WHP classes - turnout?

[Soupdragon]

My ultimate aim is to enter a low level local WHP class one of these days. Have read other threads and wonder if I'll ever do it as haven't tried jumping my pony yet and struggling to get him to canter ever! (Very unresponsive to the leg!)

Anyway, assuming I get there one of these days, what's the correct turnout for pony and me? Pony is 14.2 unregistered connemara and I'm (well over!) 18!!

Is it okay for pony to wear a breastplate? And should it be brown or black tack? Does he have to be plaited? I have brown or black numnahs.

What would I need? Hacking type tweed jacket? Shirt and tie or stock? Hairnet?? :eek: I am a strictly can't-do-anything-with-my-hair-type! And what colour hat? I've heard it should be navy and I do need to invest in a new hat at some point - I like the Champion Ventair ones with the silver stripe - are they acceptable in WHP classes, or should it be a plain velvet covered one? I've got long black boots, are they okay?

And finally, is it ok to wear spurs as thinking of trying these? (Previous owner wore them when competing him ...)

[Glider]

My ultimate aim is to enter a low level local WHP class one of these days. Have read other threads and wonder if I'll ever do it as haven't tried jumping my pony yet and struggling to get him to canter ever! (Very unresponsive to the leg!)

Anyway, assuming I get there one of these days, what's the correct turnout for pony and me? Pony is 14.2 unregistered connemara and I'm (well over!) 18!!

Is it okay for pony to wear a breastplate? And should it be brown or black tack? Does he have to be plaited? I have brown or black numnahs.

What would I need? Hacking type tweed jacket? Shirt and tie or stock? Hairnet?? :eek: I am a strictly can't-do-anything-with-my-hair-type! And what colour hat? I've heard it should be navy and I do need to invest in a new hat at some point - I like the Champion Ventair ones with the silver stripe - are they acceptable in WHP classes, or should it be a plain velvet covered one? I've got long black boots, are they okay?

And finally, is it ok to wear spurs as thinking of trying these? (Previous owner wore them when competing him ...)


There's nothing like thinking ahead!!

I'm going to answer you're questions in order...

The pony is fine in a breastplate, but if he doesn't need it, it's better not to wear one. Traditionally tack should be brown for showing, but it really doesn't matter. It's more important to have good quality leather tack with a saddle that doesn't obscure his shoulder and a hunter style bridle (for hunters!).

Most WHP classes you'll do won't be specifically for mountain and moorland ponies (ones for unregistered m&ms are few and far between), so he should be plaited. The numnah should be shaped to the saddle and be the same colour as the horse or the saddle.

You'd need a hacking jacket, shirt and tie (coloured, like green, blue, burgandy etc with a pattern). You're hair should be in a bun if you're not a child, if it's long or tricky, put it in a low pony-tail, plait it, band at the bottom, then twist it round into a bun shape, hairnet, pin and spray it. Navy hat's are correct, but it's less strict for working hunters. A 'sellotape hat' like you describe is the least suitable for showing I'm afraid. Long black boots are fine.

Spurs are usually fine at unaffiliated level, although some judges don't like to see them on ponies. Why don't you try jumping without spurs? Just because the old owner used them, doesn't mean you'll need them.

Bear in mind that most tack/bits are acceptable for working hunters, but the judge will take account of their effectiveness (eg if you're struggling to stop him in a gag with a grackle at a show, how would you stop him out hunting!)

[Soupdragon]

Bear in mind that most tack/bits are acceptable for working hunters, but the judge will take account of their effectiveness (eg if you're struggling to stop him in a gag with a grackle at a show, how would you stop him out hunting!)


Thanks for reply Glider

He's in a snaffle - stopping him isn't a problem, it's getting him going!(Thinking about the bit where I think you're supposed to demonstrate gallop ... !)

Don't think he really needs a breastplate and am aiming to get rid of it - it's really to attach a running martingale to and so I have a neckstrap/security blanket to grab (last pony bucked, reared and bolted with me so I am getting my confidence back at the moment). Want to get rid of the martingale too - he used to toss his head about a lot and it was to see if it stopped him doing that.

I don't really like gadgets and would prefer to ride him au naturel!

[Mehitabel]

check the age limits - affiliated WHP classes have limits on age for height of pony. if it's only local you should be OK, but do be sure to check.

http://rehorses.com/hunters.html - tack and turnout there. the sellotape hats are not Ok for serious showing, but at local level just be as smart as you can; if you haven't got a velvet one then don't buy one just for this.

[Daffy Dilly]

Don't worry too much about the canter to start with. I did my first jumps on Daffy, trotting around a sj course, and our first (and only) two wh courses were done at trot, with the odd canter on approach. I prefer to get consistant clear rounds and then start caring about style over the fences, but it's not the best approach if you want to win. :p

[Iron Maiden]

Just make sure you enjoy it Soupdragon! WH classes are great because you get a round of sj and a showing class, all for one entry fee - result! I've only done local level stuff & have found the judging to be pretty baffling on occasion. My old cob decided he didn't want to gallop in a WH once & when I got after him, he did a huge buck & nearly decked me! The judge said 'well sat' & placed us 2nd, personally I'd have placed us last. Another time he went clear around the jumps & did a decent show but we ended up down the line because I was wearing a black jacket. I'd won an open WH a few shows back wearing the same jacket. I'm grateful you put this thread up though, it's been really helpful because I want to do some Workers with P this summer & I've never been all that hot with showing etiquette.