In hand showing advice. Halp!

PapaverFollis

PapaverFollis

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So I have decided to, all being well, to take The Beast to a show to do an in-hand class. This may be the only time we do this as basically I want to go in order to get her and myself used to going to a pony party without the added pressure of having to Ride In Front Of People the first time.

I don't really understand showing and particularly in-hand showing but it seems to be a nice way to get out a bit and develop some skills and experience.

I'm massively stumped as to what I should wear and will have to pull something together from things I already have unless I can magically find something for a couple of quid in a charity shop. The Beast has black legs at the moment but I do not own, nor do I intend to own any light coloured trousers apart from some cream jods that probably fit maybe. I have country boots. I only have a black show jacket, no tweed or navy. Hubby has a tweed but it looks a bit ridiculous on me. I can usually get away with wearing his stuff but, despite my broad shoulders, the male cut jacket doesn't look great. I have a white shirt and a red tie. I might have a yellow shirt but again would have to check fit. I have one smart padded gilet in a gold colour but the darn thing won't zip past the boobs right now. :lol:

So yeah. Stumped. And massively over thinking it. I was looking at pictures from previous shows and people look quite smart. Some are wearing skinny jeans and paddock boots. I do have light grey skinny jeans but honestly I have stumpy legs and would struggle with combining them with short boots with no heal. And although the skinny jeans are a casual touch they have all combined them with very smart tweed so it looks fine.

I suggested hubby take her in but he's having none of it. And think I'm being a bit silly worrying about what to wear.

The Beast has a black bridle with a plain browband and a wide plain nose band. Just a snaffle bit and normal reins. So hopefully that'll do. She's a hogged grey cob. She's got feather at the moment but will trim it off. And I'll use a tail rake to tidy the top of her tail. I need to wash her tail about 100 times if I'm going to take her. It should be white. It ain't. I'm hoping she'll have shed her winter beard a bit by the show as we are currently having an on going discussion about me trimming it. I'm winning slowly but might not win in time.

Can someone tell me what actually happens in the ring in an in hand show and what etiquette etc I need to know? I literally have very little clue... I did do one with Granny but it was very local and this one looks much more proper so might have expectations of properness from participants.

Anything else I need to know. Or do. Apart from calm the **** down obviously.

I might be able to borrow a tweed jacket and I am going to go for a charity shop ratch to see what I can come up with.

I'm hoping that by the next time we get to go I might be happy to actually take her in a ridden class, do that's a whole new panic that I'll happily share. :lol:
 
When I’ve shown locally I’ve pretty much worn what I ride in. I only had a black jacket, black velvet, beige breeches black riding boots, plain stick. I borrowed an I hand bridle but have also used my ordinary bridle Hasn’t seemed to affect placing so as long as you are as clean as possible, tidy and smart do not get too hung up took much on what you wear. I only got some proper in-hand gear including a tweed when I qualified for a championship last year.

Usual get up, which has served me well (won that class)

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Proper clobber.

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Usually you all walk around then the steward will halt the class and one by one you’ll trot along the length and a bit of the ring. Then you’ll line up randomly mostly and one by one the judge will pull you out. Get your horse to stand as square as possible. The judge may ask questions such as age. Then you’ll walk away from the judge to a specified point then turn and run towards them going past and trotting away from them back to the line up. When everyone has done their individual turn you’ll all walk around again whilst the judge makes their decision and then the steward will pull you in usually I order from 1st. Continue to smile and breathe :)

I’d practice getting your horse to trot up properly and turn properly away from you.
 
Thank you that's really helpful. You and your horse look so smart! I have this mental image if being in the ring with a whole load of people with smart shiny bay horses looking all polished and perfect and me looking stumpy and disshevelled with my slightly stained, fluffy beast with her winter beard still in full fettle... :lol: (like that time I went to do a triathlon and was racking my hybrid bike up next to all these skinny bloke with proper racing bikes:lol:... I was like "hi there, don't mind me") I might just settle on wearing the black jacket, white shirt and red tie and I have some synthetic black long riding boots. So that's all stuff I've already got.

