Unaffiliated showing -never done it before!!

[soph15]

I’m debating on entering a very local unaffiliated showing show as I thought it would be a good way to get my new horse out and about at a relaxed show environment. My new boy has lovely breeding and is a Connemara. I’ve never done a showing show before and all the information out there seems to be very confusing?

If anyone could help please could you let me know what happens in the ridden and inhand classes, what you should wear when riding, what the horse should wear tack wise, plaited or not etc?

My Connie currently has a very long mane which I’m desperate to pull but wasn’t sure if I’m showing classes his breed should have a short pulled mane, be long, be plaited etc. It is unaffiliated so it won’t be overly strict but any advice and help would be amazing!

I’m hoping to enter him in the M+M class, and a class for greys ??

 

[katastrophykat]

I’m a ‘do it properly’ type of person generally, sooo...!

TRIMMING RULES
Connemara ponies should be shown in as natural a state as possible and the following rules should be observed.
MANES: ponies should be shown unplaited. However, very thick manes may be discreetly thinned but should look as natural as possible.
TAILS: should look natural and should not but pulled but may be squared off at the bottom.
HEAD: Ears may be trimmed flat (no trimming inside of the ears). Light trimming of long hairs in jawline is permitted. Whiskers should not be trimmed.
LEGS: No trimming of feather on legs or trimming into heels.
No false hair, artificial colouring or make-up should be used.
Ridden ponies ONLY may be clipped in the interest of welfare. Legs should not be clipped.

Tack should be made of plain leather and should be workmanlike and suit the pony. Only use brown or black tack and only use a plain browband. No boots or bandages are permitted. Choose a discreet numnah that matches the pony and saddle and is barely visible.

Choose a snaffle bridles for novice classes and a double bridle or pelham for open classes.

In hand- use your riding bridle as an older gelding. Snaffle or double/Pelham is fine.

Saddle wise, a straight cut or working hunter saddle is preferred as they show more of the shoulder and movement. These types are preferable to general-purpose saddles.

Turnout for rider- black long boots, cream jods, tweed, shirt and tie. The pics below are a good guide!

 

[katastrophykat]

In hand, you should walk round together until the steward asks you to stand- you will individually trot ‘to the rear of the ride’ to coin a riding school phrase. Once everyone is round, walk on and they’ll pull you in either in any order or in an initial preference. When asked to go forwards, stand him up for the judge and answer any questions. When advised, walk away from the judge, turn in a small circle (3-5 meters) and as soon as you’re straight back towards the judge, trot him on. Head straight at the judge- they’ll move! Continue on and around the outside slightly, then bring him to a stand, nod to the judge and take your place back in the line. Once everyone is seen, walk on again around the outside track and you’ll be pulled in- some judges/shows go 1-6 and others 6-1.

Ridden, enter at walk, trot when told by steward, change rein, canter when told by steward, change rein when advised (back to trot for the change) gallop on the long side of advised to(!!) then return to walk when advised. You’ll be pulled in (as above) in order, or not. Individual show- stand him for the judge, they’ll let you know if they want a set show, if they do, they’ll explain what. If not, walk away, trot back and past the judge as straight as you can, show trot and canter on each rein and a gallop of advised. Return towards the judge in walk, halt and salute. Rejoin the line, they’ll ask you to walk on again after all have been seen then call in 1-6.

That’s about it...! keep an eye on the judge, don’t let your horse amble about like dinah’s donkey (or jog when walking etc), use the space in the ring to show your own horse off- this might mean circling away from another pony, or using the outside of the track to gain more space, smile and enjoy ?

 

[soph15]

Thank you for your replies, I really appreciate it as it’s impossible to find such in depth yet simple instructions for showing so thank you so much?