Hope someone can offer advice, maybe showing, maybe common sense!! PLEASE

RuthnMeg

RuthnMeg

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I made a mistake today - I drove past the Shaftesbury and Gillingham showground today. This big show is on Wednesday and Iam entered. Now, Iam nervous. Wish I hadn't seen the big set-up!!

BUT, my dilema is, as I've entered into the Novice Working Hunter, it didn't have a lower horse height bracket, which will mean me and Meg WILL be the smallest in the class. (I can 99.9% guarrentee that!) We just enter for the fun jumping part! lol However, as has been done before there is a ride judge. On this particular occassion its a man who I don't know of, and Iam worried Meg will be too small for him to ride. What happens in this case? Will he HAVE to ride her, or will I get asked to do an individual show instead which MIGHT?? mark me down?
I know the bigger horses generally give the judge a more suitable ride, so I don't really mind if he can't ride her as it won't make much difference to the final standings, BUT on the other hand, just because of her height (As Iam perfectly entitled to be in this class) I don't want to lose out either!?
Ideas on this please?

If you had a lightweight small 15hh and a man of 'average' size (I don't know what size he is!!) came to ride horse for 5 mins, would you let that happen? - maybe thats what Iam asking.

Nervous waffle has now terminated!! lol
 
I have never seen a judge ride in a novice working hunter class so really can't comment. but I would let the judge ride if he wanted to - its only a 5 min ride so unlikely to cause a problem.
 
you shouldnt be marked for being small as there is no minimum height so they should treat you the same (no expet here though bt wouldnt be fair if they didnt treat you the same as everyone just cos you have a smaller horse)
 
Your post even sounds nervous!! Bless you!! :D

Yes he probably will want to ride and yes you should let him- 5mins of passive riding by a competent (you'd hope :eek: ) rider really won't do her any harm :D- and you never know it might be an ex jockey and he thinks she is the perfect size :p :D
 
good luck and enjoy. make sure you have large stirrups on and enough holes in the leathers to accommodate a tall riding judge. i am sure the judge will ride well and wont be a huge overweight type. Remember good things come in small packages!
 
At our local show, the working hunter class has a lovely older man who judges, and he brings a small lady rider with him to do the riding part. They then confer on their overall decision - perhaps they will do something like that?
 
Thanks for all your replies.
Yep, this man is specified as the ride judge, the actual judge has ridden Meg in the past too! (probably not a good thing for us but hey ho! lol)
Iam sure (trying positive thinking here) that I will enjoy it, and I hope that Meg can show off all her jumping skills!!

Last year (I was a spectator) this class caused chaos as the ring was situated right by the walk way into the main show field and many a child in buggy with balloons caused many a horse to spook and not go near the 'aptly' situated plank fence! Meg is pretty child proof, so hoping thats to our advantage IF the same thing happens again.

More nervous waffle eh? Arhhh
 
Who is the judge (PM me if you want)? As said above, 5 or so minutes on her won't do her any harm.

Fingers are well and truly crossed hun - I'm sure you and Miss Meg will do fine! As Mrs. M said - it's supposed to be fun - just relax and enjoy it!! Easier said than done though :( ;)
 
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