Which raises another question... I only have a jockey skull hat. Have black and navy silks... Am I better going without hat, is that allowed, or with hat with silk?
 
My In Hand clobber. Trousers were 70p from Charity shop. Echo the above, smile & enjoy, the stewards are usually very helpful if they know it's your first go out
16142937_10155060566279739_3430667277639812084_n.jpg

Sorry it's b & w, can't find the original.
 
I would go with charity shop buys, if you can. As the horse is grey, you could wear a blue or grey tweed jacket and look very smart. Nobody is judging your conformation but the judge would like to be able to see your horse's legs and their movement, so contrasting trousers would be a good idea. If you will never wear them again/for anything else, you could get some light coloured trousers (I would go for grey) for less than £1 in a charity shop. I wouldn't wear a riding hat for in-hand showing but a smart trilby type, or a flat cap, as the horse is a hogged cob, finishes the picture off nicely. You will not be marked down for what you wear but the more pleasing picture may well be 'marked up'.
 
Pearlsasinger said:
I would go with charity shop buys, if you can. As the horse is grey, you could wear a blue or grey tweed jacket and look very smart. Nobody is judging your conformation but the judge would like to be able to see your horse's legs and their movement, so contrasting trousers would be a good idea. If you will never wear them again/for anything else, you could get some light coloured trousers (I would go for grey) for less than £1 in a charity shop. I wouldn't wear a riding hat for in-hand showing but a smart trilby type, or a flat cap, as the horse is a hogged cob, finishes the picture off nicely. You will not be marked down for what you wear but the more pleasing picture may well be 'marked up'.
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Oooo, I do like a flat cap. I will go on a charity shop mooch and see if I get lucky.
 
Pearlsasinger said:
I would go with charity shop buys, if you can. As the horse is grey, you could wear a blue or grey tweed jacket and look very smart. Nobody is judging your conformation but the judge would like to be able to see your horse's legs and their movement, so contrasting trousers would be a good idea. If you will never wear them again/for anything else, you could get some light coloured trousers (I would go for grey) for less than £1 in a charity shop. I wouldn't wear a riding hat for in-hand showing but a smart trilby type, or a flat cap, as the horse is a hogged cob, finishes the picture off nicely. You will not be marked down for what you wear but the more pleasing picture may well be 'marked up'.
Click to expand...

Yup, my trousers were pence rather than pounds. I wore my skull as Dave was "unpredictable"!

ETA shirt is an Asda boy's school shirt & tie is my husband's wedding tie, it's become a bit of a good luck thing!
 
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Flat caps are mens attire - adopted by women in the Welsh showing circle. Personally it is not a look I like but each to their own.

There is an art to in-hand showing which is far more than just walking and trotting round. You need to practice. Find your horses walk - a good forward, active walk - not to slow looking like a slob, not to quick where you are stretching the horse out of it's comfort zone. If you find yourself catching up with the horse in front then go deep into the corners and steady up in them then walk on again along the sides where the judge is watching.

Same with trot - find your horses ultimate trot. A good active trot but not stretched out or reaching. Make sure your horse goes forward willingly so your not dragging them but not being dragged yourself.

A basic class - all walk in onto the right rein so the pony is on the inside - give yourself some room. After a circuit or two you will all stop as you are round the edge then off you trot round to the end of the line. Do not trot straight from a stand still, it unbalances the pony. Walk 2-4 strides before trotting.

Depending on the judge most will pull you into a specific line in order of their preference. Keep an eye on the steward for your cue but don't walk round with your head turned sideways. Others pull you in in the order you are walking round, others just shout in you come - don't rush in or barge.

Your individual - smile! Be polite - Good Morning/Afternoon, answer any questions the judge asks. When walking forwards to the judge I personally spin and walk backwards infront of the pony for the last 2 strides to be able to see where all their legs are. Again - depending on judge depending on how you stand your horse up. Old school judges will want to see all 4 legs - the set nearest the judge the front should be a bit further forward than the far side, the hind a little further back - when the judge goes to look at the other side of the horse step them forward a stride - always forward, asking them to go back scrunches them up - so the other side is the same picture. Most judges will prefer front feet square, backs slightly offset. I always stay standing in front of the horse so the judge can see the full side picture. When they go to look at the front legs take a step to the side - unless your horse has awful front limb conformation then just don't move! Whilst the judge is looking your horse over pick some grass or arena surface and sprinkle it down from a height to try to get your horse to put it's ears forward. Even if it doenst work you are doing something rather than nothing to try and make them look pretty.

