Which Showing Classes?

iknowmyvalue

iknowmyvalue

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Hi, I've been reading a few threads here recently about what horses are suitable for what showing class and I was wondering if anyone had any input for me. I'm thinking of maybe doing a few showing classes with my boy this summer, nothing big just local level to get him out to as many things as possible and get used to all the sights and sounds. I could do in hand or ridden classes, he's only fairly young and was very green when I got him but I think the canter/jumping is nearly there and should definitely be a lot better by the time summer comes around.

He's a 16.2hh, registered ISH (have full breeding and he's 3/4 ID, 1/4 TB), 6yo and I've had him 6months. We always get a lot of comments at shows about what a nice looking horse he is, so this is what put the idea in my head of doing a little bit of low level showing.

I'll add some photos below, the conformation shots aren't the most ideal but he kept trying to follow me, he's put on a little more muscle since these were taken as they're a few months old now...





And a couple more just because he loves the camera...





 
Thanks all, I think he's rather handsome but I am rather biased! :)

Sounds like hunter classes are the way to go then! I'll have a look what's around, and hopefully there'll be some suitable classes for us. He has quite a jump on him, but we're only competing smaller at the moment as he's not got a lot of experience and I'm in no rush, so working hunter could be a good thing to aim for!
 
I would aim for a small show for his first appearance, novice flat hunter class. Get him used to strange riders on and make sure he can canter in balance and get round corners in balance, stand still and remain awake during a boring hour.

He is a super stamp with lots of maturing to do, his back end doesn't match his front yet.
 
Go to a TSR training clinic in your area and ask their opinion as they are the experts. To me it looks like he could be a nice Riding Horse. I know you said he had more muscle now but I'm going to say it anyway. He needs a lot more on his bum. Lovely horse though
 
AdorableAlice said:
I would aim for a small show for his first appearance, novice flat hunter class. Get him used to strange riders on and make sure he can canter in balance and get round corners in balance, stand still and remain awake during a boring hour.

He is a super stamp with lots of maturing to do, his back end doesn't match his front yet.
Click to expand...

Yes, small shows are all we'll be aiming for this summer, there should be a few around here. My plan for him is to eventually do a bit of low level eventing and hunting, so the showing is more for fun/experience. But we're taking everything slowly and making sure he's brought on correctly, so not rushing into anything. He's used to different people riding him as he's currently being schooled by a couple of the people who work on the yard a few times a week, but sure there'll still be plenty of work to do!

mcnaughty said:
Go to a TSR training clinic in your area and ask their opinion as they are the experts. To me it looks like he could be a nice Riding Horse. I know you said he had more muscle now but I'm going to say it anyway. He needs a lot more on his bum. Lovely horse though
Click to expand...

Oh I didn't know those existed, sounds useful, I'll look that up! Ah yes, I'm aware his back end does not match and we're working hard to build it up. He was very, very weak behind (not a veterinary problem, was specifically checked at the vetting) but he's getting much better now. Will just take time and correct work, which he didn't have before. I need to take some comparison shots really, see how he's getting on...
 
Hunter class, I would say lightweight at the moment but maybe moving up to the MW depending on how he fills out.

Novice hunter classes would be a good place to start.

He looks a nice sort.

I don't know where you are in the country but if you can get him out in the next few weeks there are still a lot of winter shows on and those tend to be more geared towards novices and babies, the classes smaller and judges a bit moe forgiving for babyish rides which is a much nicer start for them

When you start getting more toward the full summer season the classes get bigger and there are less novice classes round
 
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