Veteran class - what bit?

MurphysMinder

MurphysMinder

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Reading post below about Dutch gags has got me thinking. We are hoping to show my daughters pony in a few local veteran classes this year. She has had a lot of problems with her mouth (was ridden in a hackamore for a while) and for the last few years has seemed really settled in a dutch gag with a copper mouthpiece, ridden on the second ring. Would this be acceptable for veteran do you think? I really don't want to mess around with her mouth at this stage in her life.
 
Veteran is really just a novelty class. Nothing is compulsory or forbidden as far as i know. No rules. Put her in what ever she feels comfortable in, remember keep tack plain and simple, so the judge isnt drawn away.:):)
have fun
 
If its a VHS class then i would go for pelham snaffle or double.

Veteran classes are now getting very competative and are no longer a novelty class. have you tried a hanging cheek snaffle with the same mouth piece, or even a pelham with the same mouth piece (if you dont use the curbchain then it has the same action as the dutch gag)
 
Mainly local fun classes although there is one that is a VHS qualifier, but we are not members so won't be going down that road. I might just try a copper mouth or happy mouth hanging cheek. Think she would freak out at anything else, bless her she is a bit neurotic. Main reason we still have her, had we sold her I think she would have been sold on many times
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Thanks for the advice anyhow, if judges tell us she should be in something else guess it will just be the end of her veteran career.
 
ah well good luck, being local i wouldnt think that the judge would comment on her bit, aslong as she goes nicly in it thats all that matters,...let us know how u get on:):)
 
which VHS qualifier are you doing?

If local shows i would go in your gag, however be prepared for it to be commented on.

I'd try the snaffle option as that would then open up dressage for you as well and there is veteran horse dressage (for VHS members). There is also veteran horse working hunters (open to all but is only at very few shows)
 
Hopefully going to Reaseheath college where there is a vHS qualifier. Dressage is not an option, she does not do dressage far too nutty, they gave up on her at Pony Club just told daughter to let her do things her way
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She was a superb jumping pony but had a hind leg fracture some years ago and although she came back and competed a bit we do not want to jump her anymore. She is not really old, just 20 (we had a mare pts at 34 a couple of years ago), but seems a shame to have her stuck in a field looking so well, and have found a girl who is happy to have a go at showing her. WIll see if gag produces adverse comments and take it from there. Thanks for the advice.
 
I'm hopefully going to reaseheath as well, taking my 18 yearold and my 25 yearold! (baring any lameness or other issues)
 
Ooh might see you there. You should recognise us, the pony with the unsuitable bit
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And with golf ball plaits - she hates having her mane pulled, so am trying to do it bit at a time but without much joy. Don't know why I thought veteran classes would be a good idea
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Ooh might see you there. You should recognise us, the pony with the unsuitable bit
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[/ QUOTE ]

If you are going ahead using that bit, i'm assuming its fitted correctly with a leather thong behind her chin??... pop on 2 reins...then it would have more of a "look" about it.
 
Aagh - thong?! Never used one, is that like the chin strap on a pelham? . Two reins is a good idea, not sure if the jockey we have found would be able to manage them but have time to practise.
 
yes, the thong should go from the ring where the cheekpieces are, and round under the chin....

is it a 3 ring?....if so which small ring under the "snaffle" ring is the rein attached??...was just wandering if its just the one below, then a 2 ring would also have a better "look" if used...

or roundings????
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Well, you learn something everyday. Never seen one of those on a dutch gag presume you can use a pelham chin strap. She is ridden on the 2nd ring. A 2 ring is an option, or might even try her in a snaffle as she is not going to be jumping. Think what we shall have to do is try her at little local show first and see what happens. If we decide to do anymore will have tolook at trying a different bit. Anyone got a copper mouth snaffle? Thanks for the tips.
 
not roundings, 2 reins is a good idea or split reins if the rider cant get 2 into her hands. Ive never seen a thong on a dutch gag either.

As for the mane, try a solo comb or a thinning blade, you can do alot with one of them to thin a mane and still make it plaitable (i prefer the solocomb). I have one who hates haveing his mane done but i can get it done witgh a solo comb and if i use setting lotion on the plaits i dont get sticky up bits!

Oh i'll be the one with the little bay show pony that pulls the most hideous faces inhand, and the chocolate dun connemara who will be pulling like a steam train!
 
Have tried a solo comb. Trouble is its as soon as you start "back combing" her mane she has a hissy fit. Quite happy to let you comb it normally. Reading back my posts this pony sounds like a nightmare -well actually she is but wouldn't part with her. If we do get to show her at Reaseheath she is a dark palomino, and will be the one misbehaving probably
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Will keep a look out for you as we will definitely be at the show, Murph is on working livery at Reaseheath and daughter is hoping to jump him. Are you doing in hand or ridden classes, or both?
 
Both ridden and inhand if the 25 yearold stays sound he has had a spate of on and off lameness reacently, typicaly as soon as the vet arrives the pony is sound! the 18 yearold is already qualified for the regionals but the 25 yearold went lame the day before the qualifier!

Hm would one of the tail rakes help, ive been told you can use them to thin a mane but ive never tried it myself, or have you tried oil of cloves on the base of her neck (be careful you dont end up with numb fingers though). we had one session where we blindfolded the pony and put oil of cloves on him, he stood for that one.
 
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