When asked walk straight away from the judge - in a straight line! It's amazing how many people can't walk in a straight line! once you have walked to either the end of the line up or 3/4 length of it or the ring (depending on ring size) come out to the left and turn a circle to the right so you are trotting straight back towards the judge on the same line you walked up on. Do not trot off the turn - it can make the pony look unbalanced or lame. Walk a few strides until your pony is straight then off you go. The judge will move so keep trotting straight at them, past and round to the right for either the length of 3/4 length of the ling side. Head back to your place in line. Once everyone has done this you will all walk round together again and be called back in in order. The lap of honour is the top 6 trotting round together.

Most importantly - smile and have fun no matter what!
 
amymay said:
SussexB you look fantastic. Both turned out so smartly.
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Thanks AM :)

PF - I am no professional but took advice on here. I only do a bit of showing as an extra thing to do especially now I’ve got a veteran. He doesn’t really fall properly into any “type” as he’s really a sport horse but we’ve done ok.

My trousers were cheap from Asda but I did invest (aka bankrupt myself :D) in the other stuff because he’s 22 going in 23 and I thought it might be my last opportunity to have a go. Including having a bespoke browband made.

Just give it a go and learn from it. :)
 
EKW said:
Flat caps are mens attire - adopted by women in the Welsh showing circle. Personally it is not a look I like but each to their own.

There is an art to in-hand showing which is far more than just walking and trotting round. You need to practice. Find your horses walk - a good forward, active walk - not to slow looking like a slob, not to quick where you are stretching the horse out of it's comfort zone. If you find yourself catching up with the horse in front then go deep into the corners and steady up in them then walk on again along the sides where the judge is watching.

Same with trot - find your horses ultimate trot. A good active trot but not stretched out or reaching. Make sure your horse goes forward willingly so your not dragging them but not being dragged yourself.

A basic class - all walk in onto the right rein so the pony is on the inside - give yourself some room. After a circuit or two you will all stop as you are round the edge then off you trot round to the end of the line. Do not trot straight from a stand still, it unbalances the pony. Walk 2-4 strides before trotting.

Depending on the judge most will pull you into a specific line in order of their preference. Keep an eye on the steward for your cue but don't walk round with your head turned sideways. Others pull you in in the order you are walking round, others just shout in you come - don't rush in or barge.

Your individual - smile! Be polite - Good Morning/Afternoon, answer any questions the judge asks. When walking forwards to the judge I personally spin and walk backwards infront of the pony for the last 2 strides to be able to see where all their legs are. Again - depending on judge depending on how you stand your horse up. Old school judges will want to see all 4 legs - the set nearest the judge the front should be a bit further forward than the far side, the hind a little further back - when the judge goes to look at the other side of the horse step them forward a stride - always forward, asking them to go back scrunches them up - so the other side is the same picture. Most judges will prefer front feet square, backs slightly offset. I always stay standing in front of the horse so the judge can see the full side picture. When they go to look at the front legs take a step to the side - unless your horse has awful front limb conformation then just don't move! Whilst the judge is looking your horse over pick some grass or arena surface and sprinkle it down from a height to try to get your horse to put it's ears forward. Even if it doenst work you are doing something rather than nothing to try and make them look pretty.

When asked walk straight away from the judge - in a straight line! It's amazing how many people can't walk in a straight line! once you have walked to either the end of the line up or 3/4 length of it or the ring (depending on ring size) come out to the left and turn a circle to the right so you are trotting straight back towards the judge on the same line you walked up on. Do not trot off the turn - it can make the pony look unbalanced or lame. Walk a few strides until your pony is straight then off you go. The judge will move so keep trotting straight at them, past and round to the right for either the length of 3/4 length of the ling side. Head back to your place in line. Once everyone has done this you will all walk round together again and be called back in in order. The lap of honour is the top 6 trotting round together.

