in hand showing help needed asap!!

[devonlass]

Ok am planning to go to a show on sunday,is a local riding club open show so am assuming not to formal??

Am taking my clydesdale,there are no classes for her specifically but really just taking her for the experience.We have a big show the following week and as haven't taken her to a show before just want to see what she's like really.

Class will be best condition or turnout,both in hand classes.
What do both of these involve??
I was planning on not plaiting her mane as that is not traditional for her type,and bunning her tail with ribbons as is also traditional for her type,would this be ok??
What would be the correct tack?? I have a show halter but don't really want to use that as want it to look like new for the big show!!
Would her normal bridle be ok?? Would the bit on it be appropriate,she is in a full cheek?? IF I could get hold of one woula an in hand bridle be more suitable?? Unlikely I could get hold of one in a normal tack shop though as she takes an extra big size!!

What would be the correct clothing for the handler??
What does the handler need to do for these classes,as in is there any walking or trotting up involved??

All advice greatly appreciated:)

[titch_]

Both walk and trot as a group and in you induvidal for the judge.

Basically you all go in a walk around and the judge will ask someone to stop and a line will form.

You all take in it in turn to trot around the arena to the end of the line.

after this you will all walk around again.

The next bit can varry show to show but you will be told what to do.

In my experiacne everyone now lines up. The juge wilol call everyone forward one by one and you stand in frount of the judge to be "inpected". After this He/She will ask you to walk down in a straight line and the tort back up. after this you go back to you place.

Again this part can vairy slightly some show will just change the order of the line to award the rosettes other will ask you to walk around again and then they will point at you to line up in the correct order.

Then awarded rosettes and some shows have a lap of honour (all run trotting around the arena)

hope this helps x

[rtk]

You would normally turn out according to the type of horse so you sound fine.

You wouldn't normally use an in hand bridle, a normal one with the reins over the head is fine. Clean bridle well, polish the bit and poke the soap out of all the holes. I usually wipe over with URAD cream for a nice shine before we go in too.

For the turnout class make sure she is spotless, some judges run gloves over to see how dirty they get. Use hoof oil inside and outside hooves. A bit of show sheen is ok but dont use anything too greasy. Wash, condition and brush out mane and tail. Wash all the yukky bits like inside nostrils and under tail.

For you dark trousers if legs are white and vice versa. Boots you can run in but make sure they are spotless. Cream shirt and tie with tiepin. Hacking jacket and hat. If your using a riding hat try for blue velvet with leather harness and hair in a neat bun. Brown leather gloves and brown show cane. Get some thin elastic or plaiting thread for your number not the thick black or white stuff the shows give out.

Cant think of anything else, have a great time and take some pics :D

[devonlass]

Thanks peeps,is greatly appreciated:)

In regard to the handler appearance,will it matter if don't have the gloves and cane as it only a local show??
If it's my OH going in with her,would trousers,shirt and tie be ok??

I wouldn't oil her hooves on the outside as she has feather that completely covers them,but should I still oil the inside??

Sorry for more questions,but I just keep thinking of more and more things I don't know!!

[titch_]

i didn't hoof oil Candys inside and the judge didn't touch her atall. But again it can vary.

I had gloves on for one class and then forgot for the 2nd! and i got placed in both :)

i don't think the "dress code" is very strict for local level everyone at out show had different things on ill post a pic :)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s160/Sarah-j-x/Candys%201st%20show/S73F3620.jpg

[rtk]

I would do feet anyway, they dont have to touch them you can see as they walk around.

With regard to the handler in normal classes it wouldn't matter but in turnout it might. I would wear gloves (even if they aren't leather) and a jacket (even if its not a hacking jacket) and carry something (we have used a tatty old crop which had lost it handle and end when we forgot the cane) Definately wear a hat of some kind too, as you can see from the pic it doesn't have to be a riding hat.

Charity shops are great for outfits for in hand as they dont have to be horsey :D

[chickflick1066]

That's a fab photo Titch! :)