bit question/showing

[pixiebee]

im entering best ridden mountain and moorland (affilaited) at a local show in a few weeks. im happy with my gear except which bit? I have a double bridle but its black and my saddle is brown so thats out the window. I am going with a brown saddle/plain bridle- i was planning to take him in a wilkie snaffle but cant help thinking atleast a pelham would look smarter. or is this in-correct? Id need to find some plain brown reins from somewhere though! second question, whats the best 'show' to do to show off a new forest pony in this type of class and what will the judge be looking for? i know this is in the wrong forum but im impatient and the other forum is quiet!

 

[Irishcobs]

Should be a pelham. Unless your under 16?
I always do the same show, works for all classes I've done.
Walk out to judge, halt, walk away from judge, trot at corner, trot figure of 8, canter figure of 8, one trot stride change. Trot towards judge, halt, salute. Finish.

Good luck.

 

[virtual]

[ QUOTE ]
Should be a pelham. Unless your under 16?


[/ QUOTE ]

For showing most ponies in open classes will be in 2 reins (pelham or double), whatever the age of the person - I was using double reins at 8 years old!

If your pony goes well in a pelham or double, go in that (the colour of tack really doesn't matter that much as long as it's plain and complements your pony's head). If your pony doesn't go well in one of those bits at the moment, you're much better to settle for what he's used to.

For the show you need to show a trot (one rein is fine) a canter on each rein and an exptended canter or gallop. Most people will go out, trot one loop, canter one loop, then extend down the long side.

The judge will be looking for correct conformation, a pony that is true to type (conforms to the breed standard of the breed it is), straightness and soundness, manners and way of going.

 

[Theresa_F]

If a double bit is too much, but you want to use a double bridle and "look the part" then get a rugby show pelham. This has an extra ring that you can attach the sliphead to.

Apart from one TB who went well in the double, I have used rugby pelhams for the rest of my horses when showing as they had small mouths and thick tongues and were far happy in the pelham.

You can use a wilkie show snaffle in novice classes.

Have fun and good luck.

 

[virtual]

Rugby pelhams often don't suit horse's heads (they are better for ponies), and although they imitate a double, they really don't look like one, so it's best to see what your horse suits (a double, normal pelham or rugby pelham), rather than just trying a rugby.

 

[FMM]

I would never trot towards the judge at any point if the show, particularly at the end! The is the most unflattering angle you could choose. Do your gallop, then finish with a trot so the judge can see the side of you and not head on. You don't have to be standing next to the judge to do your salute. You can easily be 30 feet away which will look much better.

 

[harrihjc]

Backing up what FMM just said, I was always told not to trot towards the judge, but aim to finish at an angle and distance away that would allow the judge to take a perfect side on photo of your horse.