In-Hand Showing OTTB

[jxssk95]

Looking for some advice as I'm completely new to the showing scene

I have recently (couple months ago) bought a 10 year old OTTB who I would love to start showing in hand locally next year - he has terrible thoroughbred feet and needs some condition so my focus is working with professionals to address this before even considering anything else for this year. He's a really calm lad, and he's (subjectively) very handsome and I'd love to see how he gets on as a bit of fun. I'm also hoping it'll give me an idea for if he will enjoy local showjumping/XC classes depending on how he is with the noise and environment.

He's dark bay, verging on black, with the tiniest white star and tiniest white sock that it's barely noticeable. He has barely any tail but a lovely-to-maintain mane which I can't wait to plait. He also has a scar on the inside of his front leg towards the top (racing injury).

What's the general consensus for showing for his colouring? What type and colour bridle, would a rosette broadband be standard and if so, what colour combination? I noticed at our most recent show that some were showing with brow bands, some not, and some had standard bridles on, and some had in hand bridles! What kind of training is advised, and what can I do about his tail and scar situation?

**PLEASE NOTE** I am UK based, so will be UK showing rules etc.

Thank you!!

 

[Carrottom]

For the tail, I have found that taking a cm of the end regularly encourages it to thicken. Not brushing it, just use your hands to release any tangles.
The scar will depend hiw bad it is. Cornucrecine may encourage hair growth, or you can buy makeup to disguise.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I think you may need to decide what type he is. Is he lightweight or more hunter type. That would prob decide if you need a coloured browband or just a plain browband. Most ROR classes dismiss racing injuries/ scars. My horse has a noticeable scar on his hind leg but has won ridden champion as he went beautifully. As above, keep tail trimmed. If it's still short, you can get very good fake tails, no one would know!! He sounds lovely.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Depends which classes you want to do a riding horse type can have a coloured browband red white and blue looks nice on a dark horse, or if a lightweight hunter a plain browband brown leather for the show ring generally.

You can use makeup to hide small scars more low level shows won't be as strict as affiliated County level, you can get fake tails but if your showing under a society check the rules as some don't allow fake hair.

 

[humblepie]

I show mine in hand in his ridden bridle, so pelham/double with double reins. Some will be shown in snaffle bridles and as you say a few in an in-hand bridle. As above, depends on size and type as to whether you would have a pretty coloured browband or a plain leather one. You don't have to worry about getting all new stuff, but just little things can help how the horse looks and is turned out and you can get lots of advice from here!