Veteran Showing - What are they looking for?

J_sarahd

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Did my first flat showing classes with Max today and it was a veteran class as, despite appearances, he is 18!! We qualified for the second round of Olympia qualifiers, despite Max acting like a 4 year old. We took reserve champion too!

My question is, what do they look for in Veteran classes? I understand that obviously in the “type” classes it’s a bit more clear. But not sure on whether they’re looking for “spring chicken” horses or more sedate ones?
 
The society covers this in their rule book and the mark sheets do sum it up a little too :) Can;t remember it exactly!
 
I asked this too, as I took mine into a class and there were ponies, arabs, TBs, cobs and I have no idea how the judge reached a decision, although I was very pleased to be 4th. This wasn't an official society class, just at a local show.
 
The society covers this in their rule book and the mark sheets do sum it up a little too :) Can;t remember it exactly!

I looked on both the Veteran Society and the SSADS and it doesn’t really explain it. I understand that perhaps “manners” is where we did and will lose marks. But other than that, I’m quite confused
 
They judge each horse/pony on it's basic conformation. Good limbs, nice shoulder, length of rein etc. Whilst lumps, bumps, blemishes and battle scars are ignored the horse must be sound. Manners are taken into consideration. Most judges will forgive a little and each judge s different. Where one judge might ignore your horse having a wee canter or head swing another may not.
 
They judge each horse/pony on it's basic conformation. Good limbs, nice shoulder, length of rein etc. Whilst lumps, bumps, blemishes and battle scars are ignored the horse must be sound. Manners are taken into consideration. Most judges will forgive a little and each judge s different. Where one judge might ignore your horse having a wee canter or head swing another may not.
That is really useful! I've been thinking about taking my Arab along to a little show to do the veteran class if I can find one close enough (I'd have to walk her there). I think she's looking so well at the moment, I'd love to show her off. The only problem is I think her field mate would have to come too as they don't really like being separated!
 
Copied for you:

29. SSADL MARKING SYSTEM:
Out of 50 Out of 30 Out of 20
- Way of going, Manners, Movement, Presentation - out of 50
- Condition, Manners, Type, Breed and equine history - out of 30
Mark for equine age, suppleness for age - out of 20
In the event of a tie the “mark for equine age, suppleness for age” mark
will take precedence, followed by the mark for “way of going, manners, movement, presentation” followed by “condition, manners, type, breed
and equine history”. Any marks noted incorrectly/inadvertently by the steward may be adjusted and must be signed or initialled by the judge.
 
Copied for you:

29. SSADL MARKING SYSTEM:
Out of 50 Out of 30 Out of 20
- Way of going, Manners, Movement, Presentation - out of 50
- Condition, Manners, Type, Breed and equine history - out of 30
Mark for equine age, suppleness for age - out of 20
In the event of a tie the “mark for equine age, suppleness for age” mark
will take precedence, followed by the mark for “way of going, manners, movement, presentation” followed by “condition, manners, type, breed
and equine history”. Any marks noted incorrectly/inadvertently by the steward may be adjusted and must be signed or initialled by the judge.

As I’ve already said, I had a look at that but it’s too broad for what I’m actually after.
 
But not sure on whether they’re looking for “spring chicken” horses or more sedate ones?

Neither in particular! In the sense of sedate or enthusiastic, which is how i read that sentence, i would turn it around and say they would prefer an active forward going but sane type over something trotting around the ring with no life or enjoyment.
 
Neither in particular! In the sense of sedate or enthusiastic, which is how i read that sentence, i would turn it around and say they would prefer an active forward going but sane type over something trotting around the ring with no life or enjoyment.

Ah okay, that makes sense. On Sunday, Max was more like a fresh 5 year old than a veteran who should know better, which I’m guessing isn’t good as we step up the ranks so to speak!
 
Ah okay, that makes sense. On Sunday, Max was more like a fresh 5 year old than a veteran who should know better, which I’m guessing isn’t good as we step up the ranks so to speak!

Personally i'd rather that, over a bored of life type, but lots of people would 'penalise' them equally! Keep at it though! Is he new to showing? :)
 
Way of going - should be correct, forwards, straight, round, off the forehand, taking into account type. Manners- polite in a go round, stands when standing. Movement- does it move well for type. Presentation - clean, tidy, correct.
- Condition - again should be good, it’s showing so fatter over thinner, rounded bum, top line, not obese. Manners- as above. Type - does it actually look like it’s type. Breed - as per type but if you’re a breed. and equine history- has it got a cute backstory, has it lived life.
Mark for equine age - how old is it in it’s group. suppleness for age - does it move well for age.

Each judges weighting within the categories will vary, as will their exact interpretation.
What type is he? For some types being like a ‘fresh 5yo’ can be overlooked easier than others! Ultimately you’re aiming for the same as what you want in the normal type class.
 
Personally i'd rather that, over a bored of life type, but lots of people would 'penalise' them equally! Keep at it though! Is he new to showing? :)

He’s not new at all. He’s apparently been showing to quite a high level a few owners ago. But he’s had a huge break from it. Plus I’m very, very new to showing!
 
Way of going - should be correct, forwards, straight, round, off the forehand, taking into account type. Manners- polite in a go round, stands when standing. Movement- does it move well for type. Presentation - clean, tidy, correct.
- Condition - again should be good, it’s showing so fatter over thinner, rounded bum, top line, not obese. Manners- as above. Type - does it actually look like it’s type. Breed - as per type but if you’re a breed. and equine history- has it got a cute backstory, has it lived life.
Mark for equine age - how old is it in it’s group. suppleness for age - does it move well for age.

Each judges weighting within the categories will vary, as will their exact interpretation.
What type is he? For some types being like a ‘fresh 5yo’ can be overlooked easier than others! Ultimately you’re aiming for the same as what you want in the normal type class.

Looking at that, Max seems to do well on paper to a lot of the categories.

He’s a Welsh Sec D. Thank you for this, it was exactly what I was looking for!! Really helpful! 😊
 
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