saddle for something a bit straighter cut at the front (whp style not totally straight as some judges have long legs and need somewhere to put their knees!), closer contact all over, and positioned further back behind the shoulder, but don't let that put you off entering with what you've got.
 
He's lovely, and if I had him I would definitely do the RIHS Amateur qualifiers with SHBGB. There are two classes normally, lightweights and smalls together, and middleweights and heavyweights together. Two of each weight/size qualify from each class, so you don't have to win to qualify. In my experience, going well for the judge is the most important thing. There are no mark schemes; the two judges confer and decide together, and it invariably seems to be a case of the ride judge stating his/her preferences and the conformation judge validating that or helping to make a decision with reference to conformation.

Definitely a wider noseband and straight top boots as AdorableAlice says. You can get nosebands up to 2 inches in width from Fylde saddlery online. I also would change the saddle for something a bit straighter cut at the front (whp style not totally straight as some judges have long legs and need somewhere to put their knees!), closer contact all over, and positioned further back behind the shoulder, but don't let that put you off entering with what you've got.

Very helpful advice, to which I would add, make sure your leathers and irons are long enough and wide for a man to get his foot in. Nothing worse than the ride judge handing the reins back to you because he can't get his size 12's in the petite ladies irons you have on your saddle.
 
And the reverse is true too... leathers need to go short enough for a petite female ride judge. I usually keep a set of each in the lorry so that if I get to a show under a judge that I don't know and find that she/he is particularly tall/short I can use stirrups accordingly.

And a pet hate of mine when ride judging is getting on a horse and finding a set of scratty, thin, greasy reins in front of me. Make sure your reins are top quality, with a really good, thick plaited or laced top rein and at least a 5/8ths curb rein, both scrupulously clean. Wipe them before the judge gets on. And if it's wet have something to cover your saddle when you dismount, such as a towel, so that the judge doesn't get a wet bum.
 
Thank you very much that is very helpful, I've had both lady's and male judges ride have had no issues with stirrups or leathers so that's a relief.

I'm looking at getting a jefferies working hunter saddle. My only concern is that the seat is quite deep and I thought show saddles should have a fairly flat seat? Does it matter a huge deal?

When I get my new bridle I will definitely get a thicker nose band 👍🏽Do I go for the 2 inch or slightly less?
 
Colour in some pieces if paper of varying widths and stick them on your horses face one at a time, take a step back and decide which one looks best then go for that width.
 
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