need some advice please (showing)

[marley and danni]

Hi,

iv got the biggest compettion iv been to so far on 22nd september (Blue Chip Champs at Bridgewater)

im in the Ridden Thoroughbred class and my TB is only 15'1 and a rich Bay and no white markings very dainty TB with a small head.

iv already quite nervous....

so my questions are if you dont mind helping:

- should i put quater marks on him (if so which side and how do i do it?)
- should there be a certain number of plaits? (hes got a short thick mane so need a lot of plaits)
- he has few scars on his face so i bough gold labels brown wax show stick, how do i apply it? it seems a little darker than his face?
- also what should i do in my show how long should it be i know you play on the horses strenghts... so marleys are hes got lovley extention but only on diagonals... hes got a nice established working trot but not fully on the bit but almost there... hes got a nice canter but only on straights.. and he pulls up great from a gallop.... his weakness are he doesnt like to stand sqare but have been working on this doesnt back up, he doesnt walk in a perfectly straight line i know this is mostly down to me and he can fidget when stood next to the judge but perfect i the line up?

help need please!!! i really appreacite it

 

[WelshD]

I am afraid I cant help with most of that but regarding the cover-up stick buy two and mix them to get the right colour if you have too, clumsy cover ups always look really obvious

 

[charly48]

This is the individula show I normally use:

Walk straight out of the line-up
Turn left or right and trot a figure of eight (as you change the rein diagonally you can show off his extension)
Canter a figure of eight, however on the second canter after/instead of circling go round behind the line-up to show off his gallop, pulling up as you come in front of the line-up.
Walk back to the line-up (I can't remember if you have to salute or not)

I personally think the square quarter marks (looks like a chess board) are the nicest. I think shark's teeth are usually used on hunters rather than rather riding horses but I have seen people use both.

I think I read somewhere that the ideal number of plaits on the neck is 11 (the forelock making it 12) but it depends on your horse's mane really.