SHOW HUNTER PONY ... What's your preferred type? - Pics attached

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mickygem

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Hi, I'm really interested to know what type Judges prefer their SHP to be. This is my son's new pony (WPB) 12h. He did his 1st SHP class at the weekend and came 1st but there were only 3 in the class. I'm wondering if his type would be out of place at county level? It would be handy to know before I measure & register him. The three judges at the weekend were all very positive (apart from the black hooves eek) but the three ponies in the class were all very different, more of a Show Pony type with flicky toes. (the pics below are two weeks apart, his coat changed colour a LOT lol) We are also aiming to do cradles with him as he;s got quite a pop but pony & jockey are both very young. Thanks in advance :)

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cundlegreen

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He's a really nice type with plenty of "flash" to take the judges eye. Possibly he wouldn't be quality enough for top class showing, as they seems to have show riding types as hunter ponies nowadays. He's certainly my type, but I haven't judged at the top level for a long time now. Good luck with him.
 
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mickygem

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Hi Cundlegreen, thanks so much for your message, I've been told the trend is turning back a bit in recent times so hopefully he may be more accepted as he does fit the BSPS way of going:

QUOTE: "Show hunter ponies come in all shapes and sizes. However, as long as the judge chooses a pony of true Hunter type, be it heavy, middle or light weight there will never be a problem. What I try to avoid is a fat or overweight show pony masquerading as a Hunter pony. A true Hunter pony should have plenty of bone and substance. If I think that with a fancy brow band, it could be a show pony then it is in the wrong class and should be placed accordingly"

Many Thanks :)
 
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Elf On A Shelf

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To me he looks a little course for top level SHP showing but he will do well everywhere else. He is a lovely, chunky stamp. Does he jump? If so then workers is the way forward.
 
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mickygem

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Hi EKW, thanks for your feedback, yes he does jump, he is extremely measured, he can trot into a mtr, make a beautiful bascule & trot out as though the jump wasn't there. Under saddle with my 8yr old son, we're taking it very slowly as my son is questioning some of the fillers, so putting thoughts in his head, however his pony is very genuine albeit green, they won their beginners cradles at 50cm locally last weekend. We are praying he measures in (he's top of the 122 range) we think he'd make a brilliant cradle stakes pony, he's quite leftfield in his looks but maybe he can buck the trend ;)
 
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mickygem

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Thank you, he was a hairy monster 8 weeks ago, thankfully I saw through the fluff and mud, got him home and booked him in for a makeover hee hee :D
 
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Elf On A Shelf

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mickygem said:
Hi EKW, thanks for your feedback, yes he does jump, he is extremely measured, he can trot into a mtr, make a beautiful bascule & trot out as though the jump wasn't there. Under saddle with my 8yr old son, we're taking it very slowly as my son is questioning some of the fillers, so putting thoughts in his head, however his pony is very genuine albeit green, they won their beginners cradles at 50cm locally last weekend. We are praying he measures in (he's top of the 122 range) we think he'd make a brilliant cradle stakes pony, he's quite leftfield in his looks but maybe he can buck the trend ;)
Click to expand...

I think it's more the big bold white face that makes him stand out which may or may not be a good thing.

I have a 12hh SHP. He is a purebred Welsh B. Been there, seen it, done it, won and got the t-shirt. He is the more refined type.
 
minesadouble

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I agree that he lacks a little quality to make a top class SHP. Definitely think cradle stakes are the way forward. Have you had him out to some BSPS Area shows in SHP classes? You don't need to be registered or have a height certificate so that would be my first step. They look a fabulous combination!
 
WelshD

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I think being twelve hands is his saving grace. I don't think he would 'make it' if he had been larger for sure but he has a reasonable chance in the 12hh class especially if his manners and gallop are good

Its a crying shame that most shows do not have a first ridden hunter type class as he would do better there

Working Hunter would definitely be the way to go though
 
Crackerz

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I would use the WHP classes as education in the ring for the pair, but aim him towards the cradle stakes as i think he looks like a great worker and sounds like he has the ability!
 
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mickygem

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Thanks all, really helpful and kind comments, Just wondering, apart from workers, bearing in mind he has enough colour for CHAPS have minimally marked ponies ever done well in CHAPS classes? Just trying to tick all possible boxes for showing. I'd also LOVE to see some pictures of Show Hunter Ponies of typical type :)
 
WelshD

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Unless he has white higher up on the other side I'm not sure he would qualify to compete in CHAPS classes but assuming he does he could do well, lots of minimally marked horses and ponies do

As for SHP Thistledown Las Vegas has to be one of the most prolific 12hh winners, he is full Welsh A, Gigman All That Jazz is another that has done well and another Welshie. on the finer side of things Hightopps Jazz is a big winner, all very different ponies, all doing well. the 12hh class definitely has a bigger mix of ponies than the larger classes so a lot depends on the judge, with some manners are suitability are key, I've seen a big winner sent from the ring because it didn't stand for its rosette

All those ponies should come up on a Google image search
 
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hoof01

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if he jumps could make a nice WHP rather than SHP. The black hoofs I believe are judge dependant I like to see black hoofs! try and do smaller plaits if you can next time and ones that sit to the side rather than on top. Otherwise just see how you do - it really is all about having fun! Good luck!!
 
KautoStar1

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shouldn't show hunter ponies basically be scaled down hunters in pony form ?
OP - your boy looks like a pony rather than a mini horse. Hes very smart though and he and your son look like a very happy combination. One thing though, please teach him to stand up square. He's all splayed out in these pictures with his legs in different counties.
I hope you have a great season which ever route you take.
 
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mickygem

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Thanks KautoStar1, your feedback is very much appreciated. The pony is only 8 weeks in from being a hairy in the field for the last 6 yrs so very much learning the ropes, co-incidentally we actually spent most of this mornings session before school working on walk & halt etc :)
 
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