In-hand Appaloosa showing

[Torrie]

I'm considering doing a few in-hand classes this season, as my gelding has beautiful leopard spot markings and after looking on the internet i feel he would definitely have a good chance of beating many other appys (although i am biased ofcourse).

I am a complete novice to in-hand showing though, having never really given it much thought in the past, so not too sure on what is required? What do judges look for in particular? Should he be plaited etc?

It will only be a few local shows as he is not currently settled in a show environment, but would be interested to hear for any other appaloosa owners about what kinds of classes they enter and if any shows (particularly in the Cornwall area) have any kind of class especially for the breed (as the appaloosa society only holds 2 a year which are way too far away).

Any help/advice on this, or general chitchat from other appy owners doing the same would be much appreciated!

 

[arizonahoney]

Done a bit of in-hand coloureds, handsomest gelding etc at local shows. Looked at pics from Appy Nationals and most seem to have plaited manes and natural tails.

Anyway - this is my chap, although he's rather daintier in build now!

 

[gmw]

Show him plaited and with pulled tail or plaited. How big is he, we showed our appaloosas in hunter classes, workers and riding classes, depending on size as appropriate to class. They are very versatile and if you have a decent judge and his conformation is ok you should be allright. enjoy him and good luck!!!

 

[Torrie]

Arizonahoney: How well did your boy place? What did they say he was particularly strong on?

GMW: As far as height he is approximately 15.1. Not sure if he would be suitable for classes like working hunter or not?

This is him a few years ago (the only side on photo without tack i have of him). His spots are a bit bolder now, and more of a chocolatey brown where in this photo they look quite pale/washed out.

 

[Torrie]

Thankyou both for the advice on plaiting though! I was told that before, but he doesn't have a lot of mane to play with, so was trying to work out if i could get away with it!

 

[arizonahoney]

He has nice paces and stands good and square for a judge - have picked up a couple of firsts and once a reserve championship, but TBH, in-hand showing is not really our thing (he has a cracking jump on him).

Plaiting - I thought it would be tricky, but actually not too hard, armed with QuikBraid or hair gel.

 

[amandaharrison]

i have a snowcap appaloosa foal and i would like to show him in a bitless bridle is that aloud he will be just over a year old come may, do i need to plait him up.