Showing experts - some advice please...

[Ginn]

So have entered Till's in our local county show in the only class she is eligable for "Best filly or gelding foaled in 2004 to make a hunter" (or something very similar!) This is more for experience or a big show with a big atmosphere so the main aim is to have a calm, well mannered day and not to go and win! (which I doubt would happen anyway!).

But.... How can I make this look more like a hunter? I don't want to pull her tail as she is not a show horse, just a baby out for experience so I will probably plait it although its very thin at the top where she has rubbed it so should I gell it flat at the top instead? Should I use quarter marks and if so what (and how?!) and I was going to do about 11 plaits but have them quite "full" up her neck to give her better topline - will this work or should I do something else? This is the most recent pic I have of her:

(ETS: She has 8 1/2 in of bone (front legs) and is about 16.1hh)

And this is the bridle I was going to use (I don't have a flat one but may be able to borrow one):

And this is what I wore at the last show she went to (hair will be in a net this time!) - should I wear smart cream/beige trousers and boots that I can run in or breeches and boots with chaps (brown)?

Thankies in advance - all advice appreciated!

 

[kick_On]

Morning
i would defo plait, just remember odd in neck and to make even count top knot- french plait if poss. Trim all feathers, and cut tail to correct length - (hand width below rear chestnuts) If your not pulling tail just apply tail bandage after washed tail so neat and tidy.
Get someone to show you how to do shark teeth and IMO very smart without beening OTT

and for you
defo hairnet

trousers and good shoes for running

good luck

we know she's lush

 

[Ginn]

Thanks, would you plait her tail after washing it or just bandage and gell it down? Tail and feathers need a trim so will do that today or friday (show is berkeley on Monday) and will have a go at sharks teeth too.

 

[kick_On]

nar i would go for plain tail, IMO hunter types are very simple and plain. So everything needs to be polished within inch of your life

as it's a good show.

 

[SpottedCat]

Oh, do you want a hand?! I have nothing to do on Monday as OH is away with all my mates and I am at Highclere on Sat and Sun so doing Berkeley on Mon would be a bit mean on the horse (plus IIRC all the BSJA is massive!).

Drop me a text if you'd like some moral support!

 

[ColouredFan]

I am going up to watch so may see you there, good luck. I would try and borrow a flat nose band and browband if you can, looks more correct in a hunter class.

She is lovely.

 

[Tempi]

ive just sold my flat hunter bridle on ebay

otherwise you couldve used that!

Shame i cant come and watch, but ive got a million things to do on monday unfortunately

Good luck tho, i bet she will do really well!!

 

[Ginn]

Oh that would be fabby!! Have roped another poor friend into giving me a lift but I think I'll need all the help I can get!! How are you at quarter marks?!

Will aim to get down there around 9am as the secretary thinks my class will start around 10 if you're up for it?

 

[Ginn]

Will speak to YO and see if she has anything suitable bridlewise then (she use to show welshies (cobs and ponies) so Im hoping she may have something to fit!

I'll pm you my mobile so give us a ring if you're around - I'll be the one hyperventilating with a manic donkey bouncing around

 

[Ginn]

Not a problem hun - its a long way from you anyway. You still at Burrows on Sat? What time are you on?

 

[Tempi]

Yup im still at Burrows - i find out my times tomoro so il text or PM you

x

 

[siennamum]

I would bang her tail, but probably not plait it - just personal preference. I would also ensure you have the noseband high enough - which can be hard with in hand bridles. The one with you sitting on her is much more flattering to her face though.