First time in-hand showing help needed

GLEEK

GLEEK

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Basically i have never been to a in-hand show. Im not to worried about the ring part i will just follow someone so that i will be fine with.

I have a standardbred that i thought i would do the turnout class and the over 15hh class there isnt much other choice for us. It is with the local riding club (i am not a member) but i can walk there so i think it is silly for us not to go and just to do a class or two. Would i be ok doing these classes? What should i wear? How should the horse be turned out for these classes?
 
you will be fine to walk and do a few shows, wear a black, navy or tweed jacket not sure wich one is technically correct sorry cream jhods if youra junior and trousers the oppoite colour of your horss legs and possibly a velvet coverd hat but that is usually optional
i think he should be plaited unless he is a native and should be nice and clean and in a bridle i think correct me if im wrong
 
Make sure you've practiced your show i.e. that your horse will happily walk away and trot up for the judge.

Jacket colour will be as for ridden classes - many people just wear what they would if they were doing a ridden class. Good tip - if show has an official photographer check out their site and look at turnout for horses and handlers in the class you are thinking of entering.
 
gleek said:
Basically i have never been to a in-hand show. Im not to worried about the ring part i will just follow someone so that i will be fine with.

I have a standardbred that i thought i would do the turnout class and the over 15hh class there isnt much other choice for us. It is with the local riding club (i am not a member) but i can walk there so i think it is silly for us not to go and just to do a class or two. Would i be ok doing these classes? What should i wear? How should the horse be turned out for these classes?
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A couple of tips I have picked up: try to match your horses stride as you do your trot up so the judges attention is on your horses paces, try not to run with your arms flailing about like a fairy girl type run ;) and always remember your manners with the judge!

I had a friend that was a judge at a county show. There were two competitors she was really struggling to decide who to place first, and who to place second. Their horses, their turnout, their tack, their show, was equally as brilliant, thy both deserved to win. The only difference was that one competitor had said "good morning" and the other didn't, and so she placed her first. ;)

Good luck, hope you have fun xx :)
 
Thanks for the feedback. I only have a navy jacket (If it still fits havent had it on since i had my son!!) I had planned on wearing beige johdpurs. Just not to sure about footwear as i only ride in my river boots but could try and get some johdpur boots.

Also for my horse she is pretty good at just running along next to me. Is she best to just wear a normal bridle? Only problem is that she is ridden in a myler bit is this ok for the show or should i try and get a snaffle for her?

Should i wear a helmet or does it not matter dont think it said either way on the schedule but will double check
 
gleek said:
Thanks for the feedback. I only have a navy jacket (If it still fits havent had it on since i had my son!!) I had planned on wearing beige johdpurs. Just not to sure about footwear as i only ride in my river boots but could try and get some johdpur boots.

You want footwear that you are able to run in well, joddie boots would be good, but anything with a smart boot look will be fine! :)

Also for my horse she is pretty good at just running along next to me. Is she best to just wear a normal bridle? Only problem is that she is ridden in a myler bit is this ok for the show or should i try and get a snaffle for her?

A normal snaffle bridle will be fine. What colour is it? Alot of people do use black tack nowadays, but they say brown is better for showing. Don't worry if it is black though!

Should i wear a helmet or does it not matter dont think it said either way on the schedule but will double check
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You need to wear a hat - either your riding hat or a trilby. Also, make sure your hair is all tied back in a bun/hair net. You will need to wear a pair of gloves too. Have you got a showing cane? If not, they are about £7 from the tack shop xx
 
That is all great thanks i have gloves already and my bridle is brown anyway so that is all ok. You cant see my hair when i have my riding hat on. Sorry last question (hopefully!!) Under my jacket i just have a shirt and tie guess this will be ok?

Thank you very much everyone. Its not until september just wanted to see what else i have to get.
 
gleek said:
Thanks for the feedback. I only have a navy jacket (If it still fits havent had it on since i had my son!!) I had planned on wearing beige johdpurs. Just not to sure about footwear as i only ride in my river boots but could try and get some johdpur boots.

Also for my horse she is pretty good at just running along next to me. Is she best to just wear a normal bridle? Only problem is that she is ridden in a myler bit is this ok for the show or should i try and get a snaffle for her?

Should i wear a helmet or does it not matter dont think it said either way on the schedule but will double check
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if possible for an in hand class, as you are an adult, you should wear trousers rather than jods. if you are riding there, put the trousers in a rucksack and put them on over your jods!
 
Dark trousers (navy, brown, black ) if your horse has light coloured legs or beige if darker legs. No particular type just smart and not flappy, maybe a chino style. I would still wear your jacket with a shirt and tie that compliment. Perhaps the river boots would look ok under your trousers if they are comfey to run in? That would save taking another pair if you are walking down. Just a tip take baby wipes for you and horse they are invaluable for last minute cleanups. For turnout you need to pay attention to detail. Make sure your tack and your clothes are very clean. Make sure all the bridle parts are in the keepers. Take a hoofpick and a micro cloth to give a final shine to your horses coat. Good luck
 
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