Showing

[RubysGold]

Im going to a little local show this weekend. going to do veteran and condition class. Was going to do tack and turnout but google put me off that idea.
Is it more higher level serious
showing that requires such perfection?

I just want to go out and enjoy myself, change of scenery, will the judges say nasty things if im not perfect :s I will of course make an
effort but I'm new to this showing
lark.

 

[Cop-Pop]

Most judges are lovely and happy to help - of course you get some who think a small local unaff show should be up to HOYs standard but not often Give it a go and have some fun

 

[MissSBird]

I doubt very much any judge will say nasty things, and you guys really do look the part already!

As Cop-Pop says, go out and enjoy yourself. At local level they're not going to slate you for minor things. I showed for years in a black jacket, white shirt, black tie, black hat, black gloves outfit and still took some championships. The performance of the horse always takes precedence over little things like turn out, especially at local level.

 

[RubysGold]

Thanks guys
Sorry for the random gaps in text where Ive sent it on to the next line mid sentence, I attempted to use my new phone and kind of failed haha

Will go give it a go If I can get her on the box at least

Im very excited

 

[chickeninabun]

You'll be fine Chuck!!
I'd love to have come with you if I wasn't away this weekend. Hope you have a great time and most importantly enjoy yourself. Fingers crossed for sunshine, in both our parts of the country, as I'm doing a 20k ride on saturday and could really do without a soaking!!

 

[Orangehorse]

Just go and enjoy. Maybe I have been lucky, but I have always had lovely judges who gave encouragement and advice all down the line. Some people take it more seriously than others, but go and have a nice day.

 

[OFG]

Ultimately go enjoy yourself.

I do local showing but a couple of years ago decided to go for it with my old boy (36 this year) and ended up qualifying for the VHS Olympia regional finals At this level I was waaaaaaaaay out of my comfort zone and felt very looked down upon by those who do county level regularly. Its a whole different league.

Now I concentrate on M&M with the Welsh A and Dartmoor. I find it a lot less stressful than having to plait etc.

You have to find what you are comfortable with but whatever level you do you will always find those competitiors that take it all extremley seriously and have money to throw around to get the best tack / clothes etc.

Just have to learn to tune that out and as long as you are dressed appropriately and smartly for the class you have entered you should be fine.

Have fun

 

[Suziq77]

I suspect I'm one of those people who looks like I take it all terribly seriously - and I do take it very seriously in terms of wanting my youngsters to get out and about, behave themselves and get used to the sights and sounds at local shows before I take them to affiliated shows - but this is more about me having a test run with them than anything to do with the other competitors. Behaviour is much more important to me than placings, a rosette is a bonus but the judges decision is final so if my horse isn't placed then so be it.

I think as long as you have fun with your horse and feel very proud to be his/her mum that's the main thing. Judges usually find something positive and encouraging to say and the other competitors are also likely to have kind words for you if you smile at them when you're in the line up.

People quite often ask me things and I am always very happy to chat and explain why I am dressed as I am or why the horse is turned out as it is and I've lost count of the people who've asked me to show them how to stitch plaits etc. I really like meeting new people at shows so please don't be put off if someone seems to have done this lots of times before, they should really only be concerned with their own performance not what everyone else is doing.

Best of luck for the weekend and keep smiling!

 

[Kenzo]

Just wanted to wish you all the best for Sunday, enjoy it you’ll be fine.

Tack and Turnout really isn’t as bad that scary providing your tack, yourself and your horse are clean (super dooper clean that is!)
Try to remember that your horse needs to be turned out correctly for it’s type or breed and that your tack is not only is clean and sparkling but in good working condition and fits very well as long as complimenting your horses type and colour, also blemishes will be taking into account with some judges.



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