Racehorse to ridden classes..?

[HensPens]

Does anyone do them?
What's involved?
What do they look for?
What do they not want to see?
Where abouts are they happening?

Okay, jumping the gun a bit, we also have transport issues ATM but I was just wondering. Henry is coming along well and is getting a lot of compliments. I've never done any sort of showing in my life.

But still, would be handy to know what happened and indeed if any happened locally! ;-)

 

[Barneykins]

They are showing classes for ex racehorses. They involve a walk, trot, and canter round the ring, then the judge may ride or you will do an individual show. You will then take the saddle off & run the horse in hand. Horse that does/gives the best ride & has best confimation wins.

 

[nicky_jakey]

I've done two of these classes (at diff shows). Finished mid division at both so couldn't be bothered to do another!
They tend to be pretty competetive, both the ones I went to people were trying to qualify for Hickstead!
It involved walk, trot, canter & a controlled group gallop (down one long side of the arena). Then called into a provisional line up. You then did an individual show before being placed.
No horse was untacked or judge rode in either show (not saying they wouldn't, they just didn't there). It was a pretty competitive class - all in double bridles, velvet browbands & show saddles. I felt out of place in my GP saddle. The horses had to move well & go in the right 'outline'. I came mid- division as mine was 'inconsistant'.

I hope this helps - just go & have fun!

 

[humblepie]

There are lots of different organisations doing them from local shows that just run the class, to ex racer club classes, TARRA (both of which I think ignore injuries) to the ROR Hickstead and HOYS qualifers which are fairly high powered. Locally the judge will probably not ride and will probably have everyone go round then do an individual show although some local judges will ride. Friends of mine do well locally with a mixture of horses that have GP saddles, snaffle bridles etc and are generally just pleasure horses. Different judges look for different things but personally I would say way of going, manners, conformation, condition, etc. My horse started at local level and has now been placed at Hickstead and HOYS but the main thing is to have fun as they are excellent classes.

 

[sky1234]

My boy is an ex NH racehorse (pictured to the left). He's coming on great at home and in quiet environments, but he still explodes if we go out to shows. He just can't seem to keep a lid on it (literally). It's still very early days, so I guess it's just a matter of getting out there and getting as much exposure as possible at small, quiet events, and trying to keep him calm, until he realises there's no more racing involved..ever!

 

[toomanyhorses26]

I do the ex racer club classes as its my tb's first season and he does have some scarring on his legs which they don't take into account when judging. The classes I have done have had walk,trot and canter as a group with your gallop as part of your individual show. Judge hasn't ever ridden in any of the classes I have done. They like to see a well muscled,well fed tb who has adjusted to their new career and they seem to take into account how long they have been out of racing eg I was competing a few weeks back and there was a stunning chestnut in my class - very settled,worked beautifully and gave a good gallop - thought a sure thing for 1st place but in the final line I was pulled in first. The judge explained her decsion - mine had been out of racing two years other horse had been out 12 years. All the classes I have done the judge has been really friendly and given loads of good advice so I would deffo give it a go

 

[Equestrian92]

I had an ex racer and I loved these classes
Firstly join the www.ror.org website (retraining of racehorses)
I think it costs £10 you need to be a member to enter the classes.
Everything you need to know is on this website, they have a full list of clases and dates etc of the shows. Also a forum where you can ask anything you like.

Dont worry about all this fancy stuff, obviously everywhere is different just make yourself and horse look as smart as you can, I went in a gp saddle and a standard bridle (snaffle). I wore white jodhpurs, shirt tie and jacket and long leather riding boots.

Its pretty much the same as any other showing class, you all walk, trot and canter round together then you do your own display. Mine cosisted of a figure of eight in trot and then canter and a gallop up the long side. If you drag it on they get bored (short and sweet is always best)

The judge may then ask to ride your horse and after ask you to trot horse up in hand. Its nothing difficult honest if you think "Oh god what are they asking me to do" just say look Im new to this could you explain" they wont eat you

They look for how your horse has changed his career from being a race horse to a riding horse, like his muscle, shape, temperment and behaviour mainly. The judge said to me "I dont expect your horse to have a perfect outline" they know they wasn't built for dressage etc.
Just relax, have fun and go on that website!

 

[Chestnuttymare]

What part of the uk are you in?
Our club, Scotnorth ex racers club, hold many classes around scotland and the Noth of England. Itis a really friendly thing, and people are are always ready to help you out, in or out of the ring. eg, if your horse has planted himself, you would find that another horse and rider might give you a lead.
It's not cut throat like normal showing. Blemishes are not a problem, the judge is more interested in how the horse is going, and the partnership between horse and rider, condition and turnout and conformation etc.

PM if i can help any more.