help! my first draft show.

[nfld_pony]

I don’t know anything about driving drafts in a show! What are the rules?

The only class that I think I am doing is Gentlemen to Drive. Are you allowed to pass? Can you circle or cut the arena? I don’t know how big the arena is, and I don’t know how many entries there are, so, I don’t know if I’ll need to do these, but are you allowed to?

What is being judged in this class? Tips? Hints? Pointers? should I drive one or two handed? I feel best with just the one, but if I’m the only person doing it, will I be marked down?

HELP!

[Cielo_Azure]

1. What kind of draft do you have? Is he/she registered. There is usually a mare cart class and a gelding cart class (sometimes split by gender). Some draft horse shows will have a pleasure driving class (sound like yours doesn’t).

You should not pass and you should not circle. Basically, strategise about how to put room between you and the horse ahead of you before the class starts (stop at the rail, with space between you is one such way). Also, kind of hold your horse a little slower at the walk, so that when you trot, you have more room to show off your stuff. Stay on the rail, that way you can put distance between you and the horse in front. You don’t want to bunch up in a little group.

If a horse in front of you is acting out, then pass but try to do so when the judge’s eye is not on you. It is considered bad mannered to pass for any reason other than driver error on the part of the horse in front of you.

You will reverse at the diagonal. Just follow the ring master’s advice (if he picks you first) or just follow the horse in front of you. Remember, at the other end of the reverse to watch for oncoming horses and stay on your side of the passing, if it is a big class.

There are quite a few videos on how to mane roll and do a tail bun. You can make you own stuff on the cheap or buy it (ebay, horse flowers, draft super store .coms).

If you don’t have scotch housing and bottoms, and are not totally fitted out perfectly, don’t worry! As long as you can drive, you won’t place at the back (but without all the fineries, you probably won’t place first). Of course, it always depends on the judge. By showing up , and letting people know you are interested in pleasure classes, next year they might add one!

These shows are great fun and a great way to practice your driving skills and get your horse out there. Also a great way to meet other drivers.

For a man, you want to go business casual. A tie, button up shirt, etc.

Yes, you can go in alone. You do not need a groom (header is what draft horse people call them). Most people drive two handed but you won’t get knocked down for driving one handed. Most importantly in reinsmanship is that you want quiet hands. But remember, this is a flashy class and that horses will have a lot of action. So, get as big a trot out of your horse as you can. Also, if you plod along, you are going to drive the person behind you bonkers!

Here are some ideas on grooming drafts for show and specifically Percherons that I wrote up a while ago:
http://cieloazure.blogspot.com/2010/04/grooming-percherons-for-show.html

My husband showing one of our mares last year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9PrhT66J2Q

[JoanR]

I drive Clydesdales

Getting ready for the Draft Horse Classic and the LA County Fair right now, and I have shown a few years, so I know a little bit. Gentlemen’s cart is typically a hitch class. They expect you to have the horse braided and use show harness. There should be some official rules for the show, and you should read them. They will let you know if braiding and show harness, etc. is required (or expected). Sometimes they will also say if you can pass or not. The rule for our group is you do NOT pass in draft shows and we actually have a difficult time when we show in open driving shows where we need to pass! It is a real pain when you get behind someone who is either going way too slow or has a hose that is misbehaving but you can use that to your advantage–show that you are a good enough driver to look good no matter what! My strategy is to always pick who I am behind, but I know the other competitors and you may not. If possible, I try to get into the arena first, but you need to be very bold to pull that off sometimes. Go into the arena at a STRONG trot. Usually I like to have a header for a hitch class, but that is because so many of the other people seem to have their horses on the edge of out-of-control. Don’t get too close to the others when you go into the line-up. When the ring steward directs you to go into the line up, keep up the strong trot (but don’t run the ring steward over…I think you lose ponits on that one. Let us know more about your horse and your experience, and I will try to help as much as I can. I understand the draft showing pretty well. Lately, however, I have been showing in combined driving, dressdage and open shows, which is a real blast. Oh, and when you go in the arena–SMILE!! Look like you are enjoying yourself. The first class I ever won, the judge came up to me in the line-up and commented “well, you’re just not having any fun at all are you?” because I basically chuckled through the whole class because I was having such a blast. I recently came to a startling revelation at a show where the judge was obviously not even paying attention to the people working so hard to drive well in the competition. If I feel I drove well and I feel my horse(s) drove well, I am happy. Ribbpns and prize money are no longer my goal. And I am not only enjoying myself more…I am actually driving better.

