Tack for ridden veteran class

[Dinsarsio]

I am thinking of taking my welsh cob to a local show and i am not sure what bit/bridle and saddle to use.Could i use a wintec saddle or is this a no no?I ride him in a kimblewick but could use a pelham with pelham roundings.What sort of bridle?Is any colour acceptable. would like to keep everything as simple as i can.Do i have to use a showing cane and wear gloves?

[Daffy Dilly]

Well firstly, veteran classes (assuming they're affiliated) are judged on 6 things;

the Walk, Trot and Canter (20 marks for each) and then Condition, Turnout and Manners (again 20 marks each). For inhand, just take the canter out. Unaffiliated classes are a bit of a law unto themselves, but it should be judged along similar lines, even if individual marks aren't awarded for everything.

They aren't quite so bothered about "correct" turnout, because its not the same as a bog standard showing class, but everything must be clean and smart or you'll be penalised. Also, conformation doesn't come into it, and shouldn't for unaff classes.

Ideally, most welsh Ds suit hunter bridles (the flat plain ones). You shouldn't really use a kimblewick, and you shouldn't use roundings either. It's not that difficult to use two reins on a pelham, just fit the curb nice and slack, and don't take up a contact on the curb rein. Alternatively, try a snaffle, a hanging cheek may have enough of an effect for you. My boy used to be in a kimblewick (not with me) and they put him in a hanging cheek for shows.

Saddle wise, a wintec would be ok. It's not the best out there, not because of it being synthetic, but because (unless it's a dressage/vsd) it's likely to hide and restrict the shoulders. Everything is judged mainly on freedom and quality of movement, so that restriction (assuming it's there) could get you marked down. Try it and see, although I would thoroughly recommend the Native Pony Saddle Co saddles, I don't recommend spending that amount of money for one class. If you decide you want to aim for Olympia, then it might be worth it. ;)

Two things you really must note - if the class is affiliated to the VHS, you absolutely must not extend the paces (that will get you eliminated) nor can you wear earrings. You shouldn't wear earrings on a welsh anyway, but again the VHS will eliminate you for it. You should wear gloves and it does look better to carry a cane, but a plain whip to match the tack would be ok. And put your hair in a bun in a hairnet! Lots of people got marked down for that on Saturday.

Enjoy :)