First show help!!

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Vic3gs

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We are still fairly new pony owners and are learning as we go!

Daughters are 9 and 6 and really wanting to get involved in different shows and classes. We have done a couple through Pony Club and another few with a lot of outside help when we 1st took our pony on loan but nothing big ourselves. However this weekend we are going to one which I'm told will be very kid friendly and lots of fun (Cantering optional/all riders can be led etc) and all showing classes...which is just what I think we need to start off with!

I wondered if anyone could help with a few questions I have. Looking at the programme lots of the classes are very straight forward but a few I have never came across...Best combination & Best family pony, the latter had been suggested as the ideal class for our boy but when looked online it seems this is for a larger pony that could accommodate both adult and child (not at the same time!!) he's only 13h (possibly just under) so will it be enough to show both girls riding him? Best combination seems very similar to best ridden and best rider is it possibly to have the same routine for all 3 or am I missing something lol!!

We were told a few exercises to showcase walk, trot, canter on both reins a while back but other than walking past the judge and trotting straight back down I can't really remember can anyone suggest any tips for a successful ridden class?

Can the girls wear there PC ties or is this bad etiquette at a non PC event? Anything also we should remember or need? Both have showing jackets, cream jods and jod clips but I'm stressing I will forget something


We are very lucky to have our own trailer as show goes on most of the day other than haynets, water bucket and obviously tools anything else (best hacks lol) that will make our day easier and more pleasurable?

Lastly the girls ride in a Pelham as pony is VERY strong and they are very light handed, it was recommended to us as a confidence giver and it's worked a treat but is it frowned apon in children's showing classes?

Wow I must sound half crazed...I'm not I promise but do worry about looking like muppets, if you have managed to read to the end any tips and advice is (other than a hip flask of Malbec) are very welcomed!!
 
Best combination is the best match of pony and rider so they just need to show they work well together, trust each other and work well together. Some shows ask for the family pony to be ridden by an adult and a child but, unless the schedule asks for this, one rider will be fine. If he's quite a chunky 13hh he'll probably be the sort they're looking for. Yes the same routine will be fine for all three.

Yes they can wear PC ties and I'd stick with the Pelham if that's what the girls are happy with.

I'd take some snacks for the girls a flask (of coffee not wine!) for you and plenty of layers / spare clothes if the weather's wet. There's nothing more unpleasant than being stuck in cold wet clothes all day. If you travel the pony in a cooler rug I'd also take a warmer one for when he's standing around (if he's normally rugged) and a waterproof one you can throw over the top if he's tied outside while you get ready. An extra blanket or two is handy for those sitting around while one is riding as it can get very cold in these places.

It sounds like it's a nice fun, no pressure show so I'd just go along, enjoy it and learn from it. Have fun and good luck!
 
Thanks so much...that's a great help!

It's quite nerve racking making sure all parties are on best behaviour while trying to remember all 6,345 items that may or may not be needed lol but we are getting there!!

I don't suppose anyone knows where I find find examples of ridden/show class routines or can I just make something simple up?
 
Stand up in a nice halt beside the judge, walk away from judge, tightish turn, trot back and past judge, then do a figure 8 at trot and canter (followed by an extension/gallop on long side if in M&M or SHP classes (or if asked)), and slow up to a halt again with a salute to signal the end of the show.

Good luck...

Fiona
 
Your basic showing class will be -

All walk in together on the right Rein
All trot
All canter
Change the reinon across the diagonal in trot then straight back into canter the other way.
Back to walk
Into line when called.

A simple show would be -
Stand up in front of judge (don't plonk the pony head on, turn and stand so the pony is side on the the judge)
Walk away in a straight line
Trot back on the same line (the judge will move!)
Trot a figure of 8
Canter a figure of 8 with a trot change of Rein
Extend - or just canter - down the long side
Back to trot round to face the judge
Back to walk for a few stride
Halt and salute
Back to the line.

If your kids are not happy cantering in company let the ring steward know and they will make sure they are called in to stand in the middle after the trot whilst everyone else canters. You also do not need to canter in an individual if you are not confident enough for it. You will probably be marked down depending on the class but who cares for your first show! So long as everyone returns home in one piece that's the main thing!

If staying on the lead Rein no cantering will be done at all.

Best ridden - how the pony goes and is suited to showing.
Best combination - how well pony and rider get on with each other and do things.
Best rider - exactly as it says on the tin - the one who can ride the best! It may not be the one who is flawless, it may be the kid who sat a buck or dealt with a nappy pony appropriately etc

If there are young handler classes these are great for kids! They are inhand classes judged purely on the child's ability to show the pony.
 
EKW said:
Your basic showing class will be -

All walk in together on the right Rein
All trot
All canter
Change the reinon across the diagonal in trot then straight back into canter the other way.
Back to walk
Into line when called.

A simple show would be -
Stand up in front of judge (don't plonk the pony head on, turn and stand so the pony is side on the the judge)
Walk away in a straight line
Trot back on the same line (the judge will move!)
Trot a figure of 8
Canter a figure of 8 with a trot change of Rein
Extend - or just canter - down the long side
Back to trot round to face the judge
Back to walk for a few stride
Halt and salute
Back to the line.

If your kids are not happy cantering in company let the ring steward know and they will make sure they are called in to stand in the middle after the trot whilst everyone else canters. You also do not need to canter in an individual if you are not confident enough for it. You will probably be marked down depending on the class but who cares for your first show! So long as everyone returns home in one piece that's the main thing!

