Showing potential?

Aimzz

Aimzz

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I'm a total newb when it comes to showing, I've only ever shown twice, both small, local level shows.
I recently acquired my first horse after a painfully long wait! (I'm turning 33 and have been asking for a pony since I could talk!😅).

She's an ottb, 16hh, rising 7.

I'd like to know if she might have potential for showing? I'm not sure whether it's even my thing, or hers in fact! I won't be looking into do anything like that with her for a long while; I don't have transport yet, she needs condition, schooling and we're mid-way through ulcer treatment. But I'd be interested in some (hopefully gentle) feedback on whether she has potential for this. And what classes and turnout you'd recommend?

Please excuse the random clipped patches, scabs on her legs and lack of condition - we have dealt with a lot in the short time I've had her! 🫣

I don't have any "proper" photos of her stood up square etc. But hopefully these are enough to get an idea of what she's like.

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She's lovely. Are you looking to do inhand or ridden? Any horse can be shown but it will come down to way of going and manners. How is she riding in a group? Will she stand quietly whilst others do their thing? You could do some ROR classes. You could also do riding horse/ hack classes. Its hard to tell from the photos what category she would fall into bug each have their own turnout requirements. She's lovely colour as well to get shiny!!
 
Flowerofthefen said:
She's lovely. Are you looking to do inhand or ridden? Any horse can be shown but it will come down to way of going and manners. How is she riding in a group? Will she stand quietly whilst others do their thing? You could do some ROR classes. You could also do riding horse/ hack classes. Its hard to tell from the photos what category she would fall into bug each have their own turnout requirements. She's lovely colour as well to get shiny!!
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Thank you!
I'd be happy to try in hand or ridden, I guess preferably ridden.

I actually can't comment on what she's like in a group etc. I've only had her since the tail end of December and we've needed to build condition and deal with a few health issues, so I have only hacked her a handful of times so far!

The photos don't show it so well, but she is getting a shine to her now 🤞 She's a real work in progress.
 
She looks very nice. As above manners and good schooling are huge for showing and with decent turnout and the horse being shown well goes a long way. Have a look at the ROR website for advice re turnout and once you’ve got her ready to start I’d suggest riding club clinics to get her used to going out with others and then some showing clinics if you can. Am sure you’ll have lots of fun.
 
humblepie said:
She looks very nice. As above manners and good schooling are huge for showing and with decent turnout and the horse being shown well goes a long way. Have a look at the ROR website for advice re turnout and once you’ve got her ready to start I’d suggest riding club clinics to get her used to going out with others and then some showing clinics if you can. Am sure you’ll have lots of fun.
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Thank you! That's really helpful advice. When were ready, I'll look into joining our local riding club. I'll check out the ROR website too. Appreciate it! ☺️
 
You need to keep those pictures and compare them 12 months on and after she has filled out and built her forehand.

Good luck with her, assuming she moves reasonably, she has lots of potential for the ROR classes which are really well supported these days and as a large riding horse. Take your time with her schooling, way of going and manners.
 
AdorableAlice said:
You need to keep those pictures and compare them 12 months on and after she has filled out and built her forehand.

Good luck with her, assuming she moves reasonably, she has lots of potential for the ROR classes which are really well supported these days and as a large riding horse. Take your time with her schooling, way of going and manners.
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Thank you!

Yes, I have been trying to take weekly photos since I got her. She came off the racing yard, she was pretty lean. I know she still needs a lot of weight and muscle, but she looks like a different horse already. I'm so excited to see her when she's all filled out! She's so pretty as she is, she's going to be stunning in the end 🤞

I've only seen her moving in the field to be honest, but her natural movement is quite lovely! Big and floaty.

Thank you. As far as I'm concerned, we've got all the time in the world. I've waited a very, very long time for her and I intend this to be her forever home. No pressure on her at all. We'll get there.

Thanks again! ☺️
 
Trot_on said:
She's so pretty and a beautiful colour! Yes I'd go down the ROR route, speak to the experts and go from there. x
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Thank you! Of course I'm biased, but I do think she's incredibly pretty. Just got to hope we can get the schooling and manners down, and that her conformation is okay for showing.
Great, thank you so much, I will look into ROR for sure :)
 
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