In hand showing a 2 year old

starbucker

starbucker

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 March 2023
Messages
281
Location
Scotland
Visit site
Im thinking of taking my yearling standardbred in hand showing (competition down the road so dont have to faff with trailering). Shes been fantastic so far, been wearing a bridle, starting to bit her put not led with bit in yet. she takes to everything great and is happily led out down the quiet road in a headcollar and in the arena alone and in company - infact she loves it, walking with purpose!

Do you tend to bit them for a 2 year old class or should I look to get a ascot filly slip or wait a bit and finish getting her bitted first? Shes around 14.1hh and finer so not sure id need it for control with her being so polite. Shes in the 2-3yo class but is only technically 19 months so don't want to rush the bit process, but appreciate I may be grateful of the more control in a more excitable environment ? What is expected bit / turnout wise ?

Struck gold with this youngster she has a fantastic temperament - turn out tips welcome!! Appreciate she may get knocked down for trotter gaits but we're just going for exposure ! (photo from last summer)
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4108.jpg
    IMG_4108.jpg
    132.2 KB · Views: 22
Last edited:
I bitted my 2 year old for showing last year and took her to 5 shows. The majority in the youngstock classes were bitted. Mine was very excited to see other horses and I was glad to have more control. A longer lead rein with a handle at the end may also be an idea. I was told off in one class for not having a showing cane. Practising standing square and being able to rearrange their legs is a good idea.
 
Natives are more often unbitted. Hunters would be rare to see at 2yo without a bit (I showed mine last season unbitted as a 2yo hunter and every time he was the only one). He is polite and not strong in any way. I don’t feel it affected placings however on more than one occasion the judge said they preferred to see them bitted.
 
Absolutely nothing wrong with showing bited at 2years old - even most native breeds. I've shown, successfully, all my New Forests youngsters for 25+ years bitted from 2

If i had your filly, i'd be showing with a bit in, just a plain simple metal snaffle
 
My standardbred has just met a bit and will be going out in a bridle- she’s the same age but 15.1 already and is bold and curious… and she can walk twice as fast as me when she’s powering on 😂😂

I will be using a three way coupling, two to the bit and an extra strap to the noseband that takes most of the pressure if there is any. She’ll be in a hunter bridle.

I’d prefer an in hand bridle, but they are rare in full size hunter stamp and I’m only going out and about this year and next a bit, some showing and some spook busting type clinics hopefully, as she’s big and two and never been out before, anywhere (RSPCA Rescue)

Have fun!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top