In hand at County Show? Should I still go?

[Lottie83]

Hi all, what do you all think, I entered our coloured horse into the in hand at County show this May. He'll be four in August, but I entered him in the 2/3 yr old class. They phoned me today and said they take the birthdays in January, so hes classed as four and moved him up to the four and overs class. Do you think he stands a chance against the older horses with muscle and fully grown etc? Dont know what to do? Hes still not fully grown, and still a bit gangly? picture below is 6mths old, so hes filled out a bit?

 

[Tiffany]

I would still go anyway - he's a lovely looking horse and even if he may not be as developed as some it's all experience. Good luck

 

[spider]

In the few in hand classes I have done, the judge has asked for the age so I think they take their stage of development into account.

 

[caemar1]

Definately go.

I won the 4 year and over part bred welsh at the Royal Lancs a couple of years ago with my, then 4 year old.

I was the same as you, wondering if she would stand up against the older horses, it was a bit scarey after the year before being used to being one of the older ones in the youngstock classes.

Anyway she went section champion as well so I am glad I went for it!

Your horse is beautiful, give it a go!!!

Good luck x

 

[fathorse]

Definately go! He is a lovely horse & it's always good for them to gain lots of experience at a young age.

 

[Lottie83]

ah, well done for winning with your 4 year old!

 

[jewel]

go and have funny, he is lovely

 

[Kenzo]

Go and do your stuff, your horse is lovely.

Horses should look there age and of course the judge should take this into consideration, there are far too many younsters that are fed up and conditioned up to look older than they are, its not natural.

 

[Theresa_F]

I have the same fears, Stinky will be 4 in July but obviously is now in the big boys classes.

He did very well as a 3 year old but looks tiny compared to the older traditionals, not helped by the fact that he is not a cob in a box as there is a bit of "quality blood" in him from way back.

I would go and just enjoy myself and have the experience. I am doing some in hand classes this year but am also going to try a few small local shows under the saddle to get experience so I can then go out affilated next year.

He looks nice and the judge should take age into account but obviously a well built muscled horse will take the eye.

Personally I am prepared to wait and build up slowly and accept that those producers who pile on weight and work their youngsters harder will beat me. However, I want my boy to be still competing in his 20s in the veteran classes with me as an old grannie.