Which Showing Class?

[Stella2]

Is there a showing class suitable for a big hunter type that doesn't involve jumping (I don't) or the judge riding (I'd rather she wasn't ridden by some random person even if I am suposed to respect them)? I'm just thinking of having a little play next spring/summer - just a nice day out. It wouldn't need it to be serious or a big deal as dressage is really my interest.

[Nik-n-Kia]

I enter hunter classes that have jumps or no jumps and most of the shows I go to the judges dont ride the horses.

I know I am in scotland but surely not all english shows have the judge riding??

I have only been to one show up here that the judge rode and Kia promptly deposited her after she booted him in the ribs lol :D

Working hunter tends to be jumps where as hunter just tneds to be the type IMO

Nikki xxxx

[chickflick1066]

Is Ridden Hunter a class where the judge rides? I'm not sure on that one Stella2, but could be a potential.

How about:

> Riding Club Horse
> Prettiest Mare
> Best Rider

[Glider]

Riding Club horse often involves a small jump, but look out for ones that don't, or flat equitation classes.

Ridden Hunter classes at local level can either involve doing an individual show (more common at smaller shows) or the judge riding. If the schedule doesn't say, ring up the organisers and ask whether the judge is riding before you enter :)

[Jobi-Wan Kenobi]

most local club shows have enough trouble trying to get judges full stop let alone two judges for one class, so you'll find very few riding judges at that level.

ridden hunter has no jumping. working hunter does.
rc horse does normally have a jump or two.
equitation classes don't have jumps and is more about your riding than the horse.
prettiest mare is usually in-hand.
turnout classes can be in hand or ridden and are a good class to test the water with.

the main thing to remember is that a different day brings a different judge (hopefully!!) and you may do better with one than another. don't put too much pressure on you or your horse and ENJOY IT!!!

[Stella2]

Sounds like Working hunter at local level may be one to do then. also Equitation classes (which I have never heard of!) if they are looking for riding skills in a similar way to that expected in dressage?

Prettiest mare - Mmmm ....! She is gorgeous, but a proper traditional big hunter type - I don't think we would take home any kind of rosette in that class.

A turn out class wouldn't really be my thing as I can't be faffy enough (no offence to anyone, I'm not fussy enough).

It would only be for fun on a nice day. I don't do pressure and I always go home with the best horse there :D

[Jobi-Wan Kenobi]

that's the best way to look at it, everyone owns the best horse in the world!!
I have natives and love to do t/o with them but give me something to plait and although I can palit and enjoy plaiting I'm too anal to leave the odd stray that the judge would probably miss so am over faffy!! :-)

WH will have jumps even at local level but they'll have a novice class if you do want to give jumping a try. It's about fluidity rather than height or speed like SJ is. And also accounts for only a percentage of the marks so less impact if you do have any faults. Ridden hunter would suit you better maybe where there is no jumping? :-)

equitation is probably a bit like a freeform dressage test, walk trot canter and individual show, but show riding is slightly different from dressage riding in style but effectively the same principle.

see if you can get to a winter show and have a look at what others do and then you'll know what you need to practice to be able to wow everyone when you go out in the spring! :-)

[Stella2]

Thanks Jo, can you say a bit about how show riding and dressage riding are different?

[Jobi-Wan Kenobi]

I'm no expert as I only show in-hand but having been on a show committee previously I hav seen a fair few ridden classes!

The horses are ridden more forward, in working paces rather than the more sedate paces of dressage. The seat is often more hunter style (forward leg, defensive seat) and the hands higher to seemingly carry the horse. I'm not saying this is how everyone rides or how it should be done, just that it is a general observation.

[Stella2]

I'm no expert as I only show in-hand but having been on a show committee previously I hav seen a fair few ridden classes!

The horses are ridden more forward, in working paces rather than the more sedate paces of dressage. The seat is often more hunter style (forward leg, defensive seat) and the hands higher to seemingly carry the horse. I'm not saying this is how everyone rides or how it should be done, just that it is a general observation.:eek: Do you think a judge would mark someone down for riding in a more classical position?

[Jobi-Wan Kenobi]

I wouldn't have thought so, certainly not at local level, especially if the horse is moving well and in a nice outline :-)

[lollipopgirl]

hi stella

if you're only looking at it as a bit of fun and going to small, stick and rope type shows, i can pretty much guarantee that the judge will not ride your horse in a ridden hunter class! don't do working hunter, because you originally said you did not want to jump, and there will definatley be jumping required in a working hunter class! a ridden hunter will just require a group go round, pull in, and an individual show.

you could always try novelty classes such as best rider, prettiest mare, etc, which are all only for a bit of fun, if that's what you're really out for!

and btw - judges who ride at decent shows aren't just "some random person". they are usually an individual with a wealth of experience in the type that they are judging, more often than not they also compete and produce that type themselves, and have been doing so normally for years. so don't worry, they won't mess your horse up. tbh, the idea of the judge riding in a show is that the horse is well schooled and well mannered enough to go well for anybody, with little input from the rider - it is not the judges job to school your horse, and they will not interfere with her unless, obviously, they are in a dangerous position - if this isn't your horse, then obviously a showing route isn't one you should be looking to take yet.

have fun and good luck with your showing.

and ps - i don't think you'd get marked down in an equitation class for having a more classical seat, but obviously it does depend on whoever they've got in to judge you!

[Stella2]

Thank you Lollipopgirl. Flora is nicely schooled and mannered :) It will only be the ocassional show for us, but it might be a nice summer day out :)