what should a ridden show comprise of?

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sophiebailey

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Hi HHO'ers :)

Hoping for some ridden showing advice - going to do ridden veteran and ridden novice (not required to canter in a group) showing classes for the first time in a few weeks. I have no idea what to expect. Please can someone talk me through it?

What should my individual show comprise of? What are the judges looking for? Any tips?

Also in terms of attire i'll be wearing a brown tweedy jacket with brown stock & pin, beige jods and black full boots (black velvet hat) is this acceptable?

My tack will be brown saddle, brown polypad numnah, brown hunter bridle with french link snaffle. Again, is this ok?

Any advice welcome, want to get it right for our first time! :)

Thanks everyone :o xx
 
Shirt and tie is more correct than a stock, navy hat is always more preferable over black too. Numnah should be as discrete as possible. Snaffle is correct for novice classes. For novice/veterans I turn out according to type (basically navy jacket for a hack or show pony, tweed for anything else.) If it's just a local show I wouldn't worry too much if your turnout is not spot on.

Ridden show I show walk, trot and canter on each rein (working on a sort of figure of 8 type pattern) then extended canter up the long side. Some veterans classes they don't want to see extended canter/gallop. Keep your show in front of the line up, some people will canter up the long side behind the line up but it's a bit pointless because the judge can't see your horse properly. Don't forget to go back and halt/salute in front of the judge before you retake your place in the line up. And smile :)
 
Thanks that's really helpful! I've heard some people mention rein back as part of your show piece, is this just for higher level showing? Also, is it bad practice to approach the judge before the show and let them know i've never shown before? In the hopes that they'll not assume I know what i'm doing :o
 
There will be no need for rein back in your show, just keep it simple and not too long.
The judge will not assume you know what you are doing, they often give a guide of what they would like you to do and most will be pleasant not trying to put you off, they are judging you and your horse but at local shows should try and put you at ease.

Remember to:) and enjoy yourself it should be fun.
 
Thanks that's great! I'm actually bricking it - Bailey did not come with ABS and so i'm dreading the canter element but determined to get out there and show this season so might be sitting tight and smiling lol ;):p thanks for the advice x
 
Hi Sophie where are you based ? I can do a video of a correct show and email over to you if you like? As TelH said a shirt and tie is better than a stock go for a coloured shirt rather than white I always wear a lemon shirt and red tie or tie to match brown band if using a coloured one :) feel free to send me an email to sbrownshowhorses@hotmail.comif you wanted any more help x
 
Does your saddle fit well enough for you to use it without a numnah at all? Failing that something almost invisible like a limpet pad would be better than a poly pad.

Good luck and remember to breathe lol! I do a lot more inhand than ridden as I just go to pieces :(
 
sbrownshowhorses said:
Hi Sophie where are you based ? I can do a video of a correct show and email over to you if you like? As TelH said a shirt and tie is better than a stock go for a coloured shirt rather than white I always wear a lemon shirt and red tie or tie to match brown band if using a coloured one :) feel free to send me an email to sbrownshowhorses@hotmail.comif you wanted any more help x
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That would be fantastic thanks so much, i'll send you an e-mail now. I'm in Telford, Shropshire xx
 
Ollie's Mum said:
Does your saddle fit well enough for you to use it without a numnah at all? Failing that something almost invisible like a limpet pad would be better than a poly pad.

Good luck and remember to breathe lol! I do a lot more inhand than ridden as I just go to pieces :(
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When it was first being fitted to Bailey I had a riding lesson in it without a numnah, it is a made to measure to do you think that will be ok for him? I will ebay a limpet pad :)

I did inhand all last season but determined to grow some b***s and do ridden this year xxx
 
You might not have to canter as a group in the ridden novice, but every ridden veteran I have done or seen has had to do this. They dont go for the gallop on the go round but they usually canter on both reins. I am sure about this as its one of my dreads as my oldie has very few brakes.
 
rockysmum said:
You might not have to canter as a group in the ridden novice, but every ridden veteran I have done or seen has had to do this. They dont go for the gallop on the go round but they usually canter on both reins. I am sure about this as its one of my dreads as my oldie has very few brakes.
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Sorry my punctuation is bad in my OP, I know I'll have to canter in a group for the veteran class (but at least I'll be let off the gallop!!) this is my dread too as Bailey sure does love to stretch his legs so we may do a gallop yet lol. The novice class comes before the veteran class so hoping this will warm us up and settle him before the veteran class! :o eeeee very scared already lol :o
 
not the best pic - but this is big Ruby [RIP] in ridden veteran last summer - everything i'm wearing except the boots were e-bay bargains

 
If your saddle fits him well enough without a numnah then it's better not to have one in the show ring. Don't buy a limpet pad if you don't need one, I was just suggesting that if you needed something to keep the saddle in place. If it's made to measure for him it sounds as if you maybe just use a numnah to keep it clean rather than to make it fit?

My lad qualifies as a veteran this time - I was hoping there might be some classes for veteran horse with ancient handler - I might do alright in that LOL!!
 
