Preparation for showing my cob, first timer!

[Meoldmucka]

So my MIL has said I can show her coloured cob at a local show this summer and I love a challenge so I said yes as it's nice to have something to work towards even if the shows don't go ahead this year.
I'd like to ride him in the show but I can only do a rising trot at the moment so I'm working on learning to canter. If it gets nearer the time and I'm not confident, I can always show him in hand.
So I was wondering what I should be starting to do now to ensure he's on the best condition for showing?
He has white feathers and is turned out in muddy fields at the moment.
Any advice on grooming or groundwork exercises I should work on with him?
Thanks so much

 

[conniegirl]

Tbh, if you cannot canter yet you will not be ready for an open ridden class by summer. You would need to be ready to canter in a group for several minutes at a time and be in full control potentially whilst being passed by others or having small children use your cobs back end as a braking system. You may also need to show an extended canter or gallop in a group setting.
If you can find a local show with some walk and trot only ridden classes (they are gaining popularity) i would recommend them instead.

for an inhand classes it will depend on his type and what class you are doing.
do you have a picture of him at all?

 

[Meoldmucka]

Thanks Connie girl. I thought with loads of lessons and practice I might be ready as I know the local show doesn't require you to gallop but fair point.
Here's a photo, his passport just says sports horse so I'm not entirely sure what kind he is. I'd like to leave his mane and feathers on if possible

 

[Meoldmucka]

Unfortunately the file is too big to attach ?

 

[Gloi]

If you are going to show him in hand you need to practice what you need to do.
You need him to be able to walk out smartly looking alert then trot on command without dragging you or holding back. Make sure you can turn him to the right while trotting him as you need to do that as you pass the corners of the ring. You will get called in and have to stand mannerly in a line. The judge will call you out and you have to walk him away from the judge, turn him away from you and walk or trot back as the judge asks then trot him round and back into the line.
You can practice all this at home and also practice with other horses about so you know he behaves well.
Good luck.

 

[Meoldmucka]

Thanks gloi, I think I'm entering him in the coloured class. I've watched a few you tube videos on showing so I can practice. I might take him to a friend's yard to practice too as it'll be more unfamiliar to him.
He's a piebald cob with white feathers, not sure how else to describe him tho.

 

[sarahann1]

If it’s your first show, I’d opt for a novice horse class over the coloured classes to begin with. Certainly round my way the coloured classes are always very busy and extremely competitive. There is also no guarantee you wouldn’t be asked to extend, judges in that class would normally ask for it.

The novice horse class would be a more gentle introduction for you. I’d also suggest watching as many classes as you can in real life beforehand if the opportunity arises.

Re the feather, pig oil would help maintain them.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Unfortunately the file is too big to attach ?

Screenshot the pictures and then add them. That usually reduces the size.

 

[Meoldmucka]

Screenshot the pictures and then add them. That usually reduces the size.

I tried that but it still didn't work unfortunately

 

[blitznbobs]

If feathered he must have a long flowing mane and tail , it takes a long time to get a real hairy ready for a show, (I always found it took 2 weeks of bathing and chalking to get mine white enough for the first show. I like a bit of sparkle spray thru their mane and tail and feathers but only if doing one class as the dirt does cling to it.

 

[Spotherisk]

Ridden, just keep practicing your riding so start with, you could always do a tack and turnout class which only needs walk and trot I believe. How about trying some walk and trot dressage tests beforehand, that’ll get you both a bit more show savvy without having to share a ring. If he’s a kind soul and helpful and you work at it you could certainly have a go at a ridden show class at a small local show.

there are lots of books available on showing, have a look on eBay, also the BSPA and CHAPS websites should be able to advise. Good luck, let us know how you get on over the next few months!