Complete showing novice ! Native Ridden

[Hoof_Prints]

Hello, hoping someone can tell me the ins and outs of showing. I have done it once at a local show, but that is it.
I recently bought a 14.2hh 4yo Connemara gelding, he has a fantastic temperament and I think he would do very well showing, but I am clueless on where you go, what you need and how it works!

I probably don't have much in the way of showing gear, I have my hunting ratcatcher attire and GP or jumping style tack. I am based in Leicestershire so if anyone could kindly point me in the right direction of where to go and what to do, I would really appreciate it

Thanks in advance !

 

[1life]

Native showing can be great fun with a huge variety of breeds in 1 class!
Traditional tweed outfit and tack is the norm but the jods are getting a little more yellow!!! Look up the breed society for your breed for info on how the Connemara should be turned out.

Going to watch a class, or finding a video online, would give you a better idea

Have fun and good luck

 

[Crackerz]

Welcome to the native world! My YO has a yard full of Connies, she shows up to HOYS level so they are pretty special

I've also been doing New Forest breed classes for a number of years myself

You:
Tweed
Shirt
Tie (not stock)
brown gloves
show whip/cane
long boots
beige/canary jods
Navy hat

Pony:
Plain hunter style bridle - noseband width would depend on what your ponies head is like
Snaffle for novice, ideally pelham or double for opens (local level would be fine in snaffle though)
Discreet numnah
Your GP saddle would be ok
Tidy pulled mane, but not plaiting length (6-8" but again, depends on type of pony)
keep tail long but banged and tidy


Where are you based? Any photo's?

 

[itroteverywhere]

Some good advice on what to wear already.

Once you're in the ring, you often see more inexperienced combinations doing very lengthy, complicated individual shows. I think it's better (assuming the judge hasn't told you to do something else, which they do sometimes do) to do something simple eg. trot away from the judge, immediately change rein in trot (with nice lengthened strides to show your pony's movement), canter in the first corner after you've changed rein and immediately change rein again in canter but changing your lead leg through trot (so you essentially will have done a figure of 8 at this point), gallop/ big canter down the long side, come back to halt as quickly and tidily as you can, drop your reins and give the judge a nod/salute/grin(!).

And when you're going round as a ride, keep everything nice and forward. I think the biggest skill is being able to find your own space without cutting other people up or getting stuck behind someone on a half-asleep donkey. If possible, as you're going in, try and stick yourself behind someone who is on a horse that (a) is a different colour to yours, (b) working at a decent pace, (c) isn't trying to kill everything else in the ring - easier said than done!!

 

[Hoof_Prints]

Thankyou, very helpful advice and much appreciated! I am more of a hunter / team chaser/ jumping type rider so it's a different world to me I have produced a few Connemaras, but they have been the more sporty type and I competed them in jumping, eventing etc. This chap is a good little jumper but I think it would be a shame not to focus him more on showing and dressage as he has such good movement and is a cracking example of the breed. I will try to add some photos. I am based in the midlands Leicestershire, so anywhere near there is easy to get to.

Thanks

 

[Crackerz]

He's sweet - he has a massive amount of maturing to do too! He looks tiny bless him

That nice full mane makes his neck look weaker than it is, i'd get working on that straight away

If he jumps well, try the novice workers too?

 

[BBP]

I can't answer your question but he is stunning. Where did you get him? My sister is looking for a Connie just like him with the X factor to replace her Mr Perfect who is pretty much retired now.