Showing - is it who you know or what you know?

[santas_spotty_pony]

Interesting response, but again of course is all down to opinion. Nose net is allowed and he is sensitive to sunlight and pollen in the summer so I wouldn't be doing to if it wasn’t as it wouldn’t be fair on him. This photo was at the end after he had been stripped for the in hand section and actually on closer inspection looks like I put it back on too far forwards as you cannot see it at the back so not too big generally. Bridle wise I don’t think his head is heavy enough to carry a big thick bridle. I agree it is not the correct bridle but had we qualified I would have been looking into different bridle types. And as for the tail - the rules were to show plaited or hogged and pulled. There were literally loads of horses there with their tails plaited. and just to add He is a HE not an it. Sorry that really gripes me.

 

[SmallHunter]

That’s understandable and sounds like th pony deserved to win. I think the w I have is when you have people on restricted classes that clearly aren’t new to the sport and their horses have been showing their whole lives. This is not what the rules were for this class.

Do you mean the LIHS Restricted Classes? The rules are never to have competed at HOYS, RIHS, Olympia or LIHS so a horse can have competed in showing all there lives and still be eligible.
I used to do the restricted classes with my mare as we had never competed at the above but we had been showing for 10+ years.

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

Do you mean the LIHS Restricted Classes? The rules are never to have competed at HOYS, RIHS, Olympia or LIHS so a horse can have competed in showing all there lives and still be eligible.
I used to do the restricted classes with my mare as we had never competed at the above but we had been showing for 10+ years.

Ah that makes a bit more sense. Maybe I was just at a disadvantage because we haven’t done a lot of showing then. He’s been a hunter most of his life but I thought we would try a career change now he is reaching his golden years.

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

…but this was Ssadl veteran showing that the OP experienced , and I can confirm the judging was “interesting “…..

Going back 30 yrs I used to do a lot of appaloosa showing. One year at Leicester County show I had a really lovely filly who did well in most company. At this show due to where it was quite a few of the horses were bred in the area and the owner of the stallions they would have been by was also competing with more than one. The judge was someone who knew him well. My filly was placed about halfway down the line. When the judge came down the line looking at the horses he stopped to talk to his friend, the stallion owner, making it quite obvious they were friends. Anyway after this, a horse was brought late to the ring. It was a black leopard, looked as though it had just been dragged out of the field, the white was distinctly grubby, not plaited and it had no idea how to trot in hand. The judge had to get behind it and chase it to get it out of a walk. It was by one of the stallion owner's stallions. Potentially it was a nice animal but in the condition it was in it had no place in any showing class let alone at a County show. It was placed well up the line. That is the sort of bias I really hate, thankfully that was the worst I ever saw.
I can remember competing in a class judged by a friend of mine. She was a true professional, never gave any indication that she knew me and I appreciated that.
I have been lucky to come under some superb judges and to steward for a couple, it isn't an easy job and I wouldn't want to do it myself.

quizzie - yes I think this is the point I’m trying to make. What were your marks like? They only got posted on Facebook last night. I think it’s hard for people to say who weren’t there as they didn’t see the unorganised chaos that it was, and experience the rudeness we did. I’m more than happy for people to advise where I went wrong of course but again feedback at the show would have been very useful and there wasn’t any!

Errinpaddywhack -
It’s really hard to place where my boy is best suited as he has pintaloosa markings but clear appaloosa characteristics but unfortunately is not accepted in appaloosa part bred classes because of his coat pattern which is a shame. Have you ever found that certain judges in normal classes just do not like the Appaloosa type? I know they are like marmite…

 

[Squeak]

Interesting response, but again of course is all down to opinion. Nose net is allowed and he is sensitive to sunlight and pollen in the summer so I wouldn't be doing to if it wasn’t as it wouldn’t be fair on him. This photo was at the end after he had been stripped for the in hand section and actually on closer inspection looks like I put it back on too far forwards as you cannot see it at the back so not too big generally. Bridle wise I don’t think his head is heavy enough to carry a big thick bridle. I agree it is not the correct bridle but had we qualified I would have been looking into different bridle types. And as for the tail - the rules were to show plaited or hogged and pulled. There were literally loads of horses there with their tails plaited. and just to add He is a HE not an it. Sorry that really gripes me.

