Showing - advise please

[Lorian]

I just wondered what to wear to show my horse in.
I will be doing local shows and will be doing the Veteran and Arab IN HAND classes.
He is grey so should I wear dark trousers. Would I be better wearing black jods and chaprs or black smart trousers and boots.
Also should I run fast with him or make him stay slow and collected?
Any advise as to what you think would look best or your ideas and opinions would be greatly appreicated as ive not done much showing. Also if anyone has any hints or tips please.....

 

[Caz]

At local level they're not so strict about what to wear for in-hand classes, some people wear riding kit (beige jods, boots and a jacket) or else you could wear beige or navy trousers with jodpur boots and a shirt, tie and jacket. As long as you look clean and smart they shouldn't mark you down (but don't wear jeans!) Oh and I think you have to wear a hat of some sort - a velvet riding hat that matches your outfit would be good.

Have a look on the internet or in copies of H&H etc to see what people wear.

With regards to running - you'll need to run as fast/slow as to show off your horses paces best. So practice at home and get someone to watch to see how fast a trot looks best to show him off.

You're normally expected to walk around with the others then do an individual walk away and trot back and past the judge. Just make sure you trot enough for the judge to get a good look at the horse, and always turn the horse away from you (to the right assuming you're leading them on the right!)

For the horse, just use a normal bridle with either a leather lead rein or the normal reins passed over his head and snaffle or double bits - nothing too fancy! Unless you're really serious then you can use an in-hand bridle. I'm pretty sure Arabs normally wear a thin or rolled bridle to show off their delicate heads.

Have a read of this article, I know it's for New Forest ponies but it gives some good tips for showing in general... http://www.newforestpony.com/misc/ShowTips.htm

I also found this picture of someone showing an Arab in-hand...

Hope this helps a bit!

 

[Jo C]

Yes I agree with Caz, normally you see beige trousers, jacket, shirt and tie and a hat is a must. I would personally wear gloves as well.