Some showing advice for a first timer?

[katiejaye]

Hi guys, right I need a few words of advice for a showing virgin! I am entering Louis for a veteran ridden showing class at Patchetts in a few wks time and it will be our debut I have only ever competed dressage/show jumping so it is all a bit alien to me. I know that attire and turnout are important so I just needed a few tips.

As I so far understand I need a tweed jacket (which I already have in green). That's about as far as I have got! I understand I need a shirt, tie, jods (not white) but I wasn't particularly sure on colours? I do have a brown tie. I only have a black velvet hat or beagler and I understand that I may need navy/brown? Can I ride with a whip or do I need a cane?! What gloves should I ride in?

As far as Lou goes I was going to ride in my double bridle with a showing brow band (colour?). Dressage saddle with discreet numnah.

Right that's about it for now. Any advice or any added info would be fab.

Thanks

 

[mrogers]

Hiya,

As far as shirt and tie go, either go for a cream or blue shirt, dont wear white. Wear a tie that compliments your jacket and then tie your browband in with those colours. If he is the horse in your sig, avoid reds and burgandys. Try and go for some subtle canary colours for your jods. Check the rules because you maybe able to ride in a beagler if it doesn't state that you need a 3 point harness. Go for brown gloves and ride with a cane unless you need to use it in which case you can get some nice showing whips.

In a veteran class, it's correct to wear a bridle disk with his age on it. You also can't wear earings and not allowed to gallop or wear spurs (not 100% on the spurs bit though). If you vist the veteran horse website and follow their guidelines, you cant go much wrong. Good luck x

 

[MissSBird]

The jacket sounds perfect and you are correct about the shirt and tie. Go for any pastal colour in the shirt (or cream), then a tie that tones in or highlights a colour in the jacket's overcheck. Charity shops are a good place to pick up cheap ties.

Jods can be beige, cream or yellow.

The hat is difficult. Technically it should be brown, green or navy to match your tweed, with flesh coloured straps. At local level, however, it won't be a major problem so don't feel the need to rush out and buy a new one. Beaglers are acceptable in the show ring, but most shows these days require harnesses. If you're happy to wear it and it's allowed, it is a viable alternative. Again, however, it should be brown, green or navy.

A good general rule to follow (where possible) for showing is never wear black and never wear white.

If you will not need your whip, carry a brown show cane. If you do need a whip look for one of the ones that are designed to look like a can with a flap at the end. Schooling/dressage whips are not allowed.

You should ride in brown leather gloves. Hair should in a net, and in a bun if long enough. Assuming you are over 16 avoid scrunchies/ribbons/buttonholes etc.

The showing browband isn't so simple to answer. It depends very much on his type if he should wear one, and what colours/designs are suitable. I can't tell from your signature if you will need one.

For veterans you should wear a number disk on the offside showing his age. You also should not gallop in your class, or wear spurs.

Thats all I can think of right now. Have fun!