My tips -

If you are worried about brakes in the cantering as a group, make sure that you are behind the calmest horse you have noticed, and also make sure the horse in front is not much slower or short striding so that you are not constantly having to hold back...

In your show, do what shows your horse off. A lot of people do the standard figures of eight, which is great, but its not obligatory, and if you're worrying about brakes, do a smaller circle... Same for rein back. A lot of people do dreadful rein backs at the end of their shows that do nothing for the horse and just leave a bad last impression. A good obedient square halt is better. Obviously if your horse does lovely rein backs put one in...

I think walking away from the judge is good, then a large turn and trotting right back at them, turning away just before them and starting your show...

Also do a good finish. I've judged at local level, and so many people halt at the other end of the field, do a half hearted salute and slope off back to the line up. I think its much better to halt square in front of the judge with a big smile and say thank you!

And re the cantering behind the line up - why bother.... I have done this on a couple of occassions when my mare was pulling - its a chance for a quick, strong half halt before coming back into view all smiley and looking in control! I won the class!
 
rubysmum said:
not the best pic - but this is big Ruby [RIP] in ridden veteran last summer - everything i'm wearing except the boots were e-bay bargains

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What a stunning horse!!! I bet she did well in her classes, I always said if I didn't have a chestnut I'd have a coloured :) Did you wear a shirt and tie? Can't quite squint to see in the picture!!!
 
Ollie's Mum said:
If your saddle fits him well enough without a numnah then it's better not to have one in the show ring. Don't buy a limpet pad if you don't need one, I was just suggesting that if you needed something to keep the saddle in place. If it's made to measure for him it sounds as if you maybe just use a numnah to keep it clean rather than to make it fit?

My lad qualifies as a veteran this time - I was hoping there might be some classes for veteran horse with ancient handler - I might do alright in that LOL!!
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Okay brill, I shall ditch the numnah for my classes!! To be honest, I ride in a numnah out of habit, not sure if riding 24/7 without one would be detrimental to his back/skin/coat in any way?

I did a season of Veteran in-hand last year and really enjoyed it, but desperate to grow a pair and saddle up for this season!! :)
 
Honey08 said:
My tips -

If you are worried about brakes in the cantering as a group, make sure that you are behind the calmest horse you have noticed, and also make sure the horse in front is not much slower or short striding so that you are not constantly having to hold back...

In your show, do what shows your horse off. A lot of people do the standard figures of eight, which is great, but its not obligatory, and if you're worrying about brakes, do a smaller circle... Same for rein back. A lot of people do dreadful rein backs at the end of their shows that do nothing for the horse and just leave a bad last impression. A good obedient square halt is better. Obviously if your horse does lovely rein backs put one in...

I think walking away from the judge is good, then a large turn and trotting right back at them, turning away just before them and starting your show...

Also do a good finish. I've judged at local level, and so many people halt at the other end of the field, do a half hearted salute and slope off back to the line up. I think its much better to halt square in front of the judge with a big smile and say thank you!

And re the cantering behind the line up - why bother.... I have done this on a couple of occassions when my mare was pulling - its a chance for a quick, strong half halt before coming back into view all smiley and looking in control! I won the class!
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Excellent! Thanks so much! At the moment I'm imagining my show piece to look like this;

Walk to the judge, then they talk to you for a bit and look at horse, then walk away from judge, loop back and trot towards her, do a circle of trot on each rein, try and change diagonal smoothly (!!!) a circle of canter on each rein and then as I don't have to show a gallop for veteran, back to trot, approach judge, halt and salute?

Sound ok? :confused:
 
These are the points i tend to follow...

For you:

Collared shirt and tie are preferable.

Navy/ Black Jackets for ridden/ hack classes, tweed for hunting, cob, M & M Classes.

Cream Jodpurs.

Long Leather Boots.

Showing Cane.

gloves should be Brown or black, and leather.



For the Horse:

Girth dependent on the colour of the horse, e.g. Brown for Bays/Brown, Black for Black, White for greys. This is so you dont interupt the horses shape. One of my Showing Gripes is when people show horses with white girths when the horse is a bay! lol.

Numnah- Dependent on whether or not you can see it. I have a working hunter fleece lined numnah which is fantastic for showing (you can get it from Robos or Ebay)

Browbands- Dependent on hacking/ ridden classes. Should be Patterned if ridden/ hacking, plain for hunting, m&m or cob.

Bridles- Plain for Cob, hunting m & m. I always show in a double bridle as feel this looks more profesional and showman like. And also if ridden correctly has no effect on the horses mouth whatsoever (i never use the weymouth part of my bit, just the Bradoon)

For ringcraft:

Be sure your horse is ok with people walking behind him.

If you're not sure whether your horse has breaks, then try and get in the ring first and stay as far away from the horse in front as possible.

If you feel you need to overtake, do this when the judge isnt looking. This is just being polite as you dont want the rider and horse you're overtaking to miss out on any judge action.

You will probably be required to walk, trot and canter in the group.

