Showing Gypsy vanner in-hand?

Camillieo

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I am thinking of showing my 18month old Gypsy Vanner gelding next year. This will be my first in-hand show and i don't really know what category to put him in (i have been told Coloured, but REALLY DON'T want to pull his mane :(...) Also what should i (and Diesel) wear? : )
THANKS xx
btw this is him, he is looking a lot more grown up now but i don't have any new pictures : D http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/album.php?albumid=2426&pictureid=13127
 
Me and my friend's Gypsy mare at a local show a couple of years ago. In the "In-hand or ridden coloured, spotted or palomino horse or pony" (lol).

4558_1159203214967_1074375466_30489.jpg


She had a full mane and tail, and we were 4th.
 
Don't pull his mane!!!! Turn him out hairy and sparkingly clean. He's gorgeous. :D

Enter the 'coloured' class, but also, think about 'youngstock' (depending on his age), novelty classes like 'handsomest horse' etc just to give you both ring experience.

Use an inhand bridle. Don't put chalk on his feather, it will clog it up and attract dust - not a good look. (I learned that one the hard way). Lots of grooming and coat shine.
You wear dark trousers (because his legs are white), a tweed jacket, brown gloves, a toning pale shirt (Asda)and matching tie (Asda/ebay). Short boots, not trainers. A hard hat!!!!

This is what I do - hope it will be helpful.
*Keep a white tail clean to stop it from staining (I have a mare who pee's into her white tail when she can get away with it) and keep it in plaits to a, stop it tangling, and b.keeps it away from the 'muck' (another stainer). Don't square it off at the end, leave it natural.
*Over the winter, slather the feather in baby oil/pig oil and flours of sulphur. It looks a mess but protects the skin from mud and other nasties. It stops the feather being damaged by mud (bog burn) and helps the dirt slide off when the time comes to wash it all.

Have fun :D


Dibbin: that is a VERY clean pony. Well done. :D
 
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Yes, don't pull it (unless its an uneven scratty mess, like my colts was when I got him, in which case just even it up a bit and 'shape' it)!
He should be bitted and wear a plain in-hand bridle - plenty of time to bit him before next season. You should wear sturdy boots/shoes that you can run in, trousers the opposite shade to his legs (if his legs are dark wear light trousers, and vice versa), but not black. Brown or a sandy colour are your best bet. You need a shirt and tie, and a tweed jacket (or a waistcoat for if its hot). Carry a show cane/short plain whip, wear some gloves and wear your riding hat. For local level the above will do just fine.
As for classes, you can enter coloured, traditional, open horse/pony, youngstock. At local level if you think he fits in a class ok, pop him in just for fun and the experience. x
 
cant add anything re turnout, but dont forget to practice walking and trotting him in hand and also getting him to stand properly. i trained mine to obey the voice so she knew when to do each pace and also a signal to stop,either a voice or hand signal, also use a word to get him to stand properly. most important have lots of fun, he looks lovely btw....:D
 
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