showing advice

[jay]

I'm being dragged...kicking and screaming...to my first show on sunday. Its not that I don't want to show Jay, its just that I would have liked to have gone to watch at a show beforehand so at least I would feel prepared! However, I've been entered on my behalf...so now I'm panicing and in desperate need of some advice!

Jay is a Dales x and we're entered in novice ridden cob, ridden horse and an in-hand class on suitability for driving. Am I right in thinking that because he's M+M type he's to be shown 'au naturel'?...no plaiting etc?

What do i wear for these classes? I've got beige jods, grey hacking jacket and long black boots. Do I wear a shirt and tie or a stock? In the schedule it said that you could only use a show cane for the inhand classes so I've been to get one. Do you use it for the ridden classes as well, or just an ordinary crop?

I'm also panicing because Jay still hasn't got all of his summer coat through. He was clipped for the 1st time this winter, but what's left of his clipped hair has gone a really bizaare dun-like colour, so he looks really patchwork because of his areas of jet black summer coat coming through! I've been grooming him with a rubber curry comb every day, but is there anything else I can try? I had a lesson with my new instructor yesterday and she commented on how strange he was...great confidence builder!?!

Sorry for the 20 questions....I'm in need of some expert help!

[jay]

Thanks for the help Laura. I think I'll enjoy it once I'm there, its just the nerves beforehand! Yes my hacking jacket is tweed. Good plan about trying to change before the in-hand class...not sure I could run easily in my long boots!

I'll try and find a shedding blade today...I've not used one before. If it can make any impression I'll be really pleased. I'm paranoid about turning up and everyone thinking I've got some new kind of retro coloured neddy!

Will it be obvious what I need to do once I'm in the ring? Will it just be a case of following the others?

[JoM]

You sound just like me when I started showing D last year!!!

In the ring, you will find that there will be the judge in the middle and probably a 'spare' person! The spare will direct you as to what you are going to do etc. At the show on Sunday the lady approached me as we were walking around the outside and asked me to stop. We then did a trot around the outside individually. Once everyone was done, we lined up in the middle and were called out individually again for the judge to look at the pony and ask any questions - usually, age, how long had him etc. The you normally (but they will tell you) walk away, turn and trot back, and past the judge, around the back of the rest of the horses and to where you started!

A good tip, is when you walk away from the judge (inhand class) do a 'teardrop' shape, so when you have finished turning you are lined up with the judge for your trot back. Look better! And dont go around the judge - they will move LOL head straight for them!!! When you are stood in the show ring (in hand) always make the pony 'stand up', even if it isnt your turn. The judge has eyes everywhere and will always be glancing around. If you are stood properly he will always see the best of you and you will stand out!

Enjoy yourself! It is meant to be fun!!! 'GULP'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jay]

Thanks for inhand advice Jo....will make a conscious effort to trot straight for them! lol. I don't really mind how we get on in the ridden classes. As long as he behaves I'll be happy! I don't think I'm a good enough rider yet to show him off to his best. But I'm secretly hoping we'll do well in the in-hand class. I'd love to drive him at some point in the future, so I'll be really chuffed if he's judged well in that class! I'll probably be a blubbering mess if we do get anywhere though. A few months ago one of my dogs got a 2nd at an agility competition...I was so embarassed because I had tears in my eyes! I'm such a big softie.

[jay]

Thats great and not confusing, thanks laura. I'll get practising each evening...hopefully it'll be 2nd nature by sunday!

[greydales]

Just wanted to add, when showing the pony inhand, you really want him moving under his own steam and not being dragged around like a seaside donkey (as some of them are!). Practise at home using a whip if needed which you can tap him with behind you so you can get him moving smartly off when you ask and trotting at your shoulder (sometimes easier said than done lol ).