INFORMATION ON HOW TO PRESENT YOU AND YOUR HORSE AND MORE INFORMATION ON SHOWS
This page contains information on how to present your horse for Showing, Working Hunter, Dressage and Showjumping if you have not done it before or if you are a Novice at it. We have separated the information into each discipline for your convenience.
WORKING HUNTER SHOWS
The Competition:
To compete in a Working Hunter class you must first tackle a set of rustic fences. Marks will be awarded for your horse or pony's style and manners whilst jumping. Penalties will be incurred if you stop or knock down a fence, making jumpinga clear round paramount to your performance.
If you complete the jumping phase, you will be then eligible to carry onto phase two - the flat stage. As well as going rund the ring as a group, comninations may be asked to perform a short individual show to demonstrate their paces and manners. After this phase has been completed your horse or pony will be judged on its conformation and type.
What to wear - rider:
The correct attire for working hunter classes is tweed jacket, beige coloured jodphurs or breeches, a riding hat with chin strap kitemarked to BS standards and long riding boots for those riding a horse over 14.2hh, short jodphur boots for those riding a pony.
A smart shirt with matching tie or stock completes the overall look, and gloves are also advised for completing the picture. Gloves are encouraged to be brown or black and it is also expected that your hair is tied back neatly in a hairnet, scrunchy or ribbon.
What to wear - horse or pony:
The correct tack when competing in a working hunter competition is a comfortable jumping saddle. A general purpose saddle normally does the trick as show jumping saddles sometimes have large knee rolls which will not show off your horses's shoulder well.
Any numnahs used must be discreet and of a neutral colour, usually black, brown or cream. A large saddle cloth is not acceptable. Martingales may be worn and most bits are acceptable in the ring. Jumping boots are allowed for the jumping phase but must be removed before the flat stage of the competition.
Turnout:
Turnout is just as important in working hunter competitions as it is in any other showing category to create a good impression. Plaits are required for all horses and ponies except Mountain and Moorlands which are shown in their natural state. It is important that your horse or pony looks in pristine condition with a glossy, shiny coat. Simple quarter marks and hoof oil complete the picture.
SHOWING GENERALLY:
As with the Working Hunter, your horse or pony should look in pristine condition.
Native horses and ponies must look natural with manes, tails and feathers intact.
The rider will wear the same attire as a Working Hunter class, however, In Hand dmonstrators should wear smart trouer or skirt and jacket with suitable foorwear and gloves.
What to avoid:
Glitter, bling and big gordy ribbons. Horse and rider should be correctly turned out for the job they are doing.
The fashion for short jackets. A well cut, clean second hand one is preferable to an unflattering skimpy number!
Make sure your horse or pony is not too fat! They cannot move properly! Their wind will eventually go and their soundness is threatened.
Ill fitting and incorrect tack!
Make-up on animals - if they are well on the inside - this will show on the outside!
TRAILBLAZER COMPETITIONS
All the above should be taken into account for the Showing Classes.
Showjumping: Trailblazer now includes 0.65m which is proving very popular for younger and inexperienced riders.
Dressage - Simple bits, no martingales or gadgets; no boots or bandages either. Riders should be in a smart jacket, cream or white jodphurs and white shirt with stock or tie.
WORKING HUNTER SHOWS
The Competition:
To compete in a Working Hunter class you must first tackle a set of rustic fences. Marks will be awarded for your horse or pony's style and manners whilst jumping. Penalties will be incurred if you stop or knock down a fence, making jumpinga clear round paramount to your performance.
If you complete the jumping phase, you will be then eligible to carry onto phase two - the flat stage. As well as going rund the ring as a group, comninations may be asked to perform a short individual show to demonstrate their paces and manners. After this phase has been completed your horse or pony will be judged on its conformation and type.
What to wear - rider:
The correct attire for working hunter classes is tweed jacket, beige coloured jodphurs or breeches, a riding hat with chin strap kitemarked to BS standards and long riding boots for those riding a horse over 14.2hh, short jodphur boots for those riding a pony.
A smart shirt with matching tie or stock completes the overall look, and gloves are also advised for completing the picture. Gloves are encouraged to be brown or black and it is also expected that your hair is tied back neatly in a hairnet, scrunchy or ribbon.
What to wear - horse or pony:
The correct tack when competing in a working hunter competition is a comfortable jumping saddle. A general purpose saddle normally does the trick as show jumping saddles sometimes have large knee rolls which will not show off your horses's shoulder well.
Any numnahs used must be discreet and of a neutral colour, usually black, brown or cream. A large saddle cloth is not acceptable. Martingales may be worn and most bits are acceptable in the ring. Jumping boots are allowed for the jumping phase but must be removed before the flat stage of the competition.
Turnout:
Turnout is just as important in working hunter competitions as it is in any other showing category to create a good impression. Plaits are required for all horses and ponies except Mountain and Moorlands which are shown in their natural state. It is important that your horse or pony looks in pristine condition with a glossy, shiny coat. Simple quarter marks and hoof oil complete the picture.
SHOWING GENERALLY:
As with the Working Hunter, your horse or pony should look in pristine condition.
Native horses and ponies must look natural with manes, tails and feathers intact.
The rider will wear the same attire as a Working Hunter class, however, In Hand dmonstrators should wear smart trouer or skirt and jacket with suitable foorwear and gloves.
What to avoid:
Glitter, bling and big gordy ribbons. Horse and rider should be correctly turned out for the job they are doing.
The fashion for short jackets. A well cut, clean second hand one is preferable to an unflattering skimpy number!
Make sure your horse or pony is not too fat! They cannot move properly! Their wind will eventually go and their soundness is threatened.
Ill fitting and incorrect tack!
Make-up on animals - if they are well on the inside - this will show on the outside!
TRAILBLAZER COMPETITIONS
All the above should be taken into account for the Showing Classes.
Showjumping: Trailblazer now includes 0.65m which is proving very popular for younger and inexperienced riders.
Dressage - Simple bits, no martingales or gadgets; no boots or bandages either. Riders should be in a smart jacket, cream or white jodphurs and white shirt with stock or tie.