Showing a non-native!

[harleydales]

Can you help a complete showing novice please? I've entered my young girlie in an in-hand show a week on Sunday, and though it is more of an outing to get her out and about and seeing things I don't want to make a complete idiot of myself!!

Finding an in-hand class for her was difficult - it seems unless you are coloured, M&M or Arab/Arabx then you don't get an in-hand class if you are over 4 years old which seems a bit mean. There are Turnout classes but I'm not tidy enough to tackle one of those first time out!!

She's just 4 and bay - I've got a nice brown in-hand bridle for her so we're sorted for her head-gear. I assume an in-hand bridle is more appropriate than a white halter?

Should I plait her mane? She not part-bred Arab or part-bred M & M so something tells me I should pait her? It is medium length.
Any top plaiting tips?

What about her tail? I don't want to pull it - could I plait it too?

And what should I wear?

Thank you!! Sorry for all the daft questions - I've only ever shown natives and not very often, so am a complete novice ;D

[laura]

What class are you going to put her in? In-hand bridle would be fine, I would plait her up as well. You will be fine wearing the same as you would wear for an M&M class - so trousers (preferably light coloured as your mare has dark legs) shirt, tie, tweed jacket and a hat (either riding hat/beagler/trilby style), and gloves.

Hope that helps a bit, good luck

[harleydales]

I found an in-hand, 4 years and over class at a small riding club show. I don't think she's ever been to a show before and it's a good few years since I have been in a ring with a horse too!

[laura]

Ooh i'm sure it'll go well - good luck ;D

[tomasnrichy]

Good luck hope all goes well, sorry i cannot offer advise but i send Valerie and my best of luck vibes Regards Richy

[valerie n scout]

I cant help either... but all the very best xxx

[harleydales]

It's a teensy tiny show so I don't supose it matters if I don't get it right, but I want Elle to look good with the other horses. I've found out that 2 of my friends are in the same class so there could be a bit of rivalry!!!