Most importantly - smile and have fun no matter what!
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Oh but I so suit a hat, EKW, its like my super power. :lol: is ot necessary to have a hat of some kind or is a neat hairstyle ok? Could probably manage a French plait with the plait end tucked underneath into an up do, or at a push a bun with a scrunchy to match the tie round it... I've not bought hair spray for years.

Thank you so much for the detailed description of what to do, that helps me so much! Just to clarify... The individual trot, you go past the judge then turn and go round the outside of the ring to the right (I'm imagining turning away from the line up) so they can look at her trot from the side again... before heading back to the line?
 
A hat should be worn in the ring (it's considered bad manners not to - although you do sometimes see Welshies shown by a runner without one)
Hair should be in a bun (no scrunchies, one of my pet hates, unless you are 10)
I would choose beige trousers with black legs
A shirt and tie not a stock - stocks are only worn in the Show Ring for Evening Performances or possibly at Royal Shows in the afternoon championships
Carry a leather whip or cane if anything not a schooling whip or pink jumping whip
I'd prefer a tweed jacket but black will do for a local show although strictly speaking black is for boys/gents
Brown gloves should be worn (at a push, cream/yellow but NOT white or black)
Use a piece of shirring elastic with a loop at each end to secure your number - saves the acres of nasty string coming undone at the crucial moment

Of course, all this is if it's possible, and will make you look as professional as possible. But above all have fun and may the best horse win - which is what showing is supposed to be about
 
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I'm in the same boat - but luckily there is a showing clinic being held at a local yard in a few weeks so I'm dragging my two beasties along so I can learn the ropes. Not planning on taking them to HOYS or anything just not wanting to make a fool of myself at local RC or farming shows... Luckily I do have a navy tweed jacket and shirt and tie - last time I went to a show I entered a novice horse riding class and wore the shirt/tie, navy tweed jacket with beige jods black boots and navy gloves & velvet riding hat. I put my hair in a net with a navy bow clip because I don't know how to do a bun. Horse is grey & white hogged cob and his tack black leather. Other horse is a young gray connie which I want to show in hand. As luck would have it I found a cob sized black leather in hand bridle and lead which I'd bought about 18 years ago and never used. Just need to clean it up and have a go!
 
Some very good advice here and excellent description of what happens in the class! Personally I always wear a hard hat, either my show one or failing that my skull cap with a velvet silk.
My outfit has served me well must be around 11 years of use! plus didn't cost a lot
Jacket - second hand £30 just realised I've had this nearly 11 years now lol
Shirt - Charity shop £4
Tie - Second hand ebay £4.50
Trousers - Charity shop £3.00

Bridle wise I only use an in hand bridle for youngsters, mine will go out in a riding bridle this year as he will be backed.

The main point is to be smart, it's respectful to the judge and if it's a tight class could be the difference in the final placings.

18814576_10155191676507184_3312001502250235730_o.jpg
 
These are my showing outfits,

When showing youngsters/anything that may have hysterics. hard hat incase it rears up, country boots to protect my shins from kicks, jacket with a bit more room in it so I can move fast if the little angel decides on acrobatics (normally with gloves but I'd lent them to the mares handler as mare was being a right ***** and her handler had none)
13692666_1047401258658318_4428939764558347938_n.jpg



a photo showing the slight changes for an older horse (bealger instead of riding hat, short boots instead of country boots).
10629732_10100971473751221_8938793273370868899_n.jpg


If your horse is 3 or under then use an inhand bridle with lead, if your horse is 4 or over use your riding bridle with reins.
 
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Thank you for the advice everyone, really useful stuff. And some very smart turnouts in the pictures. I just hope I can get good enough to not stick out and look silly.

Horse is rising 7 and usually keeps her feet on the ground and isn't spooky or excitable (mostly), but it will be her first outing other than to go hacking and I'm not sure if she's been in an indoor school before (probably not) so it might be wise to wear a hat... in which case it'll have to be a skull hat with plain black or navy silk. Unfortunately.