If staying on the lead Rein no cantering will be done at all.

Best ridden - how the pony goes and is suited to showing.
Best combination - how well pony and rider get on with each other and do things.
Best rider - exactly as it says on the tin - the one who can ride the best! It may not be the one who is flawless, it may be the kid who sat a buck or dealt with a nappy pony appropriately etc

If there are young handler classes these are great for kids! They are inhand classes judged purely on the child's ability to show the pony.
Click to expand...

This is good advice.
I have judged several classes for child/novice riders, some of the classes are specifically for non-canterers, the atmosphere is usually very relaxed and while nobody is there to give the riders a lesson, the judge and steward will often give reminders/tips, such as in in-hand classes keep the pony between the handler and the judge.

Enjoy your day and Good luck!
 
Thank all that's a great help...

EKW we have screen-shot your show example and are going to practice today...

Fingers crossed for no rain, falls or forgotten hats!!
 
Thanks for all your good advice the girls and pony had a great day and his behaviour and manners were impeccable despite various loose ponies, falling children and yoingsters, he looked after his little people to the fault which made it so enjoyable for us.

My youngest daughter who is only 6 managed a 2nd in the first ridden class (unled and a canter for good measure) and my eldest a third and 3 4ths...we were very proud of both of them!!

Unfortunately we were told they would have been placed higher if it hadn't been for the Pelham. I'm trying to be a good egg and not spit hairs but it was a little frustrating as told it was a very laid back and fun show and didn't think it would be too much of an issue but the judge said she didn't want to overlook it for us to go to a more serious and competitive show and to be disqualified which I suppose is fair enough..

I also kicked myself as forgot to take his plaits out for the M&M class so again we lost a place...

Not to be put off though and we are really looking forward to the next one!!
 
Well done, regarding the comment about the pelham I didn't say anything earlier as I felt you had plenty of advice but it did occur to me that you could find the pelham was a slight issue even at the lower levels as it cannot be ignored, I think the judge was very fair to place them and just let them know the pelham may limit how well they do in future, some shows, even fun ones, will be very strict on this for some classes, don't be put off as they obviously had fun, got lots of rosettes and will want to be out and about again.
 
The judge is a nit wit! Pelhams are allowed in first ridden classes! The only classes they aren't allowed in is lead Rein and novice pony classes.

Well done for the places and most importantly enjoying the day!
 
minesadouble said:
Judge is correct I’m afraid - no pelhams in first riddens.
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EKW is correct in most FR classes "any suitable bridle" is now allowed but most local shows and many judges will still go on the old rules of snaffles only, it pays to read the schedule as it can vary from show to show.
 
I did look at the schedule afterwards but it didn't have anything specified as to any do's and donts everything was worded in a very "laid back" and casual approach show i.e. all classes could be assisted, shouted out, cantering very optional...which I didn't think it would be a problem.

We did first ridden, best rider, family pony, best combination, and M&M and was marked down in the 1st four for the bit.

Oh well you live and learn, my eldest daughter (non horsey) did a bit of competitive dancing and I said to my husband the last night that I thought the judging to that was blood thirsty...LOL
 
be positive said:
EKW is correct in most FR classes "any suitable bridle" is now allowed but most local shows and many judges will still go on the old rules of snaffles only, it pays to read the schedule as it can vary from show to show.
Click to expand...


From the BSPS rule book;-

“54. Leading Rein, Lead Rein Hunter Type, First Ridden, Novice Show Ponies, Tiny Tots Lead Rein, First Ridden, Tiny Tots SHP, First Pony SHT,Novice Show Hunter Ponies, Novice Intermediate Show Riding, Novice Intermediate Show Hunters and Heritage Novice Ridden (Flat Classes), and Lead Rein must be shown in suitable Snaf e Bridles. If a Special Prize is awarded in an Open Show Pony class for Novice Ponies those eligible must be shown in a suitable Snaffle Bridle.
Judges will take into consideration the severity of the bit.”

Though M & M rules may be different (RPs and SHPs are more my thing) I don’t think I’ve seen any pelhams in these classes. At local level I’d rather see a pony go well in a Pelham than badly in a snaffle, a lot of judges will still be of the opinion that a pony suitable for a tiny tot should be snaffle mouthed.
 
I think a lot of local shows run under a mishmash of rules and do what suits them. If the rules said 'Snaffles only,' then you shouldn't have used a Pelham. If they say any suitable bit or don't mention it, you shouldn't be penalised so I would say this judge was wrong - a warning that future shows might want a snaffle is fine, but if the rules of this show don't mention it, she shouldn't have dropped your placing.

I had a connemara mare who went in a Pelham and never had a problem doing m and m, best combination and best rider from when I was 11.

Try not to worry too much, be glad you had a good day and at least you know what to do If you go under that judge again.
 
It is the judges opinion on the day and if she prefers to see first riddens in a snaffle then she will give higher places to ponies in snaffles.

If pelhams hadn't been allowed in this class then you might have been asked to leave the ring and not compete, so don't feel bad, your children are little and you have done really well by the sound of it.
A hanging cheek snaffle can be a good compromise but I'd be tempted to keep the pony in what is working and make sure the children have fun above all.
 
You are right we absoloutly had a fab day and as pony previously was a very bad loader, getting ourselves there on time, not forgetting anything and bringing kiddies home with rosettes was a brilliant feeling...

We have been suggested to try a Waterford so might do a little bit of research on them.
 
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