The problem is that showing is down to opinion and an opinion might not be one that applies in general to everything but in terms of showing I would have to agree with Elf (although I admit I don't know even nearly as much). He doesn't look like he quite fits in with a category of type of show horse and your bridle doesn't fit with either category he would be closest to. Also there are things like nose nets and plaited tails that you may be allowed to do but shouldn't. Would he be able to have the net taken off as he goes in to the ring and put back on when he comes out?

I wasn't there and it doesn't sound like the judging at SSADL is always the fairest and we've all been there with showing but from the photo of your turnout it looks like you've made some inexperienced mistakes, which makes me think potentially you could have also made similar when presenting/ riding him which would help explain why you got pushed down the line up in a competitive class. I'm certainly not going to say that showing is always fair but I do think in this case as it was a competitive class, that even minor errors would have cost you.

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

It’s really hard to place where my boy is best suited as he has pintaloosa markings but clear appaloosa characteristics but unfortunately is not accepted in appaloosa part bred classes because of his coat pattern which is a shame. Have you ever found that certain judges in normal classes just do not like the Appaloosa type? I know they are like marmite…

The problem is that showing is down to opinion and an opinion might not be one that applies in general to everything but in terms of showing I would have to agree with Elf (although I admit I don't know even nearly as much). He doesn't look like he quite fits in with a category of type of show horse and your bridle doesn't fit with either category he would be closest to. Also there are things like nose nets and plaited tails that you may be allowed to do but shouldn't. Would he be able to have the net taken off as he goes in to the ring and put back on when he comes out?

I wasn't there and it doesn't sound like the judging at SSADL is always the fairest and we've all been there with showing but from the photo of your turnout it looks like you've made some inexperienced mistakes, which makes me think potentially you could have also made similar when presenting/ riding him which would help explain why you got pushed down the line up in a competitive class. I'm certainly not going to say that showing is always fair but I do think in this case as it was a competitive class, that even minor errors would have cost you.

squeak - I would have taken the net off had our class been indoors as it was meant to be but it was changed to outdoors and I was told they were 2 hours behind. Unbeknown to me they suddenly decided they were going to run the classes backwards and put them in the outdoor arena (starting with mine) and I had a 10 minute warning to run back to the lorry down a massive field and get tacked up and back to the ring - they nearly didn’t let me in but none of this was my fault as I hadn’t been told! I had warmed up an hour ago but would have liked to do a bit before going in the ring but didn’t get a chance. He needs his nose net outside as he does the occasional head flick that isn’t fair on him to let him suffer and also would put him off being able to work correctly. I’ll agree this is the highest level I have ever shown him at, I did go just for fun and the experience and im not actually bothered about ringing but I’ve only got annoyed because of the disorganisation and the rudeness I experienced. I didn’t even get to do my other class as they were running three hours late and I ended up giving up and going home as it wasn’t fair on him - still didn’t het home until 11pm. I had to complain about the rude behaviour I got when I asked what time the class was going to actually be at after being fobbed off for three hours.

 

[pastit]

Love this post and its good answers. This is where I lose patience with showing. I like the OP's bridle and I think it compliments the head by not having it covered in bondage leather, but I also realise that tastes change over time. I noticed at Hickstead this year all the quarter markings were identical which I presume is this year's fashion - no diamonds. How on earth does any amateur keep up with the latest trends, assuming they can afford to do so.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

