Disabled child doing in hand class, too risky?

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katymay

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We are taking our boys to a fun horse show tomorrow and entering some classes, the emphasis on this show is fun and that all can join in,
We will probably do best mane and tail, most handsome gelding etc, and already have permission to have more than one helper for my disabled son, i.e one leading and one assisting in class.
The first class is a child handler class, Rocket who we are taking is a star and so well behaved so trust him completely, trouble is Jack will be in his walking frame with Daddy helping behind, I have no qualms about Jacks ability to handle Rocket but am just a little concerned about how the other horses or ponies might react to it?
would you give it a try or just forget that class and put it down to too risky?
many thanks,
Can only offer coffee today as I need to go shopping!
 
I would go for it and see how it goes. You can always leave if it doesn't go to plan. And you'll never know if you don't try!
 
Personally I think its a bit risky as in child handler you have to walk and trot. Is there a class he can do that just walks in and lines up like best turned out or prettiest pony or the likes? Im just thinking of the other ponies as some may not like the walking frame and in a stand still class you can stand at either end of the line so you have space to move if things go pear shaped.
 
I would try it. It is supoosed to be a fun show for everyone so that includes your boy. If the other ponies play up because of the frame then you can always leave the ring.
 
There is a child handler near here who does their classes with their electric wheelchair. Not one other pony in the classes have ever turned a hair. I know that none of mine would look twice at a walking frame. Good luck!
 
If I was judging the class and other horses reacted to Jack and his walking frame - they would be at the bottom of the line!

I would say go for it. Life is a risk and no fun if none are taken. Daddy is there to assist if necessary. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Big boost for moral to have a go.
 
I would also say go for it, having met Jack and seen how my horses reacted so well to him in his frame most ponies at the show should be fine, agree with foxhunter any that behave badly would be down the line.
Have a great day and stop stressing:)
 
Go for it!

If it is a show for all then he should be welcomed and accommodated. I bet he will love it and what a confidence boost for him.

Plenty of pictures as well please xx
 
Foxhunter49 said:
If I was judging the class and other horses reacted to Jack and his walking frame - they would be at the bottom of the line!
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you are supposed to judge the child not the pony, it should depend on how the child coped with the pony reacting.

op would your son be able to trot the pony up? if not then i would stick to the other classes, if he can then i would go for it
 
Thank you all for lots of lovely positive replies, im so excited I could burst.
because its fun classes they are not expected to do individual shows so no trotting required :D
although Jack cant half motor in his walker if needs be as its on wheels so trotting wouldnt be an issue!
 
Definitely do it. Especially as they are fun classes. He has as much right to present his horse as anyone.
 
Was about to say as they are fun classes no trotting up should be required, but OP beat me to it!! Ive a friend who is disabled & he struggles to walk (though doesnt need a frame), but hes shown successfully inhand (& won on many occasions).....hes actually shown at the Royal Welsh, which for those of you that dont know if a HUGE show!! Good luck to Jack & hope you have a lovely day....pics are a must!!! :)
 
Oh please, you must do it. Such enormous fun for your son. If he can't trot the pony up - he walks it up.
 
I have judged many child handler classes and I'm afraid I would expect a trot up. I don't expect them to trot for Best Mane and Tail, Handsome Gelding etc but Child Handler is all about how the child handles the pony. I would expect to see them stand the pony for the judge (or try to) and to walk away from the judge and trot back past the judge and around the corner.

I always judge handler classes with a points sytem. Marks out of ten for what the child is wearing, marks out of ten for how they present the pony, marks out of ten for the trot up and listening to what I say as I always tell each child to trot straight back towards me. Then as a tie breaker I use half marks for overall impression. I do not mind the child having a helper but they will lose marks if the helper has to actually help - if that makes sense.

I have sat here and debated with myself what I would do if I were to be presented with your son in the ring. The thing is that your son should be treated fairly and equally, however all the others should be treated fairly and equally too. Mnnn dilemma. Perhaps make sure his turnout is immaculate, make sure he know how to stand the pony up for the judge, make sure he walks away from the judge turns the correct way (you would be surprised at how many don't) and walk straight back to the judge (the judge will get out the way) and continue past.

Please let us know how to get on :)
 
I would definitely give it a go, everybody there should have the same attitude in that it is a fun class, so if the walker did upset another pony, it wouldn't be the end of the world.

I would imagine the other ponies won't mind at all and Jack will have great fun :D
 
I'd definitely give it a go, it sounds like a fab outing for your son and his pony! Sometimes there's just no logic to what our lovely equines will have a paddy about....mine was fine with tractors, combines the other side of a hedge, heavy/fast traffic...you name it. Dandelions however, whole different ball game! When I broke my foot and was on crutches, my horse didn't bat an eyelid at the crutches, neither did any other horse/pony on the yard come to think of it. Lud just wondered if they were a new and novel way of hiding carrots so had to be sniffed and licked just in case.

I'd say go for it, enjoy turning out a gorgeous little pony and son...and post lots of pics!
 
Definitely do it. If it is just a fun show then I wouldn't see why they'd have to trot up anyway and who cares if they did and yours couldn't. Fine, on a technicality that may mean you wouldn't be placed in that class but surely it's more about having the funin the first place and getting the experience. Go for it! :D
 
Perissa said:
I have judged many child handler classes and I'm afraid I would expect a trot up. I don't expect them to trot for Best Mane and Tail, Handsome Gelding etc but Child Handler is all about how the child handles the pony. I would expect to see them stand the pony for the judge (or try to) and to walk away from the judge and trot back past the judge and around the corner.

I always judge handler classes with a points sytem. Marks out of ten for what the child is wearing, marks out of ten for how they present the pony, marks out of ten for the trot up and listening to what I say as I always tell each child to trot straight back towards me. Then as a tie breaker I use half marks for overall impression. I do not mind the child having a helper but they will lose marks if the helper has to actually help - if that makes sense.

I have sat here and debated with myself what I would do if I were to be presented with your son in the ring. The thing is that your son should be treated fairly and equally, however all the others should be treated fairly and equally too. Mnnn dilemma. Perhaps make sure his turnout is immaculate, make sure he know how to stand the pony up for the judge, make sure he walks away from the judge turns the correct way (you would be surprised at how many don't) and walk straight back to the judge (the judge will get out the way) and continue past.

Please let us know how to get on :)
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Perissa in a case such as this I feel that he should be judged on what he is able to do. So a fully able-bodied child who can do a trot up, should be judged as such. This little chap can handle a pony AND his walking frame and apparently go quite fast, so I would hope that could be judged on an equal level, given the differing abilities?
 
Yes, do it! I think it's great that his disability isn't holding him back with horses. Just remember us when he's at the Paralympics. ;)
 
perhaps make sure he is around with his walker before the class so the other ponies can have a look at it first! as you don't want to upset other little kids if their pony spooks at it. but ultimately at shows ponies have to except different things being around, like buggies ect.
sounds like fun :)
 
Jools2345 said:
you are supposed to judge the child not the pony, it should depend on how the child coped with the pony reacting.

op would your son be able to trot the pony up? if not then i would stick to the other classes, if he can then i would go for it
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Allowances can always be made at unofficial shows!
 
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