Winning At Showing

[Fran_C]

I went showing today, only in hand, but it was an eye opener, I realized I had a pony with an awful lot of potential, so if anyone has any ideas on turnout/schooling/preperation of the Show hunter Pony or Riding Pony, please share it with me! I would really like to progress to a higher level under saddle!

I would really appreciate any suggestions!

[fionahogg]

Hi Fran. Well the first thing to remember is to have fun! Winning isn't everything, especially when showing, because everything is so subjective.
For riding pony then I think that you're individual show has to be as good as you can get it so practice this. Make sure you show walk, trot, and canter on both reins and when you're riding around the ring as a ride before you all do your individual thing, look for a place where you can ride that will give you plenty of space to do whatever you want to do. Don't go to near the lined up horses when you do your show in case any of them get annoyed at you getting too close - and also don't run the judge over - I used to have a habit of doing that! If your pony will then a rein back at the end of your show is good but only if your pony will do a good one. Make sure that on the day your turnout is perfect. Also practice riding with other ponies so when you have to walk, trot and canter as a ride then your pony won't get upset about this. Make sure you can control him behind other ponies and if you're too fast/slow for everyone else then don't just keep going but circle inwards so you're not getting in everyone's way.
In show hunter pony I think you have to run up in hand so make sure your pony will happily do this. Also if you do have to do this make sure you have a helper to come into the ring and just give him a quick flick with a body brush etc. Again make sure you're individual show is good as this is what'll impress the judges and you may have to show a gallop I'm not sure but if you do make sure he will show good lengthening and you can stay in control. The key to a good gallop is to get the horse to lengthen right out. Stay in the saddle and don't ride it like a cross-country gallop. Gallop along a straight edge and avoid any jumps there may be in the ring.

Can't really think of a lot more right now but remember to have fun!

Fiona.

[ally]

HI THERE,

It all depends on whether you want to show affiliated in the riding/hunter pony classes or at local level.
If its at affiliated level there are age limits for the riders as well as height limits for the ponies.
The ponies being shown at affiliated level will need height certificates which are issued by the Joint Measurement Board,
more info can be obtained by the British show Pony Society.
Show ponies are usually like minature show hacks , ie impeccable manners and a straight floating action , whereas the hunter pony is a little bit more robust and workman like.
What i suggest is , you go along to an affiliated show to watch, and see the difference, as it is very very unusual for one pony to be able to do both classes.
The ridden show should be short + simple and foot perfect, showing a good walk . balanced trot and canter and extension , all of which should be forward going , free and un restricted, but not rushed, all of which are rythmical . ie " on the bridle".
In both classes you will be expected to strip the pony and show its conformation and type professionally, including walking away from the judge and trotting back freely towards him/her.
Good ring craft , as the previous poster commented is a must !!
The same applies for local level , but age limits and height limits are not as strictly adhered too !!.
I hope all this helps
and I wish you luck in your new venture, and remember as I was told when I first started out showing , Your rosettes are won at home you go to the show to collect them. Have fun and enjoy.