squeak - I would have taken the net off had our class been indoors as it was meant to be but it was changed to outdoors and I was told they were 2 hours behind. Unbeknown to me they suddenly decided they were going to run the classes backwards and put them in the outdoor arena (starting with mine) and I had a 10 minute warning to run back to the lorry down a massive field and get tacked up and back to the ring - they nearly didn’t let me in but none of this was my fault as I hadn’t been told! I had warmed up an hour ago but would have liked to do a bit before going in the ring but didn’t get a chance. He needs his nose net outside as he does the occasional head flick that isn’t fair on him to let him suffer and also would put him off being able to work correctly. I’ll agree this is the highest level I have ever shown him at, I did go just for fun and the experience and im not actually bothered about ringing but I’ve only got annoyed because of the disorganisation and the rudeness I experienced. I didn’t even get to do my other class as they were running three hours late and I ended up giving up and going home as it wasn’t fair on him - still didn’t het home until 11pm. I had to complain about the rude behaviour I got when I asked what time the class was going to actually be at after being fobbed off for three hours.

I have heard a lot of complaints about the way the whole show was managed and how rude people were. This really isn't the standard in showing and is obviously very badly organised by this group.

It's stressful running a show, or any event, but rudeness and changing things about completely at the last minute isn't on. The odd rejig here or there to suit the needs on the day is one thing but flipping the whole schedule around is another. That's really not fair on the competitors.

 

[SO1]

I did the SASDL classes with Homey surprisingly successfully. I am an amateur and I don't know any judges.

I got placed in both ridden and in hand at county level and also 2nd in a semi final. I was not a regular on the circuit previously.

With regards to the condition scoring element they are one of the societies that are quite good at marking down over weight horses and ponies. I was pulled up one year at Windsor as Homey was carrying a bit too much weight (probably normal weight for an M&M in "show condition" but he was not as slim as I would have liked him that year) he had one of the highest performance scores for his show but was let down by being too fat the judge saying he would look more classy if slimmer and I agreed!

The other thing about SASDL is that the judges are not going to be experts on all types. Homey was a new forest and a rare breed. One of the judges who put him up highly said she had no knowledge of new forests at all. So you cannot expect the judge to be an expert on your type of horse.

I would say SASDL are one of the better societies in terms of not being facey but downside is that the variety of horse and ponies put forward means the judges won't be experts on all types. So you could have a judge who is an expert on plaited show ponies judging natives as well as their own area of expertise.

I have a 5 year old NF now so will be back doing native classes again and that is more dominated by producers with the experience and time and often the top quality ponies as well because people are in it to win it it they send ponies to producers and have the money to spend on sourcing potential winning ponies. If you are going to invest money in sending a pony to a professional you probably won't do it unless you have one that you think is in with a chance to do well.

…but this was Ssadl veteran showing that the OP experienced , and I can confirm the judging was “interesting “…..

 

[Squeak]

squeak - I would have taken the net off had our class been indoors as it was meant to be but it was changed to outdoors and I was told they were 2 hours behind. Unbeknown to me they suddenly decided they were going to run the classes backwards and put them in the outdoor arena (starting with mine) and I had a 10 minute warning to run back to the lorry down a massive field and get tacked up and back to the ring - they nearly didn’t let me in but none of this was my fault as I hadn’t been told! I had warmed up an hour ago but would have liked to do a bit before going in the ring but didn’t get a chance. He needs his nose net outside as he does the occasional head flick that isn’t fair on him to let him suffer and also would put him off being able to work correctly. I’ll agree this is the highest level I have ever shown him at, I did go just for fun and the experience and im not actually bothered about ringing but I’ve only got annoyed because of the disorganisation and the rudeness I experienced. I didn’t even get to do my other class as they were running three hours late and I ended up giving up and going home as it wasn’t fair on him - still didn’t het home until 11pm. I had to complain about the rude behaviour I got when I asked what time the class was going to actually be at after being fobbed off for three hours.

It sounds like you had a really stressful day, that set you up for failure rather than success and if I remember correctly it was also on that ridiculously hot weekend which also took the fun out of anything, especially when you had a veteran to worry about. It's a real shame when shows are badly run.

I do a bit of showing but definitely fall in to the amateur category and some days it is really frustrating when your horse goes beautifully only to get put down the line up. I make a huge amount of mistakes when I show and go just for the fun of it and have got to ride at some amazing shows because of it so I hope you give it another go and it's lovely to still have something to aim for with the veterans.

