has anyone got any tips for looking the part at shows ?

hmm difficult one,

although if you always stay calm around the horses and everything then the horses will become relaxed, i always used to get wound up and my pony who was a JC jumper was incredibly fast used to scare me a little and i would get embarassed, it was difficult going from my sower new forest show pony to an out and out jumper.

But I guess staying relaxed is a key thing, i always try not to draw attention to myself lol then when you do well people will notice you rather than them noticing you becasue your horse is being a pratt!
 
As far as your look goes - watch other more knowledgable competitors, how they present themselves & their horses of course it depends what type of showing you are planning to do. Keeping horses calm is a tricky one, in my experience the more shows you take them to the more they become acustomed to the exciting environment. For some this make them worse & you would have to look at their feed & general management. Again it depends on the horse, you will probably know how yours will react.
Good luck & do ask questions of those more experienced generally most are willing to offer advice.
 
jrp204 said:
Looking good - definately NO rubber boots, suede chaps or skull caps with flappy satin peaks.
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^^ This. Also clean tack and an immaculate horse, plaited up unless native breeding. I always tape my plaits as I think it just gives that finishing edge, but not everyone does and still looks lovely. Saw a grey at Hickstead once with stable stains right across it's backend - couldn't believe my eyes. :eek:

I always think it's well worth investing in a good pair of leather boots or ariat chaps & short boots, expensive pair of show jods and a smart show jacket. Just does the job perfectly ;)
 
I like to use a bit of dettol in hot water, take a stable rubber and dampen (not wet) it with the water and wipe over the coat, esp face, topline etc. Then take a second stable rubber (dry) and buff.

Makes the coat nice and shiny, gets rid of scurf and good for getting rid of stable stains in the morning!

Also good for after clipping :)
 
the usual baby oil around the eyes and muzzle, depending what colour horse - work damn hard to get a cracking shine and cover with a cotton blanket or bedsheet rather than a fleece rug.

dont use rubber bands or tape for plaits, proper sewing up nice and tight. have 2 or 3 set of clothes just in case you get grubby! leather boots rather than rubber if showing or hunter class - a basic jumping class you will be fine in rubber boots.

steam you velvet hat over the kettle,

and remember you are there to enjoy yourself and have fun - smile relax.

p.s as always in the horsey world there are the people who will look down their noses at you and will be unpleasant, but that the horsey world. A smile costs nothing and confuses these kind of people! xx
 
Don't plait your tail, pull it to look professional. Also make sure it is the right length -an overly thick, long tail looks totally ridiculous in the ring (unless it's a native or trad coloured!)
 
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