[nfld_pony]

thanks, this helps a lot.

my background is in combined driving/reinsmanships. things like that.

we’re not using our leather and brass scotch tops, too much cleaning between now and the show. They aren’t convertible for singles anyway. the horses are my bosses. they are all carriage horses from a the carriage company that i work for. they aren’t too used to ‘action’ just being slow and pokey along the streets. we’ll see how this goes. i don’t know which horse i am showing yet, either a blavk clyde mare or a dapple grey percheron gelding. i don’t know about papers.

we will be braiding. i wasn’t able to find any good videos on youtube about how to do them. the two i found were back horses in the dark, and the lady with the belgians that i found was really sloppy. my boss knows how to do them, and i think i do too, but i would still like to see it being done.

I think that I am going to use my work uniform. it’s a white dress shirt, black tie, blue double breasted vest, black jacket, brown gloves and top hat.

this is about the only photo that i can find of me in it.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs499.ash1/27262_399576991816_628046816_4487971_367052_n.jpg

drafts are all new to me. it’s been ponies, morgans and friesians until now!

[JoanR]

If you go for impulsion and get the horse moving from the hind end, you MAY get some action. In the hitch world, most judges look for horses to be “up-headed” and most people use check bits to achieve that. Unfortunately, many hitches have resorted to cranking the horses heads up in the air and they end up blowing like beached whales. Very unattractive, I think, and obviously not good for horses. I like your uniform, it is very classy! Do you have any photos of the horses? And the harness you plan to use? Of course, I would go for the Clyde, but Percherons are nice and usually do well in the show world. Some of the shows I do actually have a pleasure class along with the hitch classes, although at one of them you can’t drive both styles. Makes me mad, as one of my pair is a very nice pleasure horse (although he steps it up a lot in hitch pairs).

As far as the combined driving, some of my friends and I have been entering HDTs with our drafts and it has been great fun. They let us use the small pony time (11kph) for marathon. The dressage is great (especially getting to show that yes, drafts CAN and do bend…if they are trained properly) and they actually seem to enjoy the cones and marathons. Of course, we make sure they are REALLY fit. Maybe that can be your next draft adventure!

[Thomas_1]

What precisely is this class for? What do the entry requirements specify?

What does it say about horse and carriage/cart requirements for entry?

[Trakehner]

Here’s the American Driving Society rulebook website: http://www.americandrivingsociety.org/ADS_Rulebook.asp

You’re stuck with the rules for the show anyway, it should tell you what’s required.

Typically, mares manes don’t have to be braided, tails are braided.

Most shows don’t want scotch collars, they look ridiculous anyway, very “the circus is in town” and it limits competition to the “circus-wagon” draft competitors. Kind’ve like Scotch bottom shoes…not too far from the “big lick” stupidity in Tenn Walker showing…non-functional abominations preventing horses from moving correctly in both cases.

Cleanliness & appropriate turnout for the breed of horse and responsiveness to whip/rider always seems the be the best things to aim for in any driving show.

If it’s a rated show, just read the ADS manual…it’s pretty clear.

[SmokenMirrors]

[QUOTE=Trakehner;5066521]
Here’s the American Driving Society rulebook website: http://www.americandrivingsociety.org/ADS_Rulebook.asp

You’re stuck with the rules for the show anyway, it should tell you what’s required.

Typically, mares manes don’t have to be braided, tails are braided.

Most shows don’t want scotch collars, they look ridiculous anyway, very “the circus is in town” and it limits competition to the “circus-wagon” draft competitors. Kind’ve like Scotch bottom shoes…not too far from the “big lick” stupidity in Tenn Walker showing…non-functional abominations preventing horses from moving correctly in both cases.

Cleanliness & appropriate turnout for the breed of horse and responsiveness to whip/rider always seems the be the best things to aim for in any driving show.