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

It sounds like you had a really stressful day, that set you up for failure rather than success and if I remember correctly it was also on that ridiculously hot weekend which also took the fun out of anything, especially when you had a veteran to worry about. It's a real shame when shows are badly run.

I do a bit of showing but definitely fall in to the amateur category and some days it is really frustrating when your horse goes beautifully only to get put down the line up. I make a huge amount of mistakes when I show and go just for the fun of it and have got to ride at some amazing shows because of it so I hope you give it another go and it's lovely to still have something to aim for with the veterans.

Thank you, yes I was stressing because of the heat too - luckily I went on the Sunday and it wasn’t as bad as it would have been on the Saturday. A lady who worked at Onley apologised for the rudeness of the judges as she saw how I was treated - I said it’s not her fault! I think she found them embarrassing.

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

I have heard a lot of complaints about the way the whole show was managed and how rude people were. This really isn't the standard in showing and is obviously very badly organised by this group.

It's stressful running a show, or any event, but rudeness and changing things about completely at the last minute isn't on. The odd rejig here or there to suit the needs on the day is one thing but flipping the whole schedule around is another. That's really not fair on the competitors.

I think this didn’t help as I was stressed out for the whole time I was in the ring and referred to as a ‘straggler’ even though I had been there two hours early and was only late into the ring because they had decided to run everything backwards and I hadn’t been told. It was a very recent decision too as when I arrived and got my number they said that they were running two hours behind.

 

[quizzie]

quizzie - yes I think this is the point I’m trying to make. What were your marks like? They only got posted on Facebook last night. I think it’s hard for people to say who weren’t there as they didn’t see the unorganised chaos that it was, and experience the rudeness we did. I’m more than happy for people to advise where I went wrong of course but again feedback at the show would have been very useful and there wasn’t any!

Well…let’s put it this way, neither I nor my friend (who breeds/shows at top level ,and also judges) could make head nor tail of the marks….and she ensured we were very properly turned out and presented!

However we were obviously not what those particular judges wanted on that day…..not a problem, we may have another run at a different show with different judges, but overall, my horse had a day out that he enjoyed and made him feel like “top dog” on the yard again…and that was why we went in the first place!

My biggest gripe was the organisation (chaotic) and the apparent lack of awareness of lame horses.

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

Well…let’s put it this way, neither I nor my friend (who breeds/shows at top level ,and also judges) could make head nor tail of the marks….and she ensured we were very properly turned out and presented!

However we were obviously not what those particular judges wanted on that day…..not a problem, we may have another run at a different show with different judges, but overall, my horse had a day out that he enjoyed and made him feel like “top dog” on the yard again…and that was why we went in the first place!

My biggest gripe was the organisation (chaotic) and the apparent lack of awareness of lame horses.

Yes that’s the main reason I went - my boy still has a smile on his face now! That’s reassuring to know though, I can’t say I’ll be rushing back to do this show again but may try another.

 

[honetpot]

Having watched a bit of county over the years - I am most interested in riding horses and hunters - there is a big gap in quality. One or two will be very high quality and the rest make up numbers. They might pull up if they do a nice ride but usually the top quality have to make serious mistakes to get knocked down.

I have stewarded at big shows, so see them stripped close up, and try if I can to listen to the ride judge comments, the ride is important and for you do well at top level it has to be able to cope.
I think before you go out showing, unless you are just going to go for the day out you should be able to pick the top three, even if they are not in order and try watching classes to see what the judges likes.
You also have to factor in that the pros have often access to the best to start off with, and someone elses budget is spent. I had a friend who did a rough calculation that to have her pony with a pro and run one from home on the circuit, cost nearly £30k for the year and that was several years ago.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

I have stewarded at big shows, so see them stripped close up, and try if I can to listen to the ride judge comments, the ride is important and for you do well at top level it has to be able to cope.
I think before you go out showing, unless you are just going to go for the day out you should be able to pick the top three, even if they are not in order and try watching classes to see what the judges likes.
You also have to factor in that the pros have often access to the best to start off with, and someone elses budget is spent. I had a friend who did a rough calculation that to have her pony with a pro and run one from home on the circuit, cost nearly £30k for the year and that was several years ago.

