Show Tips

[sunleychops]

Hi All


Will be taking part in my first show at the end of this month, I have no doubt in the horses ability but I have never done anything like this before.

Any tips or advice to make it go as smooth as possible. WH btw

 

[Suziq77]

What classes are you doing and is there anything in particular you would like tips on? Your question is rather open so I am struggling to think of useful comments. Off the top of my head:

Allow plenty of time to get there, tack up, work in etc.
Wear a hairnet, whatever class you are doing, it looks so much smarter
Smile and enjoy yourself

ETA - i just realised you said "WH btw" so I assume working hunter. The above tips stand

 

[aliceeventing131]

make sure you and your horse are sparkling, all your horses white bits clean as can be and make sure you are smart too, get someone to whip your boots before you go into the arena and make sure your show jacket is nicely fitting etc, it gives you so much confidence knowing you look the part! make sure your horses tail has not a single tangle in it, get someone to check every inch of your horse over before going into the arena (obvs leaving time to tidy things up) clean your tack as clean as it will go and make sure every lil detail is correct, it all counts and the judge is more likely to take you seriously if your presented like its a tack and turnout class, also leave plenty of time to warm up so you get your horse moving forward and on the bit, listening to your aids. leave PLENTY of time, maybe even more than you need, as there could be an unexpected delay or your horse could be faffing about or spooking at something, or a stain on him! remember to take some whitening chalk or something just in case! and make sure your grooming brushes are clean too, think positive and good luck

 

[Kenzo]

If you are going in the working hunter class, your horse/pony needs to be jumping confidently over a variety of rustic fences, so have a play at home over tires, logs, brush fences, fillers...all you can easily assemble with a bit of imagination. It may be an good idea to bob your horse over a clear round course at the show prior to your WH class to warm him up and get a feel for how he's jumping and get him focused on the job.

Your horse needs to be fit and going forwards nicely, showing good paces and but at a constant rythem between fences, you will also have to show a faster pace within canter (some call it a gallop) but it's not, just a faster canter down one side of the ring really, the judge will explain.

Work on a short individual show which you can practice at hom, which shows your horse on both reins showing both paces trot and canter, basic 20m circles/figure of 8 type will do, you can also do a rein back if your horse is good at this, don't bore the judge though, keep it short and sweet,as they will also watch and score you over during the jumping phase but epends how the judge judges it really as it varies between shows, usually you jump first and those that jump clear come back to do a the individual show.

I could go on for ages but I must go...hometime!