Help with first time in- hand showing (cob class)

[canteron]

It’s only a little show but I need help with what I have to do in the ring for an in hand class
Can anyone recommend a YouTube video (or similar) to help!
Not my thing really, but I feel it would be great to get this horse out for some experience …. and although they say it’s friendly, my experience is that while most competitors are lovely there will always be those who would happily throw you under a bus to win, so I don’t want to be completely clueless.

 

[VictoriaSponge]

Local show in hand classes vary in format; but you will always enter the ring in walk in on the right rein. There is usually (but not always) some sort of trot as a group, I have seen it all together at local shows, but usually the whole class halts whilst each combination trots the rest of the way around the ring. You’ll then line up for your individual show.

You’ll then be called forward to stand pony up for the judge to asses conformation, walk away and trot back. The judge may or may not ask you some questions, eg. age, breeding, unfortunately it’s not always the case but at local shows they should always be kind and encouraging. Watch the class before you if you can to see the exact class format.

As you say it’s just for experience, but focus on what you can control. Make sure pony stands square, you both walk in a straight line and move out of the way of the judge is assessing conformation. Practice trotting in hand at home if you can, as it’s no fun feeling like you need to drag the horse around the ring. Work with what you already own and make sure you’re smart, presentable and clean! Tweed should be won for in hand, and make sure you’re wearing short boots/shoes rather than riding boots.

Showing can be a bit of a lottery, but I highly doubt they’ll be any opportunity for throwing under busses! Go for the experience, have a fun day out and you never know you might catch the showing bug!

 

[Dave's Mam]

When standing up for the judge, try to manoeuvre yourself not to be between pony & judge & when you do your walk away & trot back, trot straight at the judge, they are looking to see the movement & they will get out of the way as you approach, then trot on round to the line up..

 

[SEL]

What classes are you doing?

 

[jojo5]

Also, at the far end of your individual walk away, turn round so that the horse is on the inside of the turn ( E.g turn to the right) so that the judge has a clear view of the horse turning. And practise with your horse so that he/she is ready at that turn for a smart strike-off into trot back to the judge, if that is the class format.