If it’s a rated show, just read the ADS manual…it’s pretty clear.[/QUOTE]

Now now Trakehner, you know that having drafts that look like Hackneys on crack is the way to win big in the big draft shows and people will do what they have to for a name and a blue ribbon! Come on now!

Good luck nfld_pony, please let us know how you do. I am sure that you have the experience to do well! Both drafts you mentioned sound lovely!

[Cielo_Azure]

The draft horse shows in this country, pretty much have the same cart and hitch classes at all the shows and have for 100 years. You don’t get a description, just a class list - you are supposed to know (kind of sucks but we have newbies show up and do ok all the time). These shows are hugely popular in this country. But, because of comments like Trakehner’s, draft horse people don’t post on open forums.

“Gentlemen to Drive” is the name of a specific class. Whether you show in LA or Ontario, it will be the same class. The class lists from show to show are just about exactly the same (with the exception of the riding and pleasure driving classes -and yes, we have exhibited all over the country).

But back to “gentlemen to drive.” It means men driving mares and geldings. It is a class that is very fast paced and you will be competing against the geldings (which, if you have a mare can put one at a disadvantage -as they tend to be a little smaller than the geldings). Think NASCAR kind of brio, only it isn’t a race… but it is macho.

If we have a choice of only one class and we have a mare, we will chose the mare class. It is easier to do well in, if you have mares and it isn’t quite so…intense.

As the class is “gentlemen to drive” and you are showing drafts and your wrote “draft horse show” in your title, I think I rightly assumed this is a draft show. If not, please correct me.

Please disregard Trakehner’s post, if this is a draft horse show, he doesn’t have a clue about draft horse shows and what is acceptable turnout or what the rules are.

If you follow ADS rules, you will not be correct (but I think you already know that). If you chose not to put on a scotch housing, that will count against you (same with scotch bottomed shoes). Doesn’t mean you won’t place, but you won’t get first. This is particularly true about the type of harness, which includes a scotch housing.

Mare manes are ALWAYS braided in cart class (but not in halter classes).

Here is a picture from 1905.
http://www.cieloazure.com/1900.html
Today, you would want the manes rolled with stand-ups (which was done even back then) and black on the hooves, otherwise…it is about right. I know this isn’t a cart but the way the horses look is the same as today. I think that is pretty amazing and what I LOVE about draft horse shows. This is about tradition and these classes are traditional. The rules are known but it is expected that you will attend and learn. But people are really helpful at these shows, call the show chair and ask if you have any questions. Many people who show drafts have families that have been doing it for 100+ years. It is all about tradition and if some people think that the traditions in this country of how to show drafts -remind them of a circus act, well it is probably best if they don’t advise you on how to prepare for such a show.

You are in Ontario, right (or am I wrong on that)? If so, is this the CARP show? The Royal in Nov is a great show and an amazing show experience. They should have a draft pleasure class, THAT would be a lot of fun!

B.T.W. Your uniform is perfect!

[Thomas_1]

Cielo,

Thanks for your explanation. Over here it’s also often the case that you’re supposed to know how you’ve to turn up.

However it doesn’t happen that you roll up all wrong and win… at least not anywhere other than some piddling little local show.

I was genuinely interested though in what you have to do, wear and have for this particular class.

Obviously being in the UK I’ve not a clue but I do know what is required in agricultural or heavy horse classes over here.

It would be extremely interesting to compare and contrast.

Well it would for me anyway though we could get accused of going off topic by some who occasionally wonder by the Driving threads

Over here Scotch Bottoms aren’t permitted.

Indeed they’d be the subject of animal welfare legislation.

[Quelah]

Just a note that Joan can correct me on if I’m wrong, but the feet on Clydes are not blacked, only on Perchies and Belgians.

Thomas, re scotch bottoms, when I attended Peterborough in 07 and spent two weeks touring farms through England and up into Scotland, this was of interest to me. Scotch bottoms were invented over there, and they are still very much used though the emphasis over there is on the hind feet, rather than the fronts, and it is seen more on the Clydes than the Shires. I believe it is called “couping” over there, and while the Scottish Parliment has looked at it, and talked about outlawing it, that hasn’t happened yet.

