First time showing, prettiest mare and veteran in hand

Haphazardhacker

Haphazardhacker

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 June 2013
Messages
795
Location
Buckinghamshire
Visit site
Madams ultrasounds were done on suspensories and as expected they have gone a little downhill.

Vet asked what ideally I would like to still do (I had already decided no more sponsored rides or fast work) I told her and she said she was more than happy for me to do a bit of Le Trec, hacking and some showing.

So, showing?

Well there is a show this weekend and there is a prettiest mare class and a veterans class. She is 17 and a crillo x tb.

Few questions.... do I need to plait? She has a lovely long mane and I will trim it if necessary but I'm rather fond of it.

Also what is expected activity level in these classes. I ask this as she can occasionally be a bit unsound on some surfaces and I wouldn't want to take her where here is a lot of trotting in hand expected on a deep school surface.

Just want to get her out and about and for us both to have a bit of fun and variety.
 
As the "Prettiest Mare" is more of a fun class I think you can show off her mane how you want, and it will probably just be a walking parade around the ring - especially if there are lots of tots with their ponies too. The Veteran class will probably involve some sort of individual show to give more idea of movement and activity as well as condition. The schedule should have a contact number and it wouldn't hurt to double check what's required as not all shows are equal! Hope you have a good day out!
 
The veteran class will be judged as a. It makes inhand class. Ie everyone walks round. Then individually trot to the. Ack. Piled in. Then presented individually to judge, walk away and trot back and carry on trotting round the back of other horses back to your place. You will be heavily penalised if she is lame and some judges may even remove you from the class.
 
are the classes inhand or ridden?

Any sign of lameness should be heavily penalised.

If the horse is not capable physically of doing a novice level dressage test then it is nor capable physically for the show ring under saddle. You may get away with it inhand but you will be asked to trot round the ring to the back of the line up and then to walk away and trot back to the top with what inevitably ends up as a rather small circle to turn back towards the judge.
 
Classes are inhand. My gut is telling me not to bother, I just wanted to get her out and about occasionally at stuff her vet is happy for her to do but I really don't want to be asked to leave or upset anyone.

She is sound in a trot up it's just I am worried about her throwing the odd lame step if it's on a deep surface.

Had hoped that maybe the prettiest mare class would just be walking.
 
Most summer shows are on grass not on a surface. YOu could just phone the organiser and ask if its on a surface.
If it is just the odd lame step she is unlikely to be asked to leave but may be moved down the line towards the bottom.
If she is sound on grass then take her to shows that are on grass
 
She will be penalised if she is short or lame. I took the hooligan out as a one off last weekend, he is mechanically unable to move properly behind, but as we are turning him out today for retirement, I wanted some nice photos of us at a show and to have something to show for 6 years of hell!

Judge was lovely and really liked him, but said he just couldn't place him in 1st because he doesn't move enough behind. Totally right and I just thanked him and accepted our rosettes (and got some lovely pictures).

You may find that you end up lower down everytime, no matter how nice your horse is, which can be disheartening.
 
honestly OP I wouldn't let it put you off, especially if you're just doing it to get out and about and have some fun. As others have said, find shows with fun classes where you wont be asked to trot, on grass, and have a quiet word with the judge. Just because you are asked to trot in the class doesn't mean you have to. Yes you may never end up first but ime there are plenty of classes with a small enough entry that you could end up still in the ribbons.
 
I used to do veteran classes a lot. It was always a busy class, competitive and of high standard. The odd lame step still means she is lame and she will be put to the bottom. My gelding used to go out and win every time. We had run out of his suppliments and he hasn't had them for a couple of weeks. I thought nothing much of it and took him out. We were being judged by a judge that has seen him a lot, likes him and usually won under her. We were at the bottom of the line. She apologised and said he was very slightly stiff, not lame and as such she could but place him no matter how good he looked or well behaved. And she was totally correct.
 
Thanks everyone, I am not looking to win trust me, I just want to get her out and about with her as she loves going off in her trailer to places. I've never done showing let alone a show with her , sponsored rides and hacking was more our thing but someone suggested this show and I thought check with vet and they were happy so why the hell not.
 
Not too many just a couple here and there, was my first show ever so found it knackering!! She did really enjoy herself, qualified for something too so will probably take her to that at least. The yard is doing a local show end of the month so will probably do veterans in that but not going to go mad, just want her to have fun :)
 
Congrats Hh...my daughter shows her veteran mare and really enjoys it..in hand and ridden. Mare has pretty head but rest of her confirmation isn't ...well pretty...but she goes nicely and enjoys pony parties and that is what is should be about. The waiting around is a bit of a chore and daughter was so fatigued that she was in bed by 8pm! (unheard of for 15year olds). Glad all went well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top