Showing traditional cob - trimming?

[tatty_v]

Asking for a friend here who has a lovely little traditional cob and wants to do some in-hand showing. How much trimming up should we be doing? The little coblet has a lovely full mane and tail, and full feathers. The bits we are not sure about are his beard (!), the fluff at the top of his legs (above the feather), cat hairs, mane length etc. How au naturel should he be?! This is him on our first go at the weekend:

Tips on handler's outfit and bridle for the coblet would also be appreciated. Do we go for an in-hand bridle or a normal riding bridle with reins over head? As you can tell, we are very new to this!

Thank you

 

[be positive]

The more hair the better and he seems to have more than his fair share!! he looks very clean and well presented although his tail appears to be cut straight rather than tapered which would look more natural, otherwise he is very well turned out apart from the bridle which is doing him no favours, use a riding bridle but it needs to have a flat wide noseband, plain browband and use a bit without cheeks which detract from the overall impression.
The handler should wear dark trousers to contrast with his legs, a shirt and tie and hat, not sure who is handling him but both have light trousers, gloves should be worn and a cane carried.

 

[meleeka]

I always trim beards, but apart from that nothing. I think trimming beards shows of any shape they may have in their heads better.

I use a normal bride with a thick plain noseband to suit and plain brown and. Echo handlers trousers dark if the horse has white legs also make sure you brush the tail and feathers immediately before you go in the ring to fluff them up nicely.

 

[conniegirl]

Trim beards and any sticky out fluff from ears.