Horse showing in hand help and tips? Please

[Elkos2002]

I am hoping to take my horse to do some classes in in hand showing. I have been to watch quite a few and get the idea of it now. However i dont really know what to wear, what to buy and how to get him and myself ready.
Can anyone help?

what do i need to buy for me or the horse?
Tips on how to get him clean tidy and ready?
What should i wear?
What type of classes could i enter?
what does he need to be able to do?

My horse is a 16.2-16.3 bay tb x ish gelding 12 years old.

Any help would be greatly appreciated
thank you x

 

[IGWLC]

Do you have showing gear already? If not some basics that'll be alright for most shows are; tweed jacket, dark (preferably black) boots, plain tie, cream/beige jods or breeches, plain riding gloves and standard riding helmet. You probably won't need to buy anything for the horse other than any extra grooming stuff. You can do in hand in a standard snaffle bridle. As for getting him clean, I would recommend a good bath 2 days before the show (if he's stabled) or the day before if he lives out. If he has any grey patches you can buy whitening sprays which act as quick fixes for any grass stains e.t.c. Make sure he's got a neatly plaited mane and tail. Don't give him too many baths in the weeks running up to the show as it'll take the natural shine out of his coat. At many local shows you can find in hand classes for tb types and other general in hand classes- at this level these sorts of things aren't strict. He just needs to be able to walk and trot enthusiastically in hand-make sure you can control his pace carefully, though. Make sure you've got him doing a nice, clean, straight square halt as well. It's these simple things that people often overlook and do badly on! Good luck!