This is madam. She thinks she's the best and most beautiful and is clearly going to win everything. ;) That's the bridle she'll be wearing too. I think she could do a wider noseband ideally but again, I can't get it all perfect. No matter how much I'm desperate to do so.

26731070_10159779000760564_7516224055796241112_n.jpg
 
jnb said:
She reminds me of my wonderful old cob in his baby days, he ended up like this:

https://flic.kr/p/Ew9mqW
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WOW! And SO WHITE! :lol: Can you come and wash mine please?! I really need to trim her ears and beard but we're having to take it really slowly. Weird cos she's not at all head shy and is perfectly happy having her forelock clipped off with the big clippers but take clippers or scissors to her face or chin and she's having none of it.
 
PapaverFollis said:
This is madam. She thinks she's the best and most beautiful and is clearly going to win everything. ;) That's the bridle she'll be wearing too. I think she could do a wider noseband ideally but again, I can't get it all perfect. No matter how much I'm desperate to do so.

26731070_10159779000760564_7516224055796241112_n.jpg
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If there is a class for the prettiest face, she should win it!
 
definitely do a charity shop run :) my show shirt is a boys one from asda having been washed with a duster too ;).

Jacket wise, ask around people often have spares, for instance I have one of mums that she bought for exams when she was 18 that is a 10/12 and definitely beyond fitting these days, two on long term loan from a good hho friend one thick, one thin and one which I bought myself which was an equestrian clearance bargain. I'd happily loan any of them out as required.
 
definitely ask around for the tweed, plenty of people have several and are happy to lend them (I have 3, one for fat days, one for skinny days and one for wet days!) failing that you can often get a bargain on ebay for £20-30 if you dont need one thats going to last forever.

My yellow shirt was a Pretty ponies one but the blue shirt is a mans shirt from ASDA and I actually much prefer it.

My tie came from ebay and cost all of 99p.

My beagler is actually a riding hat I found on a carboot sale, it must have been made in the 70's I would think. I paid £1 for it and cut the harness off (well the piece of elastic that went under your chin) now it looks like a very expensive beagler.

My trousers are charity shop buys so normaly £2 or £3 tops.

You can use jodphur boots, walking boots or any smart flat shoe that you can run in.
Leather gloves can be bought cheap in second hand sales or on ebay for £5

If you exclude my tweed jacket the rest of the outfit cost less than £10 as I already had the boots
 
I may well be sorted for a tweed thanks to a generous HHOer! In which case I'll go for country boots and cream jods, white or yellow(if it fits) shirt and a tie of some description... and either keep my eye out for a suitable hat or wear my skull hat with a navy silk. Can use hubby's brown gloves. And all that remains is to get The Beast's utterly disgusting tail in some way clean!

If I enjoy myself I'll go and have a scout for light coloured trousers and definitely look for a hat. All being well though I want to try some ridden showing after this (with a whole new set of issues and challenges and panicked thread-starting!) and some dressage. I really hope we manage to get out to this show - last time I considered it on a whim (god knows what I would have worn if we'd gone on a whim!!) the Landrover broke down. Literally within a minute of me having the coversation about the show and thinking "maybe we could..." I was getting in the car and it wouldn't start. :lol:
 
For your horses tail a couple of good scrubbings with normal green fairy liquid - leave it in for 5 mins each time before rinsing out and use a shops basic conditioner after. It brings them up cleaner no end. But the problem with mares is they pee in their tail so you will never get it truly white unless you chop it all off and regrow it plaited in a waterproof bag! So don't stress if it is still a bit yellow - it always will be!
 
EKW said:
For your horses tail a couple of good scrubbings with normal green fairy liquid - leave it in for 5 mins each time before rinsing out and use a shops basic conditioner after. It brings them up cleaner no end. But the problem with mares is they pee in their tail so you will never get it truly white unless you chop it all off and regrow it plaited in a waterproof bag! So don't stress if it is still a bit yellow - it always will be!
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Thank you, will try the washing up liquid and conditioner. I was going to wash it today but the yard had started to freeze up so I thought I'd best leave it.
 
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