Working hunter class...help please!

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hannabanana

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Ok, in september I want to have a go at the working hunter class at my local show with my ISH. He was a master huntsmans horse, so im sure I wont be told its the wrong class for him :D. I have never done show classes since I was 12 with my old pony, but I always came last and dont think I was doing the right thing then anyway! Plus can I just say sorry in advance for the million questions!

First question, what tack/gear can/cant I use, can I use a martingale? flat wide noseband or thin and padded ? My showjacket is grey, is this acceptable?

Second question, (considering this is only local, and I have been to the show to support others, the other horses that usually go arn't all beautifully schooled, perfect confirmation etc. and the majority have blemishes from small to large) my horse has 2 scars on his front legs, plus his feet have a few cracks, however they are the best they have ever been since I bought him. And his left hind is a little weaker than his right but doesnt effect performance, would this put off judge alot?

Third question, what should I expect in the show ring and how long would you do your trots and canters for?

Finally here is some pics, what is your opinion (good or bad) on confirmation? Is he the right sort? etc.



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sorry again for the million questions
 
okay, i really dont have much of an idea as i've posted a similar post below!! but in my limited knowledge, i would say, that a few small scars are acceptable given its a working hunter class (just my thoughts!)
secondly, i'd think a grey hacking jacket/tweed jacket is acceptable. i'll be interested to read your replys as i'm considering doing the wh class as well, but mine s alot lighter in build than yours and i'm wondering if he's too light weight!!
 
clairefeekerry1 said:
okay, i really dont have much of an idea as i've posted a similar post below!! but in my limited knowledge, i would say, that a few small scars are acceptable given its a working hunter class (just my thoughts!)
secondly, i'd think a grey hacking jacket/tweed jacket is acceptable. i'll be interested to read your replys as i'm considering doing the wh class as well, but mine s alot lighter in build than yours and i'm wondering if he's too light weight!!
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Ha! just seen it, looks like im not alone. Well apparently the scars are off hunting! I will be keeping an eye on your post too I think, and I didnt think any horse can be too light for hunting? wern't they known as 'ladies horses' back in the old days :D
 
For WH, I'm pretty sure there are no restrictions regarding tack, howvever the judge will usually prefer a horse that goes well in a snaffle or double bridle, to one in a gag, straightcut saddle if you have one, you can use a martingale but whatever tack you decide to jump him in you will have to do the flat show with as well, only boots can come off after jumping! I would say a wider, flat noseband for your boy (he's lovely by the way) :), tack should be 'workmanlike' and ideally brown, but don't panic if it's black!
Is your jacket grey tweed? I wouldn't worry too much if it's not, but if you can get hold of a tweed, it would be alot better.
Can't really help re conformation, but for your individual show, just show a quick trot and canter on each rein on a large figure of eight, use the space in the arena but don't go miles away from the judge! Also include a good gallop, as this can really help boost you up places! ;)
Hope this helps, good luck when you go!! :D
 
i know thats my thought, but just think he may look slightly silly given he's just 15.2 so will be in the upper height class so will be competing against great big 17h handers! we'll see!

i've always been told to so an uneaven number of plaits, so 11 or 13
 
Most tack is ok , but if all things are equal the horse wearing the most simple tack, flat nose band , and a snaffle or double ,no martingale would be placed above one wearing say a gag and a martingale.
 
thanks nemo :), hes snaffle mouth anyway, and my jacket isnt tweed, its just your average polyester one. My saddle is wintec GP, Is this 'womanly' enough? :D. I will be buying a new bridle soon anyway, so at least I know what to get now. I was worried about the martingale because he has a high head carriage, especially if a jump is in sight :rolleyes:. I have had my fair share of nose bleeds from riding with no martingale. Over the past years Its only been one rustic jump, so it shouldnt be too out of control :o. I havent hunted him but im suprised someone had the guts to do it, my horse + other horses+ big long field+ jump= disaster. This will be his first show, so fingers crossed I dont end up in a heap in front of judge
 
clairefeekerry1 said:
i know thats my thought, but just think he may look slightly silly given he's just 15.2 so will be in the upper height class so will be competing against great big 17h handers! we'll see!

i've always been told to so an uneaven number of plaits, so 11 or 13
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I dont think my horse has enough mane for 11 :D. If I managed to get that many there going to be tiny, looks like extensions for my lad :p
 
I think if you're only going locally you don't need to worry too much in honesty. He's lovely and by the sounds of it he jumps so you'll probably do alright just on those grounds alone! I like him a lot :)
 
clairefeekerry1 said:
also remember the judge may ride- they will at my show!!!
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I've never seen them do it at this show, but I suppose theres a first time for everything, I hope not, incase there rough, put it this way, you only have to think go and he will go, give him a normal average squeeze and you will be in the next village within 5 minutes, a good boot in his sides and you wont even be alive.
 
jesstickle said:
I think if you're only going locally you don't need to worry too much in honesty. He's lovely and by the sounds of it he jumps so you'll probably do alright just on those grounds alone! I like him a lot :)
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thanks jesstickle, he doesnt always look that lovely, theres usually a coat of mud to go with him :D
 
We went to a riding club open show a few weeks ago, there was a ride judge who rode the horse we took beautifully... he is not an easy ride but he was a very quiet sympathetic rider. I don't think I've seen a poor ride judge yet this season and that is over a mixture of classes that we've entered horses in (workers, riding horses and cobs), so I wouldn't worry too much about the ride judge.
 
your turnout sounds fine to me. Yes you are allowed martingale etc, at county you would take it off for your individual show or for judge to ride but at local you may just keep it on in which case yes you may be penalised for it above someone else who has plain tack. He's quite fine I would say keep the padded noseband but see what looks best on him.

You should jump your round, make sure you finish with him standing square and bow to the judge before leaving the arena. Then all clears will be called back in, you will likely trot a good few rounds, change rein and same again on other rein then same again in canter, watch the steward as you may be asked to gallop on down one long side. A good gallop can win a WH class so make sure you push on, let him lower and that you can stop afte the long side! If you have to do a show I would trot a figure of eight, canter half a circle, change rein, canter the next half a circle of the figure of eight and gallop down the long side.

Good luck and enjoy yourself!
 
Thanks for the tip Ella :). I feel more positive now. And I know that there is some very nice judges twizzle, its just I was reading a thread yesterday about worst thing judges have said, and I think a few of the posters had a few meanies on their horses, so I was a bit worried
 
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