Individuals shows should be kept short and sweet. Showing equal amounts of time in walk, trot and canter. If in a hunting, cob m&m class you will need to show the horse at gallop or extended canter. Try to keep this along the long side. If your worried about pulling you horse back after, just do a bit of a quickened canter.

Shows should end with a polite halt and salute.

If its your first show, the judge would be fine with you asking for any feedback after the show as long as its not interfering with the next class.

Oh and be on time!!!

Hope this helps!!
 
sophiebailey said:
Okay brill, I shall ditch the numnah for my classes!! To be honest, I ride in a numnah out of habit, not sure if riding 24/7 without one would be detrimental to his back/skin/coat in any way?
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If you have a properly fitting saddle then it shouldn't cause any problems to ride without - numnah's just keep saddles clean as they soak up any sweat and grease and stop it going into the leather. A saddler once said to me to think of a saddle like a pair of shoes - if you buy them so that they fit well you wouldn't then stick a pair of hiking socks on with them so to keep the numnah as thin as you could!
 
oh and clean tack the night before, and wipe over with a normal towel, That way you get no polish/ cleaner on your jods.

I tend to warm up with tracksuit bottoms over my jods and take them off minutes before.

I also get someone to polish the underneath of my boots whilst i am on the horse for best turned out classes lol.
 
Lucy-Jay said:
I also get someone to polish the underneath of my boots whilst i am on the horse for best turned out classes lol.
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I know of someone who was in a class where the judge had a really hard job deciding between her and another entrant and it was the fact that the other girl had cleaned the soles of her boots that won it for her :)

I once lost out when a judge asked to look at my gloves and I'd previously wiped some green slobber off the bit with them :rolleyes:
 
Ollie's Mum said:
I know of someone who was in a class where the judge had a really hard job deciding between her and another entrant and it was the fact that the other girl had cleaned the soles of her boots that won it for her :)

I once lost out when a judge asked to look at my gloves and I'd previously wiped some green slobber off the bit with them :rolleyes:
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The joys of the showing world ay?!

Dont be down if you dont come in the line up etc. With showing, it all depends on what the judge on the day likes. If he/she likes greys, and theres a grey and a bay that are tied, the grey will come first. Its all about oppinion with showing.

I love it, but turned my hand to dressage, but going back to showing with my GV :D
 
Thanks guys this is all a fantastic help!! My horse is chestnut so all my tack is dark brown. I have a plain hunter bridle with a snaffle so hoping this will be ok!

Good ideas about the trackies and polishing boots! Loving all these tips :) I wont be too disappointed if I don't get placed, this is more about experience for me and trying to control Bailey's canter in company lol :o

And Elena I really wanted to go to Valley View but I don't have transport so I'm going to Wrekin North as it's in hacking distance!

THANK YOU GUYS


keep the tips coming :)
 
Oh and as long as your horse has no cuts etc, the use a little bit of furniture polish to make him shiny :) these 'Show Sheen' sprays are ridiculous!

and if your plaiting, do them the night before, smother in hairspray and put an old pair of tights over the plaits held with plaiting bands, this keeps them neat, and if any do go a bit loose in the night, then you'll only need to do the odd one in the morning.

Its all about timing, so get there in plenty of time!

And dont forget to ask the judge for feedback on what could be better :D
 
Lucy-Jay said:
Oh and as long as your horse has no cuts etc, the use a little bit of furniture polish to make him shiny :) these 'Show Sheen' sprays are ridiculous!

and if your plaiting, do them the night before, smother in hairspray and put an old pair of tights over the plaits held with plaiting bands, this keeps them neat, and if any do go a bit loose in the night, then you'll only need to do the odd one in the morning.

Its all about timing, so get there in plenty of time!

And dont forget to ask the judge for feedback on what could be better :D
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Oooh furniture spray!! Unfortunately Bailey is a s**t with plaits, I found out if I do them the night before he goes on a mission to rub them out by the next morning, so I arrived to get ready for my dressage test thinking my horse was already plaited, when what he actually had was a tangled mane full of broken plaiting bands! BAD HORSE!

I'm lucky that the show I go to is very much tailored towards people that are 'having a go' so all the judges are very approachable :) thank you xx
 
Lucy-Jay said:
and judging by your photos on you signature.... White chalk should be your new best friend :P
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I already have the blocks of chalk, but I want to get some of that liquid type chalk that you sponge on .... any idea where I can get that or what it's called?!

And thank you :) first go isn't going to be until 22nd april, just making sure i'm ready! xx
 
sophiebailey said:
Excellent! Thanks so much! At the moment I'm imagining my show piece to look like this;

Walk to the judge, then they talk to you for a bit and look at horse, then walk away from judge, loop back and trot towards her, do a circle of trot on each rein, try and change diagonal smoothly (!!!) a circle of canter on each rein and then as I don't have to show a gallop for veteran, back to trot, approach judge, halt and salute?

Sound ok? :confused:
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Sounds fine. Enjoy yourself!
 
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