In-hand showing a veteran

schneeko

schneeko

Well-Known Member
Joined
23 May 2010
Messages
389
Location
Southampton, Hampshire
Visit site
I have a newforest x gelding, not really sure what he's crossed with. I'm planning to do an in-hand veteran class, he's 21 ish and moves alright for an older pony. Only problem is, I don't know how to turn us out:

What sort of noseband and browband?
Do I need a leather showing rein or can I just use my normal reins?
I don't want to plait but do I need to?

Here's a couple of pictures of him:

Sort of confo
picture.php


Jumping
picture.php


On a Hack
picture.php


:D
 
He needs to have mane plaited and tail pulled. Hunter bridle with flat noseband and plain browband with a pelham and the reins taken over the head.
 
schneeko said:
Oh god, very posh, not sure i'll be doing any classes with him them
Click to expand...

It doesn't have to be posh at all! Although what smallhunter has listed is the ideal, at local/Riding club etc level so long as you've made an effort you don't necessarily need exactly the 'correct' turnout eg your normal bridle will be fine, just make sure everything is cleaned and shiny!

eg this is how horse and I were kitted out for the veterans class at an inhand show last year:
NM-Ring2-097-1.jpg

note the many incorrect parts of our turnout:
(1) bridle is black (and synthetic! :D)
(2) rather than plain cavesson the noseband is actually a flash one with the flash strap removed, and is really a bit too chunky for her head
(3) as a 'riding horse/ hack' ish type really should probably have a ribboned browband
(4) using snaffle bit, as an adult ridden horse she should probably be in a pelham/ double
(5) my hat is also black....

despite all these egregious faults we still came second :D:eek::D(and tbf to a stunning arab mare 10 years senior to mine so I doubt the placing was tack related!).

As a more basic list of things to do for local level I'd say:
- if you don't have/ horse isn't used to pelham/ double, a snaffle type bit would be preferable to a gag, kimberwick etc
- plain cavesson noseband preferable to flash/ grackle etc
- reins overhead to lead with are fine, preferably plain as possible
- plait horse's mane and either plait/ pull tail (personally I dislike pulled tails so plait)
- make sure everything (including you and horse!) are clean and tidy!

and mostly have fun! These classes are supposed to be an enjoyable chance to show off your horse - so what if you don't have exactly the right equipment, loads of us make do with what we've got, and still manage to have a good day! :D

forgot to add, your pony is very cute!
 
Last edited:
Thank you Malibu_Stacy

I'm only really taking him to get him out for the day so I think i'll leave him unplaited. They won't know he's a newforest cross and if he was full newforest he'd have to be left natural. It's just that he has a lovely long main and i'd hate to cut it off
 
Its all about having fun :)
My share girl is 17 y/o and when she is fully recovered from her latest bout of Cushings induced lami, we'll be looking into veteran in hand showing - just at a local level for a day out and a bit of fun.
Like you said with yours, she can be very flashy and feisty and doesn't look her age!
We'll be going with her normal bridle (which is brown, with a flat noseband), a snaffle with cheekpieces, she is a Welsh Sect D X and will be going au naturel :) I'll be in a blue hat and blue jacket, and we might invest in a leather leadrein to lead with.
Most of all though, its just to have fun! :)
K x
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top