In hand Showing

[Amye]

Hi

I purchased my Warmblood around 10 months ago and would like to start some showing with him.

Hopefully (so long as I can get him in the horsebox) we will be attending an Inhand show on 17th July. Does anyone have any hints and tips on inhand showing for a complete newbie? It's not something I've ever done before so am unsure where to start!

I am going to be showing him in his bridle. I have read that you should show them according to 'type' but I am unsure exactly what 'type' he falls under. He's a German Warmblood and quite stocky. We are entering the Veteran class. I have a blue show jacket but have read you are supposed to show in tweed - is this the case for a small local show? Also what is the case with whips? He can be a little lazy, though with encouragement can do a lovely trot. I would feel better with some sort of whip to encourage him to be forward.

Would you recommend plaiting him up? I really like his big mane and am reluctant to pull it (though i will if needed). Are there any alternatives to plaiting? I'm not going into it with any expectations, just want to go out and have some fun and see what he is like as he hasn't done anything for a while from what I can gather from his history.

Sorry for all the questions!

 

[Crackerz]

If he is stocky, i would aim for Hunter turnout, so a plain pelham or double bridle. Plaited mane and pulled tail, and trimmed up so feathers and jawline trimmed off.

I am one of the people that don't like the 'its just a local show' comment, a show is a show - research like you are now, and aim to be as correct as you can. (i run a local show and i want my judges to feel like everyone has gone above and beyond to present them a good picture on the day - judging is a thankless task!)

Ask around friends to see if you can borrow a tweed too - you never know what someone has hanging in their wardrobe! And a smart tie
You can carry a short whip - no issues there. Get your friends to help you practice trotting him up at home too

 

[Jenna1406]

You never know in a showing class that if a judge is torn between 2 horses that they like, they might put it down to how well a horse and handler is turned out. Judges take time out of there day to judge a class (supporting the local shows) and I think personally it be nice if competitors make the effort Obviously if getting some of the "correct" stuff isnt possible as close to it as you can

I use a cane for in hand and have a short brown whip for when I am riding. I normallly wear trousers with my tweed jacket if I am purely doing in hand classes (light colour trousers for dark legs and dark coloured trousers for light leg).

Have fun also

 

[Amye]

Thanks for the advice 😊

Of course I want to show up and us both look smart and presentable 😊 I was just wondering how 'strict' it all was. As it's our first show I'm not sure how it will go. I don't have any experience with inhand showing and I can't afford to buy lots of new things if it turns out it's not for us. That's why I asked if a navy show jacket would be OK - but I'll ask around and see if I can borrow a tweed! I was thinking of wearing black trousers anyway as he's a grey ☺️

I like his 'natural' mane but if plaiting is the way to go then I shall give that a go!

We've been practicing at home already. Trotting up and down the school 😝

 

[epemberton94]

Make sure you look as smart as your horse! Also, wear trousers which contrast with the colour of your horses legs (black legs, white trousers, or black trousers for white legs) so they stand out more. Would definitely plait a warmblood but if you don't want to pull you can always just give it a trim with a solo comb or the like!

 

[Orangehorse]

I noticed that not all the Veterans were plaited, although those that weren't were either ponies or if horses, had quite short manes.

I think for a local show a black jacket is OK, or some people wear shirt, tie and waistcoat with trousers. Practice standing him up correctly, and remember that you are on show the whole time.

It is always a matter of judge's opinion and for veterans there is a very wide criteria for judging, so you may do very well under one judge and no good at all with another one a week later! Have fun and good luck.