Tips to make your horse stand out in the Show Ring?

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LiffWee93

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Just looking for a few helpful hints on ways to get the added extra in the ring- im planning on getting out showing my section D, starting with a few novices then progressing to attempt a couple of county shows this year- have the main aspects sorted, lessons with a professional planned, and just want to know the little things everyone does for the extra pizazz (sp?) :) pics are also welcome, don't have any of my boy showing as yet so cant really put any up for CC... anything is welcome, especially from Sec D enthusiasts :)
This is us in "dressage mode" just a month after we started our partnership, we are now two months on from this...http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/483012_10152241183530066_1367664966_n.jpg
 
Sure you will get plenty of good advice but I would see if any winning classes are on You Tube, google for photos of winning horses and then take a good hard look at the winner and see what you think of the turnout, condition, finishing touches.
 
I would use a different coloured tie as navy doesn't tend to really pop if you jacket has an overcheck you could match it to that but if not red never fails.

Standing out is really all about ringcraft, having immaculate turnout is good but at that level everyone will so that is when ringcraft really comes into play. You really have to emphasise your strengths and play down your weaknesses.

On the go round find a good space (preferably behind a horse that looks as different to yours as possible so don't follow another bay sec d) but don't be afraid to overtake as long as you are behind the judge and let the other person know. Don't wizz around on the inside track but also don't hug the fence as you might get lost behind those who do go round on the inside track. If for example you occassionally pick up the wrong leg into canter ask behind the judge so you can correct before you come round in front of them a multitude of sins can be hidden when a judge isn't looking.

When you come out to the judge say 'good morning/afternoon' not 'hi/hiya' etc Tailor your individual show to your horses strengths BUT keep it short and simple the judge will have to watch god knows how many shows and they don't want to see every person going round and round and round. Little bit of walk as a good walk is just as important, trot canter maybe extended trot across the diagonal i know some welshies do this (but only if foot perfect because you don't want to risk messing up the next canter) and a gallop now some people would say just an extended canter but I have found that a proper stonking gallop at the end of your show goes down really well especially if it is really polished and your horse pulls up well at the end. When you have finished your show halt side on to the judge so they get a look at the overall picture rather than front on.

When you are asked to walk round again for the final pull keep it crisp and don't just relax it isn't over until they give you your rosette.

Above all smile, there is nothing worse than someone who look like thhey have been slapped round the face with a wet kipper:D

oops I wrote an essay lol
 
SmallHunter said:
I would use a different coloured tie as navy doesn't tend to really pop if you jacket has an overcheck you could match it to that but if not red never fails.

Standing out is really all about ringcraft, having immaculate turnout is good but at that level everyone will so that is when ringcraft really comes into play. You really have to emphasise your strengths and play down your weaknesses.

On the go round find a good space (preferably behind a horse that looks as different to yours as possible so don't follow another bay sec d) but don't be afraid to overtake as long as you are behind the judge and let the other person know. Don't wizz around on the inside track but also don't hug the fence as you might get lost behind those who do go round on the inside track. If for example you occassionally pick up the wrong leg into canter ask behind the judge so you can correct before you come round in front of them a multitude of sins can be hidden when a judge isn't looking.

When you come out to the judge say 'good morning/afternoon' not 'hi/hiya' etc Tailor your individual show to your horses strengths BUT keep it short and simple the judge will have to watch god knows how many shows and they don't want to see every person going round and round and round. Little bit of walk as a good walk is just as important, trot canter maybe extended trot across the diagonal i know some welshies do this (but only if foot perfect because you don't want to risk messing up the next canter) and a gallop now some people would say just an extended canter but I have found that a proper stonking gallop at the end of your show goes down really well especially if it is really polished and your horse pulls up well at the end. When you have finished your show halt side on to the judge so they get a look at the overall picture rather than front on.

When you are asked to walk round again for the final pull keep it crisp and don't just relax it isn't over until they give you your rosette.

Above all smile, there is nothing worse than someone who look like thhey have been slapped round the face with a wet kipper:D

oops I wrote an essay lol
Click to expand...

