Ridden show piece

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HaffiesRock

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Right, I have been to 3 shows so far this season and all of which I have only done in hand due to my lack of confidence.

My Haffy can be very strong and after a fall when he took off with me I've not been riding him all that much.

Now I am getting back into riding and I want to be brave and enter a ridden showing class at the next show (3 weeks)

I have never done a ridden show before so I have no idea what I need to do. I know I need to do a show piece showing all gaits. Can I just make this up, or is there a set routine?

He is very strong and I know I will struggle to stop him (currently working on it now but the excitement of the show ring may not help much)

Also what bit should I use? I ride in a Dutch gag on the middle ring. Should I be using a Pelham?

Thanks everyone x
 
A normal individual show consists of: walk away, trot straight back to the judge, trot a figure of 8, canter a figure of 8, extend down the long side off of the 2nd canter circle.

Try him out in a pelham at home, if he is still too strong for you in that then take him in his gag until he has settled to the ring.
 
I was told if its a novice class you need a snaffle, higher up you can use pelham and 2 reins. May be different at local level though?
 
In most of the local ridden shows i have been too most have been wearing pelhams with 2 reins, a few with snaffles :)
 
I've had lessons in a snaffle and although he will relax eventually at home, the excitement of the show would be far too much that id have zero brakes.

It's a friendly local show and most people seem to ride in Pelhams. I just don't think a gag is really appropriate?
 
Why not try a best turned out first to see how he behaves in the ring under saddle. You are unlikely to have to do a 'show', and will probably only have to walk round.
Once you feel more adventurous & have to do an individual show, watch those going before you and follow their moves. Keep it short & sweet, nothing worse than a long show. If you want to use the gag then do, explain to the judge it is your first show & you might need brakes, most judges will understand.

Good Luck & Enjoy.
 
Thank you.

The first class of the day is open tack and turnout. Is there a chance that may not need a show? I'll ask them. If he does OK in that I could try the relevant ridden class.

I schooled him tonight and he was excellent so feeling much more confident!
 
HaffiesRock said:
Thank you.

The first class of the day is open tack and turnout. Is there a chance that may not need a show? I'll ask them. If he does OK in that I could try the relevant ridden class.

I schooled him tonight and he was excellent so feeling much more confident!
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My haflingers first show was ridden foreign breed last week, I had carefully planned a show...and then the judge rode her so no show was required. Hope your shows go well. :)
 
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