You have the advantage over there of only licensed farriers being allowed to shoe horses, that’s a much longer program there than here in the U.S. I count myself fortunate that the farriers I’ve had since I’ve had drafts have spent considerable time in the UK working with some of your best.

I spent a good bit of time at the shoeing competition at Peterborough talking to the farriers. I was surprised to see lateral caulks and a fair bit of bevel (a true Scotch bottom as opposed to the extremes you see here). The judge at the comp. explained to me that lateral caulks are allowed if the height of the caulk is no greater than the thickness of the steel. The extremes on the front feet are not seen there, but the hind feet on the Clydes can get “out there”.

Just my observations.

[Cielo_Azure]

@Quelah;5067277

Just a note that Joan can correct me on if I’m wrong, but the feet on Clydes are not blacked, only on Perchies and Belgians.

You are absolutely correct, I am just used to writing and thinking about Percherons.

[JoanR]

Forget about ADS rules for draft shows!

unfortunatley, the “rules” for draft shows are not as set in stone as the approved ADS “light horse” competions, but at least we don’t have to wear that STUPID driving aprons. As you can see, many people have their own set ideas about hitch competition. Personally, I do not go for the extremes in shoeing or head carriage (checking way too high as some do). Sometimes the judges pick those “other” people, but such is life. That s,id, some of the draft show judges also judge light horse competion and they look for things that have not been “required” in draft competition in years past–like wearing gloves. Last draft show I did, I neglected to put on my gloves, I KNEW the particular judge thought everyone shold wear gloves (and brown ones) and I ended up placing lower than I would have if I had the gloves on. In the past, I actually won a cart class without gloves (out of 18 entries). People who show drafts a lot know the judges and prepare in advance to try to show in the way that judge likes. It doesn’t sound like that is an option in this case. Horses are braided and scotch collars are the preferred harness for the gentlemen-to-drive type class. Some judges want you in scotch collars even in a pleasure class! If you choose the Clydesdale, do NOT blacken the feet. The feather must be clean and fluffy. We scrub and scrub and then use a product called dusting powder (it is finely ground wood shavings) and fluff that in the feather to dry them out and make them puffy. In Clydes, the more feather, the better. Percherons get the black feet. In any case, just get in the ring and drive, and it sounds like you already know how to do that part. If you have an opportunity, watch a few classes prior to the one you are entered in. The more I write on this subject, the more I understand why some of my friends and I are getting tired of the “roundy-round” shows and more interested in combined driving and driven dressage!

[JoanR]

Here’s a link to photos from Draft Fest, which was the most recent draft show I drove in: http://www.camerahorse.com/draftfest

It will give you an idea of the turn out of the individual competitors in the different classes. In the galleries, they are grouped by class. My entries are in Ladies Hitch, Ladies Pleasure and the hitch pairs. By the way, the adorable being in the “Rickey Idol” gallery is my future driving horse, who was too young during the show to do a halter class.

[nfld_pony]

Gee, I’m learning lots here!

I am hoping that I am able to drive Ralph, the gelding.

This is Ralph
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v291/129/69/726730574/n726730574_1469276_84.jpg

This is Moon
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v291/129/69/726730574/n726730574_1469261_5737.jpg

I’m actually located in British Columbia.

What do we do with non docked tails? Do you separate it and do a bun on the top part?

The show is the Heavy Horse part of the fall fair. It’s not the world congress or anything. I’m going to do my best with what we have. I doubt we’ll place, but it’s more just to get the horses out for the public to see.

This is our Dog Cart. It’s going to be shown by another person from my company. It’s also for sale, if anyone’s interested.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v192/198/39/716320864/n716320864_1096341_5714.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v192/198/39/716320864/n716320864_1096342_5955.jpg

I think this is the cart that I am showing in. Again, I know it’s not perfect, but you should see the car-seats-welded-to-axles-with-car-tires vehicles that will be entering the ring.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v254/198/39/716320864/n716320864_1290129_7966.jpg

This is the only photo of the pairs harness that I can find. It’s big and thick, lots of spots and shines up nicely. No scotch tops, or bottoms here. Our horses all have remuda shoes, and I can’t see changing them just for the show.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v254/198/39/716320864/n716320864_1290135_4321.jpg

This is the only hitch that I know I am up against.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v316/212/107/512411213/n512411213_1376597_3949.jpg

can i use/carry a whip?

