Low level in-hand showing for numpties

[Widgeon]

I have a lovely 15.1hh all rounder coloured cob - not a hairy and not a show cob, just a general nice Irish boy. I was thinking that this winter it might be fun* to try some in hand showing. I haven't got a clue where to start looking though - obviously it would need to be indoors but are there Facebook groups for this kind of thing? Or local societies? Presumably societies are only for "proper" showing rather than the "having a day out" kind of thing I'm looking for?

We're in North Yorkshire so if anyone can suggest somewhere to start that would be super helpful....also any showing clinics - are these a thing? Or would these all be aimed at CHAPS wannabes etc? I really haven't got a clue, I'd just like a friendly day out with some other nicely average horses, and if someone can show me what we're supposed to do that would be even better.

Anything helpful anyone can contribute would be welcome, I don't know anyone who shows and while we have plenty of local summer agricultural shows, I'm busy hacking in the summer!

*aka a reason to a) clean my tack and b) restore said cob to his factory settings of black and white rather than orange and white

 

[jnb]

Is he a Native type (i.e Welsh cob type shape and feathers) rather than a Traditional (long mane, tail, loads of feather) ?
CHAPS have a website and do run clinics, The Showing Register also run many clinics and shows with very knowledgeable judges/producers so would advise.

https://theshowingregister.co.uk/rider-of-the-year/tsr-showing-clinics/

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Is there a local RC? They might even hold showing clinics over the winter. Most showing shows are held in the months when you can expect the better weather, though.

 

[Widgeon]

Is he a Native type (i.e Welsh cob type shape and feathers) rather than a Traditional (long mane, tail, loads of feather) ?

Thanks for your reply - to be brutally honest he's not either! But he is at least coloured, so I probably should look at CHAPS. And I had never heard of the showing register so I'll take a look at that too. I just need to find the right people in this area I think - both of your suggestions might help me do that so thank you.

 

[Widgeon]

Is there a local RC? They might even hold showing clinics over the winter. Most showing shows are held in the months when you can expect the better weather, though.

There is but so far as I can see they don't touch showing. It's all dressage and jumping. And pole clinics.

 

[minesadouble]

Is there a reason you are considering in hand rather than ridden?
It would be much easier to find ridden classes over Winter.

 

[Reri1826]

In hand showing at that level (also my level, very very grass roots) is pretty basic really.

Clean horse, dress smart, wear hat and gloves and the rest can be riding clothes or something reasonably smart.

Walk round, steward will at some point ask people to trot. Person at front trots to back/near the back if big ring. Halt and salute the judge. You can try and make horse stand up nicely if you want.

Everyone lines up. Individually come out to stand in front of judge, side on. Again standing nicely. Natter to judge. Walk away in straight line. Turn them so horse is on inside, you on outside. Few straight walk steps then trot on, straight at judge- they will move. Trot past judge, round corner, halt and salute, back to line up job done

You might find a clinic doing in hand tips, just keep an eye out on Facebook. You might find a show but more likely in the spring as outdoor shows start up again.

Showing can also be quite dull with lots of waiting around. I’d consider trec, horse agility or something to keep you occupied over winter, you can do in hand too.

 

[tda]

There are some good venues up there, Richmond EC, Northallerton EC, port royal

A friend goes to stuff run by Catterick Saddle Club

 

[twofatladies88]

Northern Counties Pony Association runs clinics and shows, I think, up that way- check out their website/Facebook.

 

[Widgeon]

Is there a reason you are considering in hand rather than ridden?
It would be much easier to find ridden classes over Winter.

Largely because of all the reasons Reri has given below - because in-hand is *really* simple! No worrying about will he do his giraffe impression, will he strike off on the right leg in canter, what if I ride like a moron....

In hand showing at that level (also my level, very very grass roots) is pretty basic really..

Thanks for all this, this is helpful - I have looked into TREC but our local group covers the East Midlands and all of Yorkshire, so events in our local area seem pretty few and far between - I don't like (or have time for) towing for miles even in the summer, so I'm not sure how viable an option TREC is. My horse isn't a massive fan of hacking alone either, so we'd need to do pairs, and I don't have a pair.

 

[Reri1826]

That’s a pain in the bum! I hope you find something to keep you busy

 

[tda]

Thanks for all this, this is helpful - I have looked into TREC but our local group covers the East Midlands and all of Yorkshire, so events in our local area seem pretty few and far between - I don't like (or have time for) towing for miles even in the summer, so I'm not sure how viable an option TREC is. My horse isn't a massive fan of hacking alone either, so we'd need to do pairs, and I don't have a pair.

There is a really lovely lady who does Trec clinics, she's based in Wakefield but travels all over the north of England she is on fb as Evietrec or something like that.

 

[Widgeon]

Northern Counties Pony Association runs clinics and shows, I think, up that way- check out their website/Facebook.

Thanks, just had a look at this - I'd never heard of it, good to have another place to look! I will keep an eye out