In hand showing tips

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ChestnutConvert

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A newbie to in hand showing, looking to take my girl out this summer for a change of scenery plus you never know what will happen.

Does anyone have any tips/good websites/books etc as to what happens, what to wear and so on...?
 
As for what to wear
Navy velvet riding hat
Shirt tie tweed jacket or waistcoat
Dark trousers if your horse has white legs or vice versa for dark legs wear light coloured trousers
And some sturdy boots you can run in.
I wear a trilby but its up to you re safety.
Practice at home getting your horse to stand up well and trot out actively but under control.
And enjoy.
 
What horse/pony are you showing ? and what classes ? as turnout really varies and depends on what your entering. M&M or Welsh for example can be very different to other breeds. Generally the breed society websites will give you information on turnout for inhand showing.
Then start practising standing square, a relaxed walk and being able to lead on the outside whilst trotting around corners.
 
cambrica said:
What horse/pony are you showing ? and what classes ? as turnout really varies and depends on what your entering. M&M or Welsh for example can be very different to other breeds. Generally the breed society websites will give you information on turnout for inhand showing.
Then start practising standing square, a relaxed walk and being able to lead on the outside whilst trotting around corners.
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I really haven't a clue! She is a 16.3 danish WB with no white markings and nice paces. Might do ridden classes as well but not out to be too professional (can you tell!?)
Are in hand classes just walk and trot? Stupid question maybe!
 
Yes, walk and trot inhand, walk away from judge, trot back unless otherwise directed. Yellow shirt always good, maybe a green tie? Smart shoes as opposed to jod boots. Wear a riding hat if not high level, mate got moved down by judge a Caddington for not having a hat on.
 
You really don't need to worry too much if your showing at local level. Take the first show as experience only, follow somebody else into the ring and maybe explain to the steward its your first time.
To start with you all walk around in a large circle. The judge will then stop you all at a corner and one by one you will trot around past the judge. Then resume walking and keep an eye on the judge or steward until they nod you in for the line up. Its then taken in turns to pull your horse out and stand, the judge will then ask you to walk away from them a short distance, then turn and face the judge, remembering to always keep yourself on the outside. A couple of steps at walk then into a trot. The judge will move out of your way so head straight towards them and keep trotting around to the back of the line up. Don't stop trotting until the judge has turned away. Cantering is a big NO but should it happen calmly bring back to a trot.
Remember be as relaxed as possible as if your nervous your horse will be too.
Different shows have different classes so just try Best Condition to start with.
Carry a showing cane or whip as it is handy to guide your horse around the bends by raising it up with your left hand. You always trot in a clockwise direction.
 
Its fun, I show my youngster just to get him out and about and give him some experience. If you think yours may be a bit feisty on the day get there early and lunge a bit. There are lots of little tips such as a rustly paper wrapper in your pocket to make her look alert in front of the judge. Try and get an upbeat trot, there's nothing worse than a horse that looks like its being dragged, and smile alot :D.
My essential piece of kit is Cowboy Magic super show shine!
 
Hi, I've got my first ever in-hand show on Saturday! I've only had 3 days practice and I'm reallllllllly nervous. I know I'm being silly and it's only a local show but it's all a learning game I suppose. I have a navy velvet hat with flesh straps, green tweed jacket, white shirt, canary jods, black jod boots, navy tie with gold on it and matching scrunchy. ive gone over board but you never know what can happen! I hope you have fun because that's the main thing. I'm showing my horse in the coloured class, condition, m&m and numerous others. My theory is that if I get as many done as possible then every round I will have learnt something new. good luck!!!!!!!! xx
 
Best advice my instructor gave me - when it's your turn, run like you mean it to get your horse moving the best they can. You literally have seconds to show off your horse to the judge. I forgot everything else but this advice, and we won :D

More importantly, go in and have fun - It's all a learning experience and the judges are usually great and very understanding lol
 
anyalousie123 said:
Hi, I've got my first ever in-hand show on Saturday! I've only had 3 days practice and I'm reallllllllly nervous. I know I'm being silly and it's only a local show but it's all a learning game I suppose. I have a navy velvet hat with flesh straps, green tweed jacket, white shirt, canary jods, black jod boots, navy tie with gold on it and matching scrunchy. ive gone over board but you never know what can happen! I hope you have fun because that's the main thing. I'm showing my horse in the coloured class, condition, m&m and numerous others. My theory is that if I get as many done as possible then every round I will have learnt something new. good luck!!!!!!!! xx
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Unless your pony is a Shetland it cannot do both the m&m and the coloured class.
M&m class is for registered British native breeds and the only breed that allows coloureds is the shetland
 
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