First showing class…

[4Hoofed]

So just want a little reassurance that I’m not a crazy person

My 6 rising 7 year old is coming on leaps and bounds, is a very smart and well mannered person, and even though he didn’t see the wider world much as a baby generally excepts things with a kind word and a pat on the neck is quite happy to go on about his day. We did a little unaffiliated dressage back in November and plan on doing a few more between now and summer. He was very well behaved and took it all in his stride including an indoor arena, small ponies etc.

Now looking at what’s coming next for him I wanted to take him out showing as that’s what I want to do with him. Whilst I plan on a few more dressage tests and maybe a clinic if I can get myself organised in the meanwhile would it be bizarre to skip the local shows and go straight to county shows? I did this in hand with my foal previously and she could pretty much show herself by aged 3, local shows I find to be super chaotic, the last time I went to the localist show to me you couldn’t get in the warm up it was so packed, 3 riders fell off in the ring and I retired with my old horse before the go round in canter, I choose life! Is it crazy to think skip this and go for the larger shows with in nicest way possible more competent handlers and riders? It would be my first time riding at this level, but plenty experience in hand, grooming for friends, and spectating so I have a fairly good idea of what to expect! I don’t foresee atmosphere meaning much to him… and end of the day if it does we can hack about the car park and warm up and call it an education day?
((He’s a heavy horse of it helps so classes aren’t exactly thick on the ground..))


If you’ve made it this far you deserve a bit of cake!!

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

For your sanity head to whatever shows you want. If it's the slightly bigger county/agricultural shows then go for it. No need for the stress and hassle of local shows if you don't want to.

I often just head straight out with mine to bigger, affiliated shows as judging at local shows often leaves a lot to be desired so no point in wasting time or money on them.

 

[4Hoofed]

For your sanity head to whatever shows you want. If it's the slightly bigger county/agricultural shows then go for it. No need for the stress and hassle of local shows if you don't want to.

I often just head straight out with mine to bigger, affiliated shows as judging at local shows often leaves a lot to be desired so no point in wasting time or money on them.

Well that’s a good point to add to my list of pros!! I think Im trying to talk myself both into and out of biting the bullet of just going straight to a big boy ridden class but the feed back will be constructive and type appropriate! I was having a bit of a what if it’s not the done thing, I mean if he is naughty we’ll just have to retire and go play in the lorry park for practice!

 

[jnb]

Maybe try some TSR clinics (The Showing Register) -they're with affiliated judges usually, hints and tips, will ride your horse if you want/its appropriate for the class you want to do and will practice a go around and show. BSHA also run them if you have a Hack,Cob, Hunter or Riding Horse

 

[abbijay]

I did exactly this last year with my rising 6yo clydesdale. None of the local showing dates worked for me so I just headed off to Royal Cheshire and did the 'Novice' class.
The only thing i would say is there still doesn't seem to be the certainty you would get with light horse showing when it comes to the Ridden Heavy classes. Sometimes you are in a massive main ring, other times you're in a small one set up for in hand shire classes. Sometimes the judge rides, sometimes they don't (irrespective of what the schedule says). Sometimes there are 15-20 horses forwards, other times there's only 3 in the ring.
I would probably avoid the HOYS qualifiers for your first outing as some people are very serious in those and if your horse did mess about they will probably snarl at you, and post nasty things online afterwards. But the general classes you will be fine.
In terms of constructive and appropriate feedback I wouldn't hold your breath. Last year's classics were "I'd have put you higher with shoes on and his tail clipped out".

But, despite my whingeing, get out there and have some fun!
And you can't tell us you have a heavy without giving us a picture!!

 

[4Hoofed]

Maybe try some TSR clinics (The Showing Register) -they're with affiliated judges usually, hints and tips, will ride your horse if you want/its appropriate for the class you want to do and will practice a go around and show. BSHA also run them if you have a Hack,Cob, Hunter or Riding Horse

That was the clinic I’m aiming for if I can get myself a bit more organised

 

[4Hoofed]

I did exactly this last year with my rising 6yo clydesdale. None of the local showing dates worked for me so I just headed off to Royal Cheshire and did the 'Novice' class.
The only thing i would say is there still doesn't seem to be the certainty you would get with light horse showing when it comes to the Ridden Heavy classes. Sometimes you are in a massive main ring, other times you're in a small one set up for in hand shire classes. Sometimes the judge rides, sometimes they don't (irrespective of what the schedule says). Sometimes there are 15-20 horses forwards, other times there's only 3 in the ring.
I would probably avoid the HOYS qualifiers for your first outing as some people are very serious in those and if your horse did mess about they will probably snarl at you, and post nasty things online afterwards. But the general classes you will be fine.
In terms of constructive and appropriate feedback I wouldn't hold your breath. Last year's classics were "I'd have put you higher with shoes on and his tail clipped out".

But, despite my whingeing, get out there and have some fun!
And you can't tell us you have a heavy without giving us a picture!!

Fab advise! Maybe one day we’ll see you out and about! Haha showing still bringing out the best in everyone! Hmm the closest to us are HOYS ones but there are defo some nearby later in the year sans qualifier so that’s probably where I’ll aim! He’s very rarely naughty but obviously never say never, baby ponies after all!