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Post by harriet10 on Aug 30, 2013 9:54:33 GMT -1
Hello everyone!
I have a yearling gelding who I am very keen to show, as I think he's fantastic! I am biased I know!! I've never done any showing before though so I'm after advice and a bit of a push in the right direction. For a start what does he need to be able to do. He is very quiet his leading skills do need working on a bit! I'm thinking my aim could be the dales pony show in May... plenty of time to prepare! I'm sorry I've been a bit vague I'd just like any advice anyone could give me! :-)
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Post by colmworthdales on Aug 30, 2013 14:53:22 GMT -1
Great that you are keen to start showing your baby. It is fun, although sometimes yearlings and 2 year olds do play up at a show after behaving well at home! However, Dales people are lovely and will help you out whenever-wherever you are.
I get my youngsters to walk quietly in hand (leading on the near side) eventually in a large circle so you are on the outside (ie clockwise direction). Mine often try to lean on me so a firm stick with a hard end is useful just to push them on the shoulder so they move away from you. Then you need to get him to stand still balanced evenly on all four legs (again, some youngsters refuse to stand up straight, but it comes with practice). After you have managed that, you need to also get them to trot beside you. I always use my voice with the same commands as when I am riding to reinforce other aids you use.
Do not overdo it as youngsters get bored and confused very quickly. Just a few minutes every week or so, with more in the weeks leading up to a show. Always try to finish a lesson on a good note and do not be scared of the odd treat (piece of carrot or a grassnut or a handful of grass) when he has done well.
If you have a friend with a pony who can practice with you it is useful especially nearer to a show. Sometimes they get very wound up with another pony behind them - or having to follow quietly behind one who is bouncing about!
Hope I have not put you off too much. Sure you will get lots of other advice on here shortly. Good luck
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Post by DalesLady on Sept 12, 2013 4:06:29 GMT -1
The only thing I would add to that is that you could prepare him for someone picking up his feet and moving his tail to one side as this is likely to happen at a Dales show and he will need to stand as still as possible for this.
He will most likely be asked to walk awy from judge and back again, then same in trot so practice that in the week before you go to your show. Sometimes you will only be asked for walk away and trot back but its more usual at DPS shows the first way.
Main thing is, enjoy yourself
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