In hand showing - What to wear

[filmadict]

Hi guys

I'm new to the showing world to say the least and wanted to get my youngster use to show by doing some in hand showing but what do the people handling the horse wear?

I've been looking at pictures and is it seems to vary a lot.

I think i will be doing just local stuff but have no idea what to wear in the ring.

Any help would be apreciated

 

[MissSBird]

You're right that it varies a lot. You can put a lot of your personal taste into your outfit. Here's a basic guide of what you should be looking for:

A hat - some people don't, particularly in welsh classes, but it's generally considered to be disrespectful to the judge to enter the ring without a hat on your head. This can really be any form of smart hat, from a beagler to a stetson, trilby to flat cap. A harnessed riding hat can also be worn, preferably velvet with flesh coloured harness.

Shirt - a smart shirt in a pastal colour, cream or coloured/white stripe. Boys school shirts and mens work shirts are often best for a good collar fit.

Tie - a patterned tie that goes nicely with your colour scheme.

Jacket - for most types a tweed jacket is correct. Brown, green or mustard preferably, but blue tweed is acceptable. If your youngster is particularly fine and likely to end up a show pony or hack type, then a plain navy jacket is also correct.

Waistcoat - this is an alternative to a jacket, and any colour that blends with your scheme is permissable. I would recommend picking out a more subtle colour, however, if your pony isn't a hack/show pony type.

Trousers - smart trousers. Go for dark colours like hunter green and navy if your youngster has light legs, and light trousers for dark legs. It does make a difference for the judge!

Shoes - some people wear riding boots, but really you're better off with any smart shoe you can run in. Remember if outdoors you might have to deal with muddy slippy grass! My sister and I have taken to wearing hill-walking trainers, as these are in more subtle hues than white sports trainers but afford good grip.

Other things - gloves are essential, and should be brown leather. Remember to keep your hair neat and tidy. Ideally you should also carry a brown show cane (or mock show-cane crop if you might need a whip).

A key thing to remember is to avoid two colours, black and white, if at all possible.

Charity shops are a good place to pick up things. All my in-hand trousers have come from charity shops. If not, piece together what you can and go have fun. At local level the judge won't be harsh about your turnout.

These are some photos I took at the RHS a couple of years ago of a variety of in-hand classes. They might give you some inspiration for your outfit.

http://crphotos.suddenlaunch3.com/index.cgi?board=RHS09

 

[filmadict]

thanks so much thats a great help. it will showing a hunter/riding horse type, he's a flasy chestnut with some white on his legs

 

[MissSBird]

thanks so much thats a great help. it will showing a hunter/riding horse type, he's a flasy chestnut with some white on his legs

Best to try and stick to dark trousers and subtle hues then, and go for a workmanlike outfit

good luck!