Getting into showing

[Mikec80]

I am looking for advice on how my 11 year old daughter can get in to showing, she wants to focus on the 122 m&m whp. Neither parent have been into horses/ponies before my daughters pony so no nothing about the showing world or how to get involved.

I have done a little research on this and perhaps wondered if she would be better off doing some m&m junior first ridden before moving on to whp to gain some experience. I do know she needs to start off with some unaffiliated shows before trying to progress but just wanted some thoughts and opinions on this from someone who has been there and done it.

I’m I should have also added that the pony has been involved in showing before and has been shown at top level but as a lr shp.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Number 1 question, does it jump smoothly with a child? I take it that pony is an A or B?

If its done shp, then a better start would be cradle stakes and then novice m&m whp as lower fences. I've been out of them a while so you'd need to check age as she might already be too old for cradle stakes, the next level up is nursery stakes which has bigger fences than small native workers.

Get a decent trainer to start her show jump training and xc at home or locally, usually you aim to be popping 10cm higher at home or in lessons than you would be out competing.

Yes, ring experience in 1st ridden would be invaluable, she has not long tho as 12 is max age, again check rules, prob still not to have attained 12th birthday before 1st Jan.

Keep an eye out as over winter there are usually winter novice classes/qualifiers and in some areas they have training days.

 

[Mikec80]

Number 1 question, does it jump smoothly with a child? I take it that pony is an A or B?

If its done shp, then a better start would be cradle stakes and then novice m&m whp as lower fences. I've been out of them a while so you'd need to check age as she might already be too old for cradle stakes, the next level up is nursery stakes which has bigger fences than small native workers.

Get a decent trainer to start her show jump training and xc at home or locally, usually you aim to be popping 10cm higher at home or in lessons than you would be out competing.

Yes, ring experience in 1st ridden would be invaluable, she has not long tho as 12 is max age, again check rules, prob still not to have attained 12th birthday before 1st Jan.

Keep an eye out as over winter there are usually winter novice classes/qualifiers and in some areas they have training days.

The pony is a section A and does Also jump smoothly with a child. She does also have an instructor twice per week.
It doesn’t help there are currently no shows at present where I could take her along to watch a couple I’m sure we would gain experience or at least know what to expect.
My daughter is also only just 11 so it’s my understanding she would have all of next year to compete in first ridden if she wanted to ?

 

[J&S]

Ask your instructor if she knows of any showing/WHP clinics going on. Join the Pony Club, you will get lots of help and going to rallies will give an indication of how the pony goes in company.

 

[minesadouble]

Where are you based?
Check out your local BSPS area. Our area has already had one show, with 2 more (including a workers show) on the calendar. They will also have regular clinics which are helpful but also a good way for children to make friends.

 

[dorsetladette]

NPS and your local WPCS association would be another avenue.

Local riding clubs are great for getting ring experience in a less intimidating environment for your daughter. Ours have a fab set of working hunter jumps and often run clinics with some decent instructors.

 

[humblepie]

Have a look at the showing register. Obviously not a lot happening at present but they are all about getting into showing with clinics etc. Good luck. It becomes addictive