Showing Native Ponies

[Humphrey]

Hello - just joined.

I am a 'mature' woman with a lot of years working with horses behind me and a few qualifications - but always learning, everyday.

Hoping some of you knowledgable could give me some advice about showing in hand as I haven't really been involved with it much.

I will be taking on a 2 year old native pony. Likely at least part welsh - could be full - but I don't believe he has any papers [he's castrated].

Is he eligible to enter mountain & moorland classes? Or does he have to be a particular breed?
He is only about 13hh at the moment so as far as my knowledge stretches I think he is too small to be clased as a cob?

Any suggestions on classes [other than best turned out!] and the best way to turn out a sort like him - and me! [I'm hoping a smart tweed jacket and stock will do...]- would be most welcome!!

 

[MagicMelon]

I think only pure breds should enter M&M, although some part breds seem to enter at local level. There might be part bred M&M you could do though. Part breds are meant to be plaited up I believe. Or would he pass as a show pony or hunter pony etc.? There are other classes you could consider, its hard to tell though without knowing what he looks like.

Tweed jacket is ok, but a tie is better than a stock. And try to use different coloured trousers from his legs (ie. if he is light coloured, wear dark trousers).

 

[Humphrey]

I don't think he'd pass as a show pony but I'm no expert [As you've gathered] - he does have some welsh cobbiness about him but only in a light/medium kind of way if that makes sense. But he's not what I would call a thoroughbreddy sort of pony.

Sadly don't have access to a camera or would post pics - Probably won't take him on to new year/early spring but hope to hit the first show in May. He's been very well handled but currently slacking in a field and the owners don't have knowledge or experience to bring him on.

Can I get wway with Jods - we'll only be doing local level - I am a lady of solid proportions and trousers aint a good look for me!

Should I use an in hand bridle for him - or a halter of some kind?

 

[Humphrey]

And what happens in an in hand class?
We stand - we trot up and down - we stand some more?

Expert tips on the form for this sort of thing would be welcome.

I assume I would have to teach him to stand square - should I stand in front with a hand on reins either side of the bit to show him off [should he wear a bit for showing at 2?]...

 

[pocket]

M&M classes are usually breed specific, however, there are usually part breed classes at local and some county shows.

With regards to his turn out, it depends on the breed and each society has its own little quirks.

For you, a tweed jacket and light or brown trousers, tie and jod boots. Being a youngster, I would opt for a beagler or other type of hard hat, some people wear trilbies. Good luck and enjoy yourself

 

[pocket]

Bridle depends on whether or not he is used to a bit? If you are not able to control him in a halter then he should be bitted for safety