which classes to enter?

[Montys_Mum]

I have my first local show of the year coming up in a couple of weeks and Im wondering whether to try soem showing with him instead of just showjumping.
I'd like to try him at the open working hunter (2ft9), ridden hunter and ridden sports horse/pony.
I've never entered these classes so what should i expect? And can i use the veredus open fronted tendon boots and overreach boots whilst jumping and which martigale as i have a 5 point breast plate or a plain(er) burgandy one?

sorry for all the photos
Any help much appreciated as well as any CC.

 

[caterpillar]

Boots are fine for the jumping phase only. Plain martingale and if worn for jumping it must be worn throughout the whole class.

 

[Montys_Mum]

Is he the right type for these classes or are there other ones he would suit? And what are the judges looking for in working hunter, ridden hunter and sports horse classes?

sorry for all the questions i just havent done any ridden showing

 

[monkeybum13]

He's nice! He looks like he could be a nice sort for WH, just keep the SJ round going forwards at all times.
Personally I think he looks a little on the small side for hunter but it will be good experience, he looks more suited to the sports horse class.

I really like him, good luck

 

[Montys_Mum]

I did read they need to be forward around the course, thankyou
Well he is a TB after all In ridden hunter do the judges normally ride the horse too?

 

[Honey08]

I wouldn't bother with the hunter class, but should do well in sports horse and working hunter. Riding club horse or ridden horse would also be a possibility.

The breast plate does nothing for him and distracts from his looks. A plain martingale if you must. Boots in front for working hunter.

Don't show jump the course if you can - let it be ongoing and flowing if poss. The judge is looking for a well mannered smooth jumper overall, with good confo if poss.

 

[monkeybum13]

I did read they need to be forward around the course, thankyou
Well he is a TB after all In ridden hunter do the judges normally ride the horse too?

At local level then generally no, you don't get a ride judge.

 

[Montys_Mum]

Thankyou for the advice
At local level would you show extension or not whilst doing the individual show?

 

[Shay]

Just because its a local show does not mean there will not be a ride judge. The schedule should tell if you there will be or not. After all national level competition starts with local level qualifiers!

In my experience there is a considerable variation at local shows as to what is expected in showing.

There may or may not be a ride judge. You may or may not be required to untack and present the horse for a conformation section. You may have a set show - or set elements to inlcude in the show. Working Hunter sometimes includes a gallop.

In terms of what to include in your individual show - the best guidance is to keep it short. If you are sure you can show extended paces and regain control easily then there is no reason not to. But there is little worse than someone trying something over ambitious and messing up because ned is wound up by the atmosphere, or hasn't liked the ride judge or whatever.