Producing youngstock for the show ring

[Ladylina83]

Hello all

Just wondered if any one could point me in the right direction of any reference material or guidance for producing youngstock for the show ring.

I have quite a bit of showing experience with my small hunter mare (his Mum) so know the basic turnout and routine etc I would just like to know what work I can do at home to bring out the best in my yearling.

I plan on doing some riding club shows early this year but then there is a Sports Horse GB class on at the end of may - I would really like him to shine and don't want to look like an amateur

I am going to start doing some leading work, trotting up and group work over the next month or so. how can I get him to stand up square

What will the judges be looking for

Should I plait him ( its a show hunter class and his mane looks a little like an 80's perm growing out at the mo !!!) also trimming ears fetlocks etc and plaiting tails is this all the done thing ??


I guess I can pick bits up from RC shows but anything you can offer would be helpful
Thanks for your help

 

[pastie2]

Yup, plaited and trimmed!! Do lots of in hand walking and practice trotting up and standing square. Feet are also very important, make sure they are trimmed and neat. We used to use a little vulcanite mullened mouth eggbut snaffle, yearlings go much better in the ring when they have been mouthed. Dont be tempted to over feed, yearlings should look like yearlings and not overtopped two year olds, their future is to be ridden and remain sound for their careers in front of them. Good luck, it does them the world of good to go to a show and it will bring him on in leaps and bounds ready to start the next part of his education.