Using a tom thumb in showing?

[haz.rob]

I have an ex racehorse and have decided to do an ex racehorse class at a show in a couple of weeks. Although I ride her a lot in a loose ring snaffle at home and have done dressage on her in this I usually use a tom thumb for anything that is likely to get her excited. As I haven't ever shown her before and I'm quite not sure how she will react to having other horses in the ring with her I wasn't sure if it would be acceptable to ride her in the tom thumb for a bit of extra control. It is only a small local show so I'm hoping this will be acceptable,

 

[Happy Ponies]

I've seen horses at the Dunster show in one, tink one may have been in the retrained racehorse class and one in workers. Check up the rules for the show/correct etiquette for the class. If in doubt could take both bits and find out on the day/chose the most suitible.

Is there anyone that you could get to ride with you before going into a show in a show like manner just to see if she doesn't mind company if she isn't used to it although you won't have the atmosphere it may give you the chance to get her accustomed

 

[WelshD]

I've seen people use them with two reins to create a pelham effect. Seen a few get HOYS quaifications so although there must be judges that hate it there must be others that dont mind!

Personally I dont like to see show horses in them but at a local show I am sure people would rather you be in control and happy!

 

[haz.rob]

I've seen horses at the Dunster show in one, tink one may have been in the retrained racehorse class and one in workers. Check up the rules for the show/correct etiquette for the class. If in doubt could take both bits and find out on the day/chose the most suitible.

Is there anyone that you could get to ride with you before going into a show in a show like manner just to see if she doesn't mind company if she isn't used to it although you won't have the atmosphere it may give you the chance to get her accustomed

Thank you. I do ride with others at home in the school fine and in warm up rings shes usually fine asside from pulling faces at the occasional horse that she decides she dislikes. its just if we have to canter around together that concerns me as she likes to get a bit close to other horses back ends out hacking so would prefer if i can hold her back a bit.