Should I show him?

[Mynyddcymro]

Hi everyone!
I would really appreciate some feedback on what to do regarding showing my Shetland - Tigger. I am hoping to get to a local show in August which I have dreamt of taking Tigger to since I had him (Almost 8 years now - had him since he was 10months ). When he was three he damaged his eye on barbed wire - completely not my fault or within my control but still makes me feel sick thinking about it!
Anyway it's pretty obvious he doesn't have a 'normal' eye - it's effectively 'sunk' into the socket - but how do you think a judge would react and mark against him. I read that a judge is to judge the horse of it's confirmation it was born with and that injuries it has acquired shouldn't be a massive reason to mark down. However I feel that he would get marked down.
I read of a Section A stallion who lost his eye and carried on showing and doing incredibly well, often winning championships I believe.
I feel i'll take him anyway because he doesn't know he's got a different eye to other ponies, but he certainly knows he's a handsome man!
I just thought i'd post a few pics and see what people think, both about his eye and his general confirmation!

 

[LauraWheeler]

What a little poppet. I say take him out. If people don't like his eye stuff them as long as you and him are having fun thats all that matters.

 

[Cedars]

I'd take him regardless! good for them to get out and about =] and if you get marked down, who cares! if you're both having fun, thats great xxx

 

[schneeko]

Why not?

Some judges won't mind, some will, but if you and Tigger will enjoy it then go for it.

He has nice conformation and looks really cute so I think you'd do well, especially if you just want to do local shows.

Good Luck

 

[branmash]

Hi I think he should go to the show he is soooocute I love him
I once booked horsebox, people etc to go with to a show 2 days before show NF pony got sunburn on her nose I took her covered in sunblock and she still got placed with an understanding judge. Go to the show and have fun,
best wishes

 

[Mynyddcymro]

Thankyou for all being so positive! He is an absoloute gem with the typical cheeky and stubborn Shetland nature! Next up is opinions on the current show bridle i've got - haven't got any recent pictures so will try and get some tomorrow!
Thankyou everyone - will have to keep you all updated on the build up to the show. Including his daily intensive exercise regime as he's a little porker at the moment!

 

[Brandy]

Hes gorgeous and I'm sure he'll enjoy himself! Take him and have a good time.

 

[navaho]

Give it a go, youve nothing to loose, hes a lovely little man. Is the section A stallion your refering to the palamino Caemoss pony who was stabbed in the eye, if so he really is lovely!

 

[BobbyMondeo]

Go for it!! If the judges dont like his eye then stuff them he is beautifull

 

[Perissa]

I am a judge and I wouldn't hold it against him at all )

 

[cronkmooar]

Personally I would take him out and have some fun with him - he will probably enjoy it.

I am sure last year there was a post (think it might have been monty and zoom???) about a showing series specifically for those who have injuries such as this - might be worth a PM or a search

Good luck

 

[Kenzo]

I'd show him, some judges will take it into account though...and rightly so in some instances, some won't, if he's got a better confo to the one standing above him in line due to his eye, then the judge obvioulsy has something wrong with their eyes!

 

[Mynyddcymro]

Give it a go, youve nothing to loose, hes a lovely little man. Is the section A stallion your refering to the palamino Caemoss pony who was stabbed in the eye, if so he really is lovely!

He sure is, I read about him on another forum (Saddlesoap) I also recognise your forum name! He is a lovely looking chap!

Perissa - Thankyou - if only they were all like you!

I'm desperately trying to upload new pictures from today but phone isn't playing ball!

And thankyou everyone for all your lovely supportive messages!!

 

[ilovecobs]

He is sooo cute! really nice, and your right, as it is an injury it wont go against you too badly, if the judge mentions it before you walk away and trot back keep it short and sweet and just say Yes he injured his eye on fencing whilst in the field, im sure you'll have fun, hes lovely!

 

[Mynyddcymro]

Well here's the little man as of today looking rather smart, a few action shots of him proving he can lunge when he wants to!



Tigger has made a special request for everyone to ignore his 'girl plaits' in the following picture...












Sorry for the overload but felt I needed to do him justice with some half decent photos.. So next question, What does everyone think of the rolled show bridle? I'm not sure simply because although he has a fine head I think it looks too small - would I get away with using it or should I invest in a show bridle that will suit his head better?

Thanks everyone! x