Showing Experts/Enthusiasts - Advice Please

[doratheexplorer]

Hello,

I am taking my gelding Ben to the Royal London Show 2 weeks today. He qualified with his previous owner, at a fairly low key show, he was ridden in an ancient hunting saddle (brown) and a hunting plain snaffle bridle (black).

I am planning on callin the show office to answer a few tack and turnout questions, like if I need a double bridle etc, but I know NOTHING about showing and wanted to pick a few brains!!

1 - As a coloured (bulit as a MW hunter) would he need quater marks?
2 - I am fairly certain I need to do an individual show, as a hunter type, im guessing a gallop will be needed, will i be penalised for making a sort of chirrup noise (quite quiet) its what Ben has learnt to do when I take him on the gallops!
3 - Do i need to wear a tie or is a stock ok with tweed, and plain or coloured??

Thank you in advance for your help!!

Pink squash and shortbread for reading this far!!

 

[blitznbobs]

1stly I think you're very brave going to the Royal London as your first show -

I would suggest that a double bridle is a must (Unless it's a novice class but still it is better) and it should be brown not black. Tweed is with a tie not a stock - I prefer plain but a subtle pattern is OK. No button hole (or scrunchie type things if you have long hair please). and the saddle, as long as it's comfortable sounds fine.

You will have to do a show and your horse may well be ridden by the judge. Noises can be got away with... just do your gallop a long way from the judge...


Quarter marks are appropriate for a hunter - but keep them simple... Large squares and sharks teeth kinda thing


Good luck I hope it goes well

Blitz

 

[magicgirl]

What class are you doing because that will make a difference ?

 

[doratheexplorer]

Quarter marks are appropriate for a hunter - but keep them simple... Large squares and sharks teeth kinda thing

Thank you Blitz, even if he is a coloured?? he is bay all over, but a small white patch on either side of his neck and then white above hocks and knees, and a white tail...

I know, the Royal London is going to be really buzzy and big, but I trust Ben will be sensible, and as I have never done showing, I dont think I will be too awed by it all as I will not expect or even want to win!! just to make it through gaining experience and having a good fun time!!!

Here is a pic of him, so you have an idea what he looks like!!

Sorry if they are massive...

 

[doratheexplorer]

O sorry, I am doing the ridden coloured!!

 

[trottingon]

I don't know about coloured classes particularly so cannot advise, but are there any county level shows out your way before the RL show that could go to watch? It would be really handy for you to see what is expected regarding tack and turnout and the judging process.
Or how about going on some show or equine photographer web pages and select the coloured classes and look at the photos of competitors to see what their turnout is like?

 

[magicgirl]

You don't need a double bridle a pelham would do but if you aren't used to two reins then ride in a snaffle with a flat cavasson noseband. Matching coloured tack always looks better and brown would be more suitable than black. Use a plain leather browband and a discrete dark colured numnah that doesn't really show, sheepskin/lambskin is very good but not cheap. See if you can borrow things rather than buy.

Quarter marks look good if well done but realistically they are not going to affect your placing.

You will have to do an individual show and a quiet noise to encourage your horse to gallop would be ok. Keep your show simple and brief. Watch some other classes and plan what you are going to do. Be aware that the judge may ask you to a set show ie exactly what they tell you to do.

A tweed jacket and tie will be fine. Just remember to turn you and your horse out to a high standard.

Good luck and remember to enjoy yourself.