It's more expensive to have a horse produced for the show ring than it is to have one in racing.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

it's so expensive to have show horses produced I had a pro ride Louis a bit for me he went to her yard for a few weeks and she schooled him at mine, the first show she took him to he came second in a strong novice ridden class, I would never have achieved that if it was me riding him so it paid off and that's why people do it.

 

[HufflyPuffly]

I want to add after other replies of the show in question, I wasn’t there for reference, I have definitely been to shows where the results make no sense!

But for me it was just showing, I accepted the randomness and oddness, there’s no definitives or clear cut outcomes.

Accepting that it’s a gamble sort of helped me, sometimes I’d win where I thought there where better horses sometimes I’d loose to horses I didn’t like, I accepted it was the ‘risk’ of showing.

The veteran classes are even harder due to the range of type, my old show horse did either fab or not, I never did understand what they were liking for…

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

It's more expensive to have a horse produced for the show ring than it is to have one in racing.

This was meant to be a home produced class but how you could ever know that would be anybody’s guess. I’ve produced my boy myself. He’s never been schooled by anyone but me.

 

[[153312]]

A quality horse that's fit and shows a rib (hallelujah!) and moves well, SHOULD place higher than horses that are more covered, lower quality and/or poorer conformation/movement/way of going. Obviously we weren't there, but there is usually more going on than just favouritism.

this is true but sometimes I think it does come into play and I was rather hoping for a discussion on the subjectivity of judging......But OP's later posts make this thread just seem like sour grapes than an opportunity to discuss much.

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

I want to add after other replies of the show in question, I wasn’t there for reference, I have definitely been to shows where the results make no sense!

But for me it was just showing, I accepted the randomness and oddness, there’s no definitives or clear cut outcomes.

Accepting that it’s a gamble sort of helped me, sometimes I’d win where I thought there where better horses sometimes I’d loose to horses I didn’t like, I accepted it was the ‘risk’ of showing.

The veteran classes are even harder due to the range of type, my old show horse did either fab or not, I never did understand what they were liking for…

When I went to a local qualifier a couple of months back we still qualified even though we picked up the wrong canter lead the judge told me we would do well and this was all she could see we needed to work. I worked hard on our schooling up to the show - I do not school him regularly any more as a rule due to his age and having arthritis and on the day he produced a nice show with correct canter leads. If sob stories are to work maybe I should have told them he was diagnosed with hock arthritis aged 13 and I managed to hunt another 7 seasons keeping him sound and 9 years on he is still loving life? instead I told them the truth - he was a miniature high Leicestershire hunter - always a front runner and jumping the big country and he still hunts lightly today but we have decided to take up showing as a change of career in his older years… maybe they thought I was referring to showing as an ‘easier’ career compared to what we have done?

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

this is true but sometimes I think it does come into play and I was rather hoping for a discussion on the subjectivity of judging......But OP's later posts make this thread just seem like sour grapes than an opportunity to discuss much.

Certainly not meaning it to come across like that, but the problem with reading things is they can be interpreted.

I did speak to another competitor there who was lovely and she said she has won the day before but had it swept away from her and the sash removed as her horse figeted at the end when made
to stand between the flowers. Said horse was an ex event horse and thought he was in the start box for cross country.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

This was meant to be a home produced class but how you could ever know that would be anybody’s guess. I’ve produced my boy myself. He’s never been schooled by anyone but me.

Many home producers do just as good a job as the pros and you wouldn't know the difference between them.

If you suspected rule breaking/bending was going on on the day then there is a complaints procedure to follow.

