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SHOWING
Showing can be in hand
or under saddle. There is a huge range of classes
to cater for all breeds and types.
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Governing Body
First
Steps
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Your horse
will need to be registered with his breed society (for natives) or the
Society for whichever classe(s) you are aiming for e.g. CHAPS
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You will need
a vaccination certificate
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A measurement
certificate will also be required for certain classes so check the rules
when filling out your entry form
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In-hand
Showing
Even though you are not
actually riding the horse to be shown there are quite a few techniques
that you can develop in order to improve your chances of success - it's
not just a case of dragging your horse around the ring.
Preparation - For the
horse
Getting ready for a show is not
a five minute operation; many months of hard work is required so that your
horse is in tip top condition both physically and mentally.
Firstly he needs to be
taught his manners.
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He must be
able to stand still for quite some time "
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He must lead
well in walk and trot - not trailing behind you or dragging you off into
the great blue yonder. If you have any doubts about your ability
to keep hold, use a stronger bit with a coupling rather than just a lead
line attached to one side of the bit.
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Make sure he
is amenable to strangers handling him - you don't want the judge being
knocked out when he/she has a feel down hind legs!
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Some horses
can object to having to leave the line up and do their individual show;
this can seriously affect on the judge's opinion
so practice at home with the help of some
friends.
Physical Condition
Remember you are not
producing prize beef but "a good covering on the ribs" is interpreted by
people in different ways and there is a terrible trend at present to have show
horses just too fat; how some of the so-called show hunters would actually
manage a day's hunting is questionable (but that's our opinion). A horse
should have good muscle tone and be fit without being run up or too light for
his breed - a welsh cob for instance should have a "good barrel" - he's not a
thoroughbred - this is where knowing what the finer points of your breed and
class criteria is all about. For example; a judge looks
at (welsh) show cobs and (welsh) working cobs differently (the working cob
can be a little lighter as it is usually in ridden or driving classes); [NB: do
not confuse english cobs and welsh cobs].
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