Individual Show

[MadWoman]

I have just had confirmation from the show centre that we are doing working hunter at on Saturday, that the showing phase will be an individual show rather than a ride judge.

I was thinking of a show along these lines - walk to judge, halt & salute. Trot figure of eight, canter figure of eight changing legs through trot in the centre straight into extended canter/gallop round the back (probably) of the other horses, dependent on how they are standing. Back to judge, halt & salute.

The alternative might be to do the canter first, via walk canter transitions which Penny does very well, or would this be considered too flashy?

I know shows should be kept short and simple, but is that too simple?

Thanks for your advice.

[Mehitabel]

too long, i'd say - this is the one i do. http://rehorses.com/individualshow.jpg

[MadWoman]

Very useful, Mehitabel, thank you for that. The last show I did was on Archie a long time ago, where I did the figures of eight and it was just about the shortest show - things have obviously got even more succinct since then. I will try riding yours through and see how it goes.

Thanks:)

[Mehitabel]

i've never done more than that unless asked to or it goes pear shaped! i have walsked off, gone three steps and had a lovely and unasked for transition to canter, in which case i have adaprted, done the gallop first, attempted to come back to trot for the first loop, extended along the middle, cantered again and tried to trot again along the back. if the lineup is big or the back of the ring is NBG for galloping, you can do an extra loop in trot so you gallop in front. but i wouldn't do 2 figs of 8 - some do a whole one in trot, or do their first canter as i do, then mirror it so they do 3 canters in total. generally shows get shorter the higher level you get to - classes are bigger, judges need less time to see what they are looking for, competitors need less time to show off their horse.

[MadWoman]

That is really helpful thanks. Not riding tonight but I will hve a good run through your plan tomorrow.

[Glider]

I usually do something similar to Mehitabel, sometimes engineering it so I don't trot straight down the front, but instead go straight into a trot loop, which finishes with you galloping along the front wall (useful if there's not much room behind the line up). You shouldn't do a salute before you start your show, just at the end.

Shorter is definately better, a trot on one rein, a canter on each and a gallop is all you need and all that's expected. You'll have to take account of where the jumps are in WH ring and change your show accordingly if necessary.

[xx.Elle.xx]

the on you posted would be too long, oh just seen Mehitabels post with the diagram, yeah basically that would be best.

good luck for saturday :)

[Laura+Phantom]

Good luck for your show! I've got my first WHP class on the 29th I think.

Mehitabel - just what I needed, I will be copying your individual show if that's alright! :D

[Cochise]

The judge usually sets us an individual show in NZ, and it's usually along the lines of what Mehitabel showed us. :)

Good luck for your show! Have a great time. :)

[Herbie's mummy]

Not too long in WH.
And do a gallop NOT at the back of the horses but up the long side...away from them.

[MadWoman]

Thanks for all your help and good wishes, I will let you know how we get on.