Showing In Hand Advice Needed PLEASE

[Georgie B]

Hello Everyone - Long time no threads !!:) :)

Anya is doing very well and is so happy where we are. She is starting her dressage movements and is a joy to be around.

The thing is, I am taking her to an in hand show on 15 July. We've both never done it before and I need all the tips/advice I can get really. I am having nightmares about the plaiting of the tail and am not sure what to wear. I'm getting quite excited and I don't really care if we don't win anything - I just hope I don't do anything wrong on the day or that Anya doesn't kick off and we're asked to leave :D :D - I would be grateful for your replies please. Thanks so much in advance.

[Maci]

Hey, July 15- your show, my birthday! Lucky day for us both!

Glad to hear Anya is liking her new place much better! I was wondering about her the other day!

I don't know that much about this particular showing, but I think that you would want to wear something more formal (pressed dress pants with a nice shirt and nice dress shoes...I don't know much about male fashion!). As for Anya, shiny hooves, shiny coat, trimmed and flowing tail, and neat mane/forelock.

Good Luck, And Try To Tame Those Nerves!
Maci :)

[Sharon H]

Hi, I keep my two in Kent, which show are you going to? What classes are you doing? I always have nightmares about what to wear for in-hand. I used to show my Shetlands and as I haven't got the figure for one of those floaty dresses that some women wear I used to agonise more over my turnout than that of the ponies! If you're showing in a riding horse class you could wear normal riding clothes, to be sensible you should wear a hard hat in case they go up, (Perish the thought, but it does happen) It also depends on the level that you're showing at. Some shows will stipulate that some form of headgear must be worn, some aren't so fussy. A smart pair of trousers with a waistcoat and shirt and tie always looks nice, make sure your shoes or boots are suitable for running in. You should wear gloves and carry a show cane. Practise walking and trotting her out on a loose rein, nothing looks worse than a horse being held in too tightly when being shown, also it affects their movement and means that they can't show themselves off as well. Also practise standing sqaure and still. Make sure she will move off willingly when you step out, it doesn't give a good impression to have to haul them out of line when they've gone to sleep. You can pick little bits of grass for them whilst you're waiting in line, that helps to keep them looking interested. They should not object to the judge running their hands over them, if yours doesn't like people doing that, it would be better to tell the judge in advance, rather than wait untill they've been kicked or bitten:) When you run her up for the judge, remember to to turn the horse away from you on the turn, don't pull her round with you on the inside.
I can't help with the plaiting, ,mne always come undone, that's why I show natives, not pulling, plaiting or anything, just wash and go! Depending on the level, might you get away with some hair gel and a tail bandage? Good luck, I'm sure you'll have a great day.

[Georgie B]

Maci, Happy Birthday for July 15th and thanks for your tips.

Sharon H, I'm going to the In-Hand Show at Rainham, Kent. Anya is an Anglo-Arab so we're entering Anglo Arab, Thoroughbred X, Riding Horse and Prettiest Mare. It's only a local show (nothing too serious, but they like the effort made). I am going to try and plait her mane and (attempt!) to plait her tail (I'm practising !!
:)). I have bought a jacket and tie and will wear a white shirt. I'll probably wear long boots with beige jods. I have some white gloves. I'm not sure whether to wear my riding hat or to buy a top hat (what do you think?). I didn't know I'll need a show cane so I'll get that as well. Anya will be in an in-hand bridle with leather lead rein. I'll get my husband to take some digital photos and I'll try and post them. Thanks for all your tips regarding Anya's movements and the tip re the grass I shall remember. :)

[Sharon H]

I'd stick to your riding hat if I were you, it should look fine. Good luck, look forward to seeing the photo's.

[elle]

sorry my post is late

hi, soz my post is late but i thought i would reply anyway because i have been showing in hand for 11 years sand i htought i might be able to give some advice.

Person----should wear beige jodphours or any colour trousers but not baggy ones as thes will look messy when trottin and could possible scare the horse. You should wear a showing shirt (i normally wear white) and a tie/cravatte/stock. . You can tehn wear a show jacket/waist coat or blazer over the top. you should wear either a riding hat or a smart hat. when showing i always wera jodphour boots, you shoukldnt wear long boots fro showing (unless dressage). Try and make sure that all you clothes match and are colour co-ordinated. You should always wera gloves and it may help to carry a showing cane (and not a dressage whip)

Horse- if native should be shown in natural state, sometimes trimming of feathers and whiskars is permitted. Otherwise the horse shoould be plaited, however if you plait the mane make sure the tail is plaited as well. Any horse upto 3 years old can be plaited however it is preferred not to be if native.

show- once ion front of judge, stane horse with all legs visible abd th ehind leg nearest the judge slightly behin the other. Yopu should hold the head i nthe position to make the horse look its best.

when trotting up try to take long, strides lifting yooue knees high as the horse will often mimmick the movement of you legs....it really does work.

i hope this has helped.

a good book with the basices for showing in hand in is Showing in hand by stuart hollings. Its only £4.95 . ISBN 0-85131-677-8

[Maci]

Maybe I missed it, but how did you do in your show with Anya? Will there be any more?

Maci :)

[Georgie B]

Anya did really well. She was so well behaved and we were very proud of her. I am still trying to post some pictures - on my list of things to do. She was placed Thoroughbred X 7th, Anglo Arab/Arab 9th, Riding Horse 5th and she won Prettiest Mare. It was an exhausting day, both physically and mentally. She was very glad to get home and so were we! :)

[Georgie B]

Anya did really well. She was so well behaved and we were very proud of her. I am still trying to post some pictures - on my list of things to do. She was placed Thoroughbred X 7th, Anglo Arab/Arab 9th, Riding Horse 5th and she won Prettiest Mare. It was an exhausting day, both physically and mentally. She was very glad to get home and so were we! :)

[Silvia]

Great! Congratulations :D

[Sarah]

Georgie,

That is fantasic news, congratulations! Doing that well in your first show is just fantastic, especially after all the worries you have had this year.

We demand photos now!

bye!

[elle]

thats brill for your first show:D

as for tiring i know what u mean....i get more tired :eek: showing in hand than i do when doing nething else becasue you have to make sure the horse stays really clean:rolleyes:

[Maci]

Aww, she won Prettiest Mare? That's so cute! Congrats on working up the courage to bring her! Sounded like a busy day!

Maci :)