Coloured Classes

OdinsMum

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Hi Folks,

I’m going to view a traditional coloured on Friday in hopes of buying him.

My concern is he isn’t evenly coloured; he is mostly white. Would this go against us in any coloured classes?

The last time I entered my old tri coloured in a class (years and years ago) I was told there was no such thing and asked to leave the ring.

TIA
 
It is far less important than whether has correct conformation, is of the right type, moves well etc. the way he is marked should not be taken into account but it will come down to the judges preference on the day, a horse with even markings will be more attractive at first glance.
When you view, if you want to show him, try and imagine whether you would like him if he was plain, whether he has presence, whether you actually like his temperament and want to spend a lot of time with him for many years ahead, if he will first and foremost be your pleasure horse that is far more important than his markings.
 
Have a look at some of the big photographers photos- it doesn’t make any difference these days :) I took our mainly black to RIHS and was in a class of blagdons up to almost full white.
 
Mine is mostly black, with markings just like a Belted Galloway (but luckily not the conformation to match!).

Whilst conformation should take priority over colour, obviously colour does matter, otherwise there wouldn't be much point in having separate classes for coloureds. Sometimes as with all showing it comes down to judge's preference (a lot don't like too much white about the head), but I think when looking at a coloured horse, what you don't want is any markings that are detrimental to the overall look/conformation of the horse.

This is where the original idea of "even markings" comes from - basically the more evenly marked, the better the overall conformation/picture will look. If you look at a horse from the rear and it has one coloured quarter and one white, the white side will generally look weaker than the solid one. Same with the legs.

Having said all that, if you are just thinking about showing as an add on to everything else you will be doing with this horse, his markings are the least important thing of all! I hope the viewing goes well :)
 
Markings do not matter provided they do not detract from the conformation of the horse.

They introduced coloured classes because there used to be a huge bias against coloured horses in the open classes, not because they wanted to judge their markings.
Still is a huge bias in some classes, ive neever seen a coloured do well in a hack class for example.
 
Markings do not matter provided they do not detract from the conformation of the horse.

They introduced coloured classes because there used to be a huge bias against coloured horses in the open classes, not because they wanted to judge their markings.
Still is a huge bias in some classes, ive neever seen a coloured do well in a hack class for example.

Generally because some coloureds have truly shocking conformation! True hack and show pony people dont want to cross with a coloured for colour. They want bays and blacks, even chestnuts aren't really wanted. You get the occassional good coloured as a hunter/show hunter pony but they only do very well in coloured classes and get dropped a few places in their other classes.

I have a coloured shetland and there is still a huge coloured bias in them amongst old school judges. If it isnt black you had better hope its chestnut! If not then it has to be bay or grey! But a multi-coloured standard? Pft! I choose my judges very wisely!
 
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