Riding Horse classes, what tack and what do you do?

sidesaddlegirl

sidesaddlegirl

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Thinking about biting the bullet and entering an Equifest qualifier Riding Horse class at a show I'm going to at the end of the month. Several people and judges have told me my mare would make a good Riding Horse but I've never done a RH class before so not really sure what to expect.

What is required in the individual show? What is the judge looking for and what bridle so I need? I usually show my mare in her Show Pelham with double reins (no slip head as I find it creates too much bulk on her head) that has a plain flat browband and plain raised noseband.

Just wondered if they want a snaffle and one of those fancy velvet rosetted browbands?

I asked the show organizer if I can ride side saddle and they said yes so will be aside. Do riders in RH classes usually wear tweed or navy jackets? What is the norm will dictate what habit I choose (my green keepers tweed or my navy habit).

Sorry for all the questions but don't want to look a newbie! :D
 
Hi!

I would say you in a navy habit.

Horse can go in your usual bridle but a fancy browband would be the norm!

Walk, trot canter both reins and usually show some one handed stuff to show how well behaved the horse is.
 
Tweed is normally worn for RH, horse in double or pelham, coloured browband.
A normal show, walk, trot, canter figure of 8 , extended canter will be expected.
 
Thanks guys, this info is helping me loads. :)

OK, so if i wear my green keepers tweed habit with brown hat and brown boots, does my tie have to match the browband? My horse is dark bay and spotted a pink velvet browband on ebay with diamante rosettes at the side :D My tie that I usually wear with my habit is brown. I can see a pink tie going well with my habit, lol!
 
You need a flat noseband, a velvet browband, tweed jacket, shirt, tie etc ... The judge normally rides the individual show in a riding horse class and thus you have to present your horse astride as not everyone knows how to ride side saddle and you have a male judge.

Side saddle is for designated side saddle classes, ladies hunters and concours classes.
 
EKW said:
You need a flat noseband, a velvet browband, tweed jacket, shirt, tie etc ... The judge normally rides the individual show in a riding horse class and thus you have to present your horse astride as not everyone knows how to ride side saddle and you have a male judge.

Side saddle is for designated side saddle classes, ladies hunters and concours classes.
Click to expand...

The organizers said she can ride side saddle also you can take an astride saddle for the judge to use to ride in. Some of the bigger shows state this as the judge could be male like you say. The big thing is whether the judge will ride or not, I've done classes where they have then haven't in another, but best to be prepared for if they do ride :)
 
EKW said:
Side saddle is for designated side saddle classes, ladies hunters and concours classes.
Click to expand...

Thank you EKW but I beg to differ :), I ride side saddle all the time, in every show I go to. This is why the SSA has the Performance Points program so that more aside riders start showing in non- side saddle specific classes to bring it into the mainstream again. Side saddle isn't for "special occasions" any more. I always ask beforehand but have never been denied riding aside. :)

I will have to see about the slip head though as I don't want too much bulk around my TB's fine head.

Good point about the astride saddle but all I have is a bright tan close contact Stubben for the odd time we do "ride like a man".
 
If you don't want to use a slip head get an ordinary pelham. Rugby pelhams should have a slip head, ordinary pelhams are acceptable for showing and pretty common in hacks and riding horses as they are neater on a dainty head
 
It's not a Rugby pelham that I use. I know you have to use a slip head with those but with the Show Pelham, I've been told that it's "optional" as it's like a regular pelham but with loose rings. :) I like the Show Pelham over the Rugby and a normal Pelham as it's less bulky. This is the one I have: http://www.ejeffries.co.uk/product/479547/BI705/_/Loose_Ring_Show_Pelham
 
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