In-Hand showing ...help!

[pickolus]

Hello,

I am due to take part in my first in-hand coloureds show later next month with my Gypsy cob gelding.

I have been told ,briefly,that you can wear whatever you like as long as it is smart. Is this the case? I currently have a light blue showing jacket ,a traditional tweed jacket and various jodhpurs to choose from. Not sure what is correct!

Are there any special rules/ do's and dont's to take into consideration whilst in the ring?

May I stand on any side of the horse? He is a brilliant horse on the left side, but when I lead him on the right he isn't as responsive. Can I somehow stay on my happy side lol?

I am actually getting quite nervous and confused now... I love going to shows to watch, but, I don't know too much about actually competing.

Any advice would be much appreciated! xxxxxxx

!

 

[bex1984]

I would go for the tweed jacket. You can either wear pale jods (I usually do), or wear smart trousers - go for a dark colour if your horse has white legs or a pale colour for dark legs.

You will need to be on the left side of the horse when leading, and you go clockwise round the arena so you're not between the judge and the horse. Have a practice at home and get him listening to you - do some trot ups.

Remember when you trot him out run really fast so he moves nicely. When the judge asks you to trot towards them do just that - trot dead straight towards the judge, they will move, and keep going past them.

 

[BlackBoris]

Always lead on the left hand side of your horse. When you enter the ring always go on the right rein as this gives the judge the oppurtunity to ee the horse. When you do your individual show then walk away from the judge and trot back and past them. I always wear navy blue trousers, hacking jacket, shirt, tie, gloves and a beagler. oh and comfy but smart jodphur boots. Good luck and let us know how you get on

 

[CrazyMare]

I wouldn't wear jods. It doesn't look as smart, and you won't see handlers wearing jods at county level.

A tweed jacket, hat - either a beagler or bush type hat, shirt & tie, with brown gloves and bown cane, then choose the trousers to contrast with the legs - I wear navy for my grey and beige for my bay.

 

[pickolus]

Thankyou soooo much for your advice, it has helped me to understand a little more of what to expect and I don't feel as nervous. Thanks again! xxxxxx