In hand showing - we need your help!!!????

[clara]

I have just bought a new dales who I could show this season. I have regularly shown and competed ponies most of my life but funnily enough never in hand and never a dales!! I have been told that dales should be shown in 'tradesmans' shoes as this is traditional. Scrappy is only rising three now, would he be expected to be shod for the show ring? Also what should I show him in a bridle (seems too young for this?!) or a headcollar and if so what sort, colour etc should it be? Also anyother tips for turning myself and the horse out would be very much appreciated? Sorry to ask so many questions.

[AliandDolly]

i have had a go at a few inhands im not to sure about the shoes.

i have been told to shoe in a plain brown or black bridle,or a white showing halter

for yourself a tweed jacket,shirt,tie,smart shoes and trousers

alixx

[greydales]

My Dales is barefoot and I would never shoe him for the showring. I am not sure what 'traditional' judges would expect to see, it might be a good idea to get to one of the breed shows and perhaps ask the judges there what they are looking for. I would have thought if a Dales has good action without shoes then I can't see the point of shoeing? If you are intending to show at local level then I wouldn't have thought that the judges would mind whether or not a Dales pony has shoes.

A lot of young Dales are shown in white cotton/rope halters, if Scrappy is controllable in this then that's fine but if you needed more control then I don't think a bridle would be unacceptable at his age. If using a bridle then either an inhand bridle or hunter-style (plain). Havana is the traditionally accepted colour but many people show in black tack.

I am sure there are old hands at showing who will advise you on the correct attire for inhand; I imagine a smartish dress such as white/light coloured shirt, comfortable trousers (for running in), a waistcoat, shoes that you can run in (I have seen people in trainers but they don't exactly complete the picture! ;D). I am not sure if hats are actually compulsory but they do look smart. I think if the pony is dark then you would wear light coloured trousers, and vice versa.

Dales ponies ALWAYS to have a full mane and tail (no pulling!.

[AliandDolly]

well said gill!!

alixx

[clara]

Many thanks for replying with all your tips. Especially about the shoes, I may try to get to a dales show if I can but mostly it will be local shows etc. I will take your advice and leave him barefoot for the time being. At the moment he isn't strong when I lead him but we will see. I am glad to have the bridle as an option! I shall potter off and try to find an in hand bridle. Can't wait to show him off. I hope the judges share my adoration of him!! I know he is a nice sort but sadly I have seen so few Dales and almost none of his age group, I find it difficult to judge him - another reason to go to a society show. I shall have to keep going with the diet to wear the light trousers and squeeze myself into an old tweed jacket!
Once again many thanks for your words of wisedom.

[clara]

P.S I have to admit to pulling my other dales mane as he is a secton B so we don't show but I promise I will resist, maybe when I get them going as a pair I will let Sporty go back to being au naturelle!! They are beautiful that way.

[Deleted]

i would put a light set of shoes on him and also bridle and bit so he his more control over him

[bex]

i dont think id bother with shoes if he doesnt need them, not for a 1 day show. good luck anyway. x