The SSADL Home Produced rules -

4. HOME PRODUCED DEFINITION: No pony/horse may be or have been stabled, schooled or
competed from a professional pony/horse showing or dressage yard since 1st January of
the current year. Ponies/Horses can only be shown by an amateur exhibitor who has not been
involved with professionally producing or riding/ handling animals for the show or dressage
ring since 1st January in the current year. Riders and handlers must not have produced
any pony/horse for financial gain since 1st January in the current year.
5. Professional Showing or Dressage Producer/Rider/Handler Definition: A person who
produces/rides or handles ponies/horses for financial gain, including preparation, schooling
for the show /dressage rings and must not compete at a show for another exhibitor or owner
for financial gain. Tuition is permitted but not on any showground. Applicable to both
showing and dressage disciplines.
6. BRAND AMBASSADOR/SPONSORSHIP – NO RIDER/HANDLER/PONY/HORSE MAY
COMPETE IN THE SERIES IF THEY RECEIVE BY MEANS OF SPONSORSHIP/ BRAND
AMBASSADOR A MONETARY VALUE OF OVER £1000 PER YEAR.
BRAND AMBASSADOR/SPONSORSHIP ALL OTHER TYPES OF SPONSORSHIP BY
MEANS OF MONETARY VALUE OF UP TO £1000, PRODUCTS, GOODS, WINNINGS
ETC ARE ALLOWED WITHIN THE SERIES.
EMPLOYMENT: A person may be employed within the equestrian industry and still
compete as long as they do not breach the above rules by riding/handling animals
in the ring for someone and receiving financial gain.

 

[HufflyPuffly]

When I went to a local qualifier a couple of months back we still qualified even though we picked up the wrong canter lead the judge told me we would do well and this was all she could see we needed to work. I worked hard on our schooling up to the show - I do not school him regularly any more as a rule due to his age and having arthritis and on the day he produced a nice show with correct canter leads. If sob stories are to work maybe I should have told them he was diagnosed with hock arthritis aged 13 and I managed to hunt another 7 seasons keeping him sound and 9 years on he is still loving life? instead I told them the truth - he was a miniature high Leicestershire hunter - always a front runner and jumping the big country and he still hunts lightly today but we have decided to take up showing as a change of career in his older years… maybe they thought I was referring to showing as an ‘easier’ career compared to what we have done?

I just never found the secret to veteran class .

My advice would be either accept the nonsense or try a few more or enlist a pro show person to advise.

This was my show horse at her prime with me about 16/17 years old

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

Many home producers do just as good a job as the pros and you wouldn't know the difference between them.

If you suspected rule breaking/bending was going on on the day then there is a complaints procedure to follow.

The SSADL Home Produced rules -

4. HOME PRODUCED DEFINITION: No pony/horse may be or have been stabled, schooled or
competed from a professional pony/horse showing or dressage yard since 1st January of
the current year. Ponies/Horses can only be shown by an amateur exhibitor who has not been
involved with professionally producing or riding/ handling animals for the show or dressage
ring since 1st January in the current year. Riders and handlers must not have produced
any pony/horse for financial gain since 1st January in the current year.
5. Professional Showing or Dressage Producer/Rider/Handler Definition: A person who
produces/rides or handles ponies/horses for financial gain, including preparation, schooling
for the show /dressage rings and must not compete at a show for another exhibitor or owner
for financial gain. Tuition is permitted but not on any showground. Applicable to both
showing and dressage disciplines.
6. BRAND AMBASSADOR/SPONSORSHIP – NO RIDER/HANDLER/PONY/HORSE MAY
COMPETE IN THE SERIES IF THEY RECEIVE BY MEANS OF SPONSORSHIP/ BRAND
AMBASSADOR A MONETARY VALUE OF OVER £1000 PER YEAR.
BRAND AMBASSADOR/SPONSORSHIP ALL OTHER TYPES OF SPONSORSHIP BY
MEANS OF MONETARY VALUE OF UP TO £1000, PRODUCTS, GOODS, WINNINGS
ETC ARE ALLOWED WITHIN THE SERIES.
EMPLOYMENT: A person may be employed within the equestrian industry and still
compete as long as they do not breach the above rules by riding/handling animals
in the ring for someone and receiving financial gain.