Thank you so much! this is exactly what i was after - i didn't think about a different colour tie to be honest! my jacket is brown dogtooth (no navy check, but am hoping to upgrade soon!) i just want to get it right, maybe not perfect, but i don't want to be laughed at, he is still young and i haven't been in the game all that long :) he has got a bit of extension in both his trot/canter paces, working on it at the moment- but with my other pony, he had a cracking gallop and the judges used to always grin after it- so i can definitely believe that! we are working on it.. again, thank you so so much, if you think of anything else, don't hesitate!
 
Luci07 said:
Sure you will get plenty of good advice but I would see if any winning classes are on You Tube, google for photos of winning horses and then take a good hard look at the winner and see what you think of the turnout, condition, finishing touches.
Click to expand...

Thank you Luci07, i have been doing that all evening, and watching youtube vids, definitely a great way to pick up tips without travelling all the way to these shows! thanks again!
 
Well this one is down to personal preference some people do it and others don't but when I gallop I lean forwards and hover and that was how I taught my mare to gallop as soon as the weight comes off her back and the reins given a little she goes and when I sit back down in the seat she stops so there is no fight at the end of the gallop it is smooth transition up and down with virtually invisible aids because it just looks like you are leaning into the gallop. Also make sure you are straight after coming off the corner before you ask and give yourself plenty of room at the other end to pull up and gallop in front of the line up not behind it if you do it behind the line it makes it hard for the judge to see and if you have just done a stonking foot perfect gallop but the judge couldn't see it wasn't really worth it.
 
...make sure you know the judge and that you ring them up so they know you are entering. Then the judge will know when to look the other way when your horse is performing the part of his show he is not too good at. If you are judging the judges kids at a show in the future even better. Oh and if you can cater to their sexual preferences better still..............

I don't do showing any more!!
 
One thing that many people forget about in their training is the conformation section. There is no point in going out and giving a HOYS winning performance if your pony then doesn't stand still, is dull, lifeless or needs chased to do the in-hand part of the class. Make sure your pony stands up correctly - you will need to know your judge as to whether they prefer 4 square or slightly off - walks up next to you and trots promptly when asked. It really is amazing how many horses get dragged for this section.
 
Ditchjumper2 said:
...make sure you know the judge and that you ring them up so they know you are entering. Then the judge will know when to look the other way when your horse is performing the part of his show he is not too good at. If you are judging the judges kids at a show in the future even better. Oh and if you can cater to their sexual preferences better still..............

I don't do showing any more!!
Click to expand...

Your forgetting the dinner, bed for the night, breakfast and a lift to and from the show! Oh! And the brown envelope stuffed in their jacket pocket!
 
Ditchjumper2 said:
...make sure you know the judge and that you ring them up so they know you are entering. Then the judge will know when to look the other way when your horse is performing the part of his show he is not too good at. If you are judging the judges kids at a show in the future even better. Oh and if you can cater to their sexual preferences better still..............

I don't do showing any more!!
Click to expand...

:D:D:D:D:D
 
I'm sure you know this but nice plain bridle on a section D, with a flat noseband, and check that it fits really well. If you have a bridle just for shows, use it a few times - first of all to check that it's comfy and the browband doesn't squeeze his ears etc, but also to get it 'worn in' a bit, then give it a really super-special clean, and ideally keep it in a bridle bag.
I don't know what colour he is but make sure he really shines and 'glows' - if he wears a turnout rug in the field, nylon lined ones are great for 'polishing' the coat. Most natives look amazing just on grass, but if he has hard feed a slop of veg oil can help him shine.
You could keep his tail in a braid when it is wet and muddy to keep the dirt out of it, and if you use conditioner after washing it will stay tangle-free.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.ph...8295506.-2207520000.1358799324&type=3&theater


This is my boy - he's an American Quarter Horse, but mane, tail and 'glow' are equally important!
 
thankyou so much everyone, so many useful tips - with regards to the conformation section, i have been practicing with him, and trotting him up :) with regards to glow and condition, he wears a nylon lined rug all the time, and is super shiny even without a bath :) he has a bit of oil in too :) good point about the steward also, ill make sure i am super polite and make sure the pony is well behaved in hand :) also... hahaha at the judge bribe comments-- oh so true! but i'd like to give showing a go :) even if we never win! xx
 
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