Dos and don'ts for a first led rein outing?

[abbijay]

My kids are my horse's biggest fans - he is now ours not mine and I have been promising them for a long time that I will take them to a show. They're 4 1/2 yo twins, he's over height for proper lead rein classes (by more than a hand or 2...) and because he's so big I only want them to walk without a helper. I have found a local riding club with 2 classes they can do - best turned out and thelwell type. It's just a chance for them to each have a go - they support us so passionately at all our competitions and love "their" Alfie-Pony so much I feel I owe it to them the chance to win a rosette of their own. https://goo.gl/images/hfzZUr Picture in case you want to see what an Alfie-Pony looks like.
I have showed him plenty - I am not expecting anything other than his usual calm demeanour but I will allow plenty of time in case I need to get on him first. He is a sensible old man these days and will walk/trot/halt/back up very easily when led and stands well.
The thing is lead rein is such a different thing to what I'm used to! Do I need a leather lead or will my white cotton rope that I use for in hand do? I know normal rules state attached to the noseband for lead rein but, just in case, I would feel much happier connected to his bit - if I have to use a leather rein do I need a leather or chain coupling? Do they have to wear gloves or, being so small, will bare hands for grip be ok?
Should I carry my show cane?
Is there anything else obvious that I haven't thought of? don't worry I'm not expecting to win, I just want to give the kids a nice day out but also don't want a patronising judge to have a reason not to place them.

 

[Shay]

Do just check the best turned out is in fact mounted - it could be an in hand class judging just the horse alone. He isn't really a thelwell type - in fact he'll dwarf the rest of the class by quite some! He is totally gorgeous - but not thelwell. Is there a family pony class? He'd do very well in that. Or fancy dress if he will take it? You can't do affiliated or higher level unaffiliated lead rein - but you may well be fine at a small show. If there is no specified height limit - why not?!

Ideally - yes a leather lead rein. Especially if you are going for best turn out. You are going to have to check with the secretary if a lead rein attached to the bit would be permissible - it usually isn't. If it is then yes a newmarket coupling would be better than attaching the rein directly.

They should wear gloves - especially if going for best turned out. You can get very thin ones from shires with a pimple grip with are probably the easiest for tiny hands. not the thick woolly ones - the thin cotton ones.

 

[abbijay]

Do just check the best turned out is in fact mounted - it could be an in hand class judging just the horse alone. He isn't really a thelwell type - in fact he'll dwarf the rest of the class by quite some! He is totally gorgeous - but not thelwell. Is there a family pony class? He'd do very well in that. Or fancy dress if he will take it? You can't do affiliated or higher level unaffiliated lead rein - but you may well be fine at a small show. If there is no specified height limit - why not?!

I have no intention of doing higher level stuff - he and I have done our bit at affiliated showing but this is purely a fun outing for the kids! I have specifically picked this show as it does not have a height limit on their lead rein stuff - I think they understand that not everyone can afford to have lots of ponies at home.

Don't worry I have checked and best turned out is in hand, ridden or lead rein. There is no family pony class or fancy dress at this show, and while I appreciate that at 18.1hh he might not be your average Thelwell I can certainly fluff him up a bit and in one respect what is more Thelwell than a comically over-horsed tot? As I said, we're not looking to win, just a bit of fun.

 

[Shay]

I think he'd look gorgeous in a thelwell class. He just isn't a classic thelwell type! Have loads of fun and post photos. He looks completely lovely!

 

[catroo]

I think he'll go down a storm in best thelwell, he'll tower over the rest which will no doubt put a smile on everyone's faces.

OP- if I was judging him then the height/rider size wouldn't matter in best turned out. Placing would be on turnout so Leather lead for you, coupling on the bit if needed and gloves on the child. Clean feet and boots, at that height the judge will easily be able to see the bottom of the child's boots so give them a wipe once on board.

In Thelwell his type isn't necessarily correct so I'd put him behind ponies more suitable but wouldn't have any problem with him being in the class and certainly wouldn't say anything negative. Any judge that does that in these classes shouldn't be judging.
Not sure what the class list option is but I'd say family pony, handsome gelding, pony judge would most like to take home etc

In thelwell all riders usually get a rosette but probably not in turned out. Not saying you won't place but in instances like this I do smuggle rosettes from home just in case so they both have something!

 

[WelshD]

Never attach a lead rein to the bit, that won't go down well at all

Sometimes you do get the odd show where there is no height limit for the lead rein class. Even if there is you can always elect to go in HC (non competative) you won't get placed but it would take a very hard hearted steward not to find a kiddy a 'special' rosette

Your two classes sound OK though, I would imagine you'll attract a lot of nice attention in the Thelwell class