Opinions please - which showing class for my cob?

[cobs and carrots]

Before I start, I want to make the point that this may belong in the competing forum, but since this is a question about small local shows I thought it might be better off here. Might be wrong, I'm still new here

Last spring I clipped the feathers off my lovely cob due to horrible mites - she's still got her lovely long and thick mane and tail and they are going absolutely nowhere in a rush, but her feathers are staying off to save me hassle with mud fever.

I know I can now not enter cob classes as she doesn't fit into either category of traditional or show, but she's got such a lovely presence and fab paces and I'd love to show her locally - could I still enter coloured classes, riding club horse etc?

Sorry if this is a silly question, don't really know my way around showing that well just yet

Thanks!

 

[cobs and carrots]

ahhh posted accidentally without finishing!! Will edit now

 

[ridefast]

If it's only local shows you want to do I think you could get away with entering any class, the judge will soon say if you're not doing it right but it's all good fun and experience.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

It depends whether you re looking for experience or rosettes. Even at local shows horses usually need to be 'to type' to be placed, unless the entry is very small. You could try Riding Club horse classes, where she will probably have to jump one or two small jumps and do a show, or if you are able to jump more, you could put her into a WH class, where IME local shows tend to have just about any type in the class, not just hunter-types.

 

[cobs and carrots]

I'm more after a nice day out with her rather than any rosettes or sashes - she's very comfortable in large crowds, so showing is something I think she'll enjoy.

Strangely never thought about taking her in a WH class - she's got a cracking shape over a fence so will probably give that a go next year.

Thanks for the responses!

 

[Bobbly]

The problem you will have now is that with no feathers to compliment an abundant mane and tail she is neither one thing or the other. Feathers = traditional or vanner/native types, clean legs = show cob (hogged) or non native plaited types. Even the standards at local shows seem to have got much higher on the whole.

 

[cobs and carrots]

Certainly taking off her feather means she is no longer a 'correct' traditional type - which is a shame, as she is a classic stamp of a vanner and has thick feather from the knee down. Unfortunately she was chewing sores into her legs, clearly in pain which was horrendous to watch - so the clippers came out and the hair was straight off.

I'm not big on competing, we just go for the fun and social side. As long as I can enter the ring and do my show without being kicked out for completely incorrect turnout, I'm not fussed!!

Thanks again for the responses, they've been a big help

 

[Bobbly]

This might be of interest to you?....

BSPA description of a Vanner:
A Vanner is a horse that was used in former years to pull a tradesman's van or do light work around the farm. Usually has some thoroughbred in it's background and is a cross with a draft horse e.g Shire, Clydesdale, Percheron or Suffolk Punch. It is not as heavy as a true draft horse and may also make a good riding type. Vanners may be presented hogged and trimmed, or plaited or traditional, it's conformation is unmistakeable
Height usually over 15.3, no upper height limit, with 10" bone capable of carrying 16st+ the head large and noble with a large eye, the neck arched muscular and well set on the shoulder may be a little upright (to accommodate a collar on a harness), short flat cannon bones, large open feet in proportion the the body, a good second thigh and forearm giving the impression of power and pulling ability, strong hocks may be slightly cow hocked (but in this instance not to be considered a conformation fault as in the animals heritage was designed to walk between furrows). The body rectangular in appearance and may be slightly rangy but with good balance. Legs are long and muscular and in proportion to the body.
Way of going: A good active walk purposeful and workmanlike, the trot active forward going and in self carriage may be light on it's feet for such a large animal. The canter forward going and controlled, collection may be lacking but the pace is rhythmical and covers a lot of ground. The Vanner is capable of a really keen gallop covering a lot of ground and has the ability to lower and to lengthen their stride.