showing shetlands in-hand, handler's dress

[catkin]

...for an 'interloper' from the Welsh rings....

Am toying with the idea of giving the sheltie a day out at a local show. Pony is all good - knows the game, we have neat little bridle for her and suitable leadrein and cane.

But what about (female) handler? I'm used to Welsh so of course it's all waistcoats, trainers and no hat. The Welshie will be at the same show so I'll be ready tooled up for that ring, though my get up is pretty subtle (welshie's flamboyant enough for two).

Would the same be acceptable in the shetland ring or do I have to have tweed jacket and hat? Both ponies are dark coloured so the trousers/legs rule applies the same to both. We're going to have to live with the footwear as that's just getting too complicated....anyways, little one steps out pretty sharpish for a wee thing.

I don't mind being teased but I don't want to let the pony down by committing a complete faux pas.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Preferably chuck a tweed jacket on but if your waistcoat isn't garish then you will be fine. I have never worn a hat to show in-hand as I havent found one that suits.

 

[catkin]

Thanks EKW

I've got a well-cut tweed so thats a nice quick-change option. (I've not had shelties before - this little one is such an ebullient little character, think she'd enjoy a day out *whispers in case the Welsh hear me.....* - I'm quite sold on them as a breed now)

 

[3OldPonies]

The same stuff you have for showing your welshies should be fine, plus a jacket of course. If you do wear a hat, a showing person I knew once told me that a hard hat could be taken to mean that you are expecting your pony to misbehave, so to wear a cap or trilby. Having said that though she also said that if you wear a hard hat and tuck the harness out of the way if it has one then that would negate the impression of impending trouble. So I go that route now as I feel a twit in a trilby!