I am hoping that the guy that is using the dog cart will actually show in the amateur class not the men’s cart so i am able to switch up and use the dog cart. it’s clearly a lot nicer than the one that i’m using.

[Cielo_Azure]

The gelding looks great, the cart looks great! Honestly, you are going to have a great time.

Hey, the small shows are a blast! I love them and they are there for people to get out and have a great time and show off their horses. At our local show, we have people come with all sorts of carts and you know what? They do ok. Especially in the smaller shows, judges are more likely to judge on skill than on fanciest harness or horse (and that gelding looked great).

Don’t chicken out! and yes, you will get lots of good exposure. I have had people come to me to buy a horse or get some training just because they saw us at the fair…be sure to have lots of business cards and brochures available!

Please, report back about how it went!

[JoanR]

Gorgeous horses!

Although I am a Clyde person, I think you may want to go with the Percheron. The feather-preparation process for Clydes is a major hassle! And that Percheron is stunning. I love the dark greys, before they start to turn more to white. The cart loooiks fine. I suggest using red in your decorations (Mane roll and flowers). The tail issue is a tricky one. We used a full-tailed Clyde once and they shaved his tail at the bottom and made a bun out of the top. I think it was really hideous, and would not recomment it! Perhaps you can just do a little french braid at the top of the tail? And yes, carry a whip. Whether you use it or not depends on if you need it or not. Many judges will really look at how well you use your whip. Your combined driving experience (especially the dressage) will come in handy, I think, for effective use of the whip. Many draft judges do not seem to notice if a horse is bent properly or counter-flexed, but try to keep your horse bent properly (dressage training again!) and there is a chance the judge will notice and it will be to your benefit, as many of the people who only drive in draft shows have little or no skill in proper bend. Make sure you look like you are enjoying yourself, most judges like that. They will most likely ask you to back a few steps in the line-up once the judge has had a chance to look over your harnessm etc. No matter what harness you use, make sure it look neat and tidy…all the straps in the keepers, etc. They usually want you to back up three steps and then pull back up. Another thing to prepare for (if there are enough entries) is a drive-off. The first time this caught me totally by surprise, my horse thought for sure he was done until he got his ribbon and he may have been asleep. Make sure you know your number, and if they call you for a drive off, don’t make the mistake I did and wake the horse up TOO much resulting in a canter to the rail. In the draft driving world, cantering is BAD and will lose you placings. Of cours in the real world, cantering is a ton of fun with drafts, but I have promised the trainer I will stop cantering the trails with the Clydes until the two big draft shows are over.

[Renae]

I just got home from the Minnesota State Fair, which has a pretty big hitch show while we are there with the saddle horses. Here is the photographer’s website with proofs, some of the cart classes had to be held with 3 cuts, so lots to look at:
http://www.washburnimages.com/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=4550
Hitch classes are on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, here is the Men’s Cart class in particular http://www.washburnimages.com/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=4550

[Cielo_Azure]

With Percherons

The easy thing to do with a full tail, is to put a tail bun in the top part but leave the rest natural. That is what I do when I don’t have much time.

But the best thing is to put a bun in the top and then either french braid or hunter braid down the rest of the tail (with a loose string down the center and then, once the tail bone is ended keep braiding down. Then tie the string to the end of the braid and pull it up through the center and wrap the remaining braid around your tail bun. This is a very neat effect.

If that sounds deadly hard. French braid the rest of the tail and then bring it up along your braid and tie it up along the braid with little bows or matching string.

I have examples of both stryles on that blog
See the photos at the very bottom of the page:
http://cieloazure.blogspot.com/2010/04/grooming-percherons-for-show.html

[Quelah]

[QUOTE=JoanR;5067596]
In the past, I actually won a cart class without gloves (out of 18 entries). [/QUOTE]

Belated congrats! That’s a huge class, Grass Valley?