I didn’t suspect it on the day, it was what I was reading online afterwards and having talked to others that made me suspicious. I HAVE complained to the society about the running of the show and gave them a few pointers on where they can improve with organising it for the future. I am yet to receive a response except to be told it had been forwarded to the complaints department. That was 10 days ago so the list must be long…!

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

Who…

 

[RachelFerd]

This is what drives me potty about showing.

Back in July I went eventing, didn't bother plaiting up and didn't bother wearing a show jacket, because it was warm. Neither of these things are required by the rules, so there's nothing that anyone can do to mark me down for not doing traditional things. Sure, you might have a particularly biased dressage judge who breaks their own conduct to mark you down - but happily my horse went in and scored a 25 (75%) despite my 'terrible' turnout.

And yet in the show ring, the concept of correct tack and presentation isn't rules-based, it is based on traditions, trends and norms that are really only shared verbally between the people that 'own' that knowledge. And somehow judges seem happy to bring that degree of anti-inclusive behaviour into the way that they judge. People will say it is all about 'the picture' - but 'the picture' isn't an objective fact - it is based on opinions formed through elitist traditional networks.

So I guess you can either choose to play along with that, accepting that it will sometimes boil down to pure opinion deciding placings, or you can steer clear and save the heartache!

 

[doodle]

Where is the discussion of this show please? I had vaguely thought about doing ssadl next year with my horse but now wondering if I should. I can't see anything on their Facebook.

 

[humblepie]

I love turning a horse out for the show ring and I like that you can have a line of 15 bay riding horses, each rider in tweed and very similar bridles and saddles, with the judge in their bowler or smart dress depending on their preferences even if I have had sunstroke after being in the ring for best part of 1.5 hours in the middle of a very hot sunny day in full gear including navy woollen jacket (previous horse loved the sun, current one like me doesn't).

I like that the horse has to be able to give a ride to a stranger in the middle of a busy show ground with the funfair next to the ring, the parachutists landing, the steel band playing, the beagles running through the ring en route to the main arena (just some of the fun things we have had fortunately not all at the same time) - there is no hiding place once you have handed over the ride judge.

I find most of the professionals helpful if asked. It can be complicated as different societies have different rules, I can wear a beagler at SSADL in hand but not RoR, can wear spurs and gallop in RoR but have to remember not to do either for SSADL but the basic turnout is the same.

I have done SSADL and my horse has won at one of the major shows (not LIHS but very prestigeous). He has had top marks for the age/condition/type/manners (can't remember what it is now) and not so good marks. SSADL judges can be "hot" on you doing the exact show they have specified but on the other hand I saw someone in a LIHS second round do entirely the wrong show and get placed top three, so it can be a little random to say the least.

The main joy of showing for me is the quality time with my horse, including all the hours of preparation it takes to present that picture in the show ring.

 

[SmallHunter]

This is what drives me potty about showing.

Back in July I went eventing, didn't bother plaiting up and didn't bother wearing a show jacket, because it was warm. Neither of these things are required by the rules, so there's nothing that anyone can do to mark me down for not doing traditional things. Sure, you might have a particularly biased dressage judge who breaks their own conduct to mark you down - but happily my horse went in and scored a 25 (75%) despite my 'terrible' turnout.

And yet in the show ring, the concept of correct tack and presentation isn't rules-based, it is based on traditions, trends and norms that are really only shared verbally between the people that 'own' that knowledge. And somehow judges seem happy to bring that degree of anti-inclusive behaviour into the way that they judge. People will say it is all about 'the picture' - but 'the picture' isn't an objective fact - it is based on opinions formed through elitist traditional networks.

So I guess you can either choose to play along with that, accepting that it will sometimes boil down to pure opinion deciding placings, or you can steer clear and save the heartache!

But there are rules for affiliated showing and rule books available on each societies website that tells you what turnout you need for your class. Doing your homework before going to any affiliated event is surely the most sensible thing to do.
I absolutely love showing was I perfect to start no, but I watched, I listened and I learned which is surely what everyone